This article provides a comprehensive guide on protecting yourself from common winter viruses like the flu, colds, COVID-19, and norovirus. It covers symptoms, prevention strategies, and treatment options.
While many germs that cause common illnesses circulate year-round, scientists believe winter sees a surge in flu and cold activity because we spend more time indoors, and the cold, dry air may weaken our defenses. Understanding these germs and how they spread can help us protect ourselves. Some symptoms can be difficult to distinguish, especially with respiratory viruses. Others are more obvious.
- Norovirus is a foodborne illness that spreads through contaminated water and surfaces, causing vomiting, diarrhea, nausea, and stomach pain for one to three days.- The common cold, caused by various viruses, leads to a runny nose, congestion, cough, sneezing, sore throat, headaches, body aches, or low fever for less than a week.- Influenza, caused by constantly changing influenza viruses, brings fever, chills, cough, sore throat, runny nose, body aches, headaches, and fatigue. Flu symptoms appear more quickly than cold symptoms and can last for a few days to two weeks.- COVID-19 can cause fever, chills, cough, shortness of breath, sore throat, congestion, loss of smell or taste, fatigue, aches, headache, nausea, or vomiting for several days.- Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) causes a runny nose, congestion, cough, sneezing, wheezing, fever, and loss of appetite for one to two weeks.Rigorous and frequent handwashing with soap is crucial to reduce the spread of norovirus, colds, flu, and COVID-19, especially after using the bathroom, eating, or preparing food. Use a hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol if soap and water are unavailable, though it's not effective against norovirus.If you experience norovirus, immediately clean surfaces contaminated with food or bodily fluids using a chlorine bleach solution or EPA-approved products. Wash any contaminated clothing in hot water with detergent, then wash your hands thoroughly.For colds and flu, regularly clean frequently touched surfaces like doorknobs, light switches, countertops, toys, and cellphones with soap-containing cleaning products followed by a sanitizer. The CDC offers more cleaning tips.COVID-19 primarily spreads through air droplets and particles from coughs, sneezes, and talking. Mask up in crowded areas with an N95 or medical-grade mask, even if you're not sick. Avoid touching your face as germs can enter your mucus membranes through your eyes, nose, or mouth.Stay up-to-date with COVID-19 and flu vaccines. Consider the RSV vaccine if you're 60 or older or pregnant. Boost your immune system by getting enough rest, managing stress, and staying hydrated.If you get sick, seek prompt testing to determine if it's COVID-19 or influenza. This helps determine if you need medications like Paxlovid for COVID-19 or Tamiflu for flu to prevent severe illness.For cold, flu, or COVID-19, rest, drink fluids, and take pain relievers to manage fever and body aches. Humidifiers can ease symptoms. Norovirus treatment focuses on rehydration with water and other liquids. Seek medical help for dehydration symptoms like dry mouth and throat, reduced urination, or dizziness
VIRUSES COLD FLU COVID-19 NOROVIRUS
United States Latest News, United States Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Winter Illness Guide: How to Protect Yourself From Flu, COVID, Colds, and NorovirusThis guide provides information on common winter illnesses like flu, COVID-19, colds, and norovirus. It covers symptoms, prevention measures, and treatment options for each illness.
Read more »
Winter Illness Guide: How to Protect Yourself from Flu, COVID-19, RSV, Colds and NorovirusThis article provides information on common winter illnesses, their symptoms, and how they spread. It also offers tips on prevention, including handwashing, cleaning surfaces, masking, and vaccination.
Read more »
A Front Range getaway guide for your winter staycationPlan short stays in Denver, Fort Collins, and Colorado Springs.
Read more »
Inflatable Snow Tubes: A Guide to Winter FunThis article provides a comprehensive guide to inflatable snow tubes, covering aspects like size, weight capacity, safety tips, and materials used in their construction.
Read more »
Jennifer Lopez's Aspen Vacation Fashion: A Winter Style Guide for Short GirlsJennifer Lopez's vacation outfits in Aspen are providing inspiration for winter fashion. Her focus on staying warm and elongating her silhouette, even in cold-weather clothing, is particularly noteworthy. The article highlights her choice of platform UGG boots and flared leggings, which create a flattering and practical look for shorter individuals.
Read more »
Surviving a Chicago Winter: The Ultimate Coat GuideA New York transplant shares their experience with Chicago's brutal winters and provides a guide to finding the perfect coat for surviving the cold.
Read more »