Ward Off Winter Viruses
As the air gets crisp and the days grow shorter, you might notice more coughs and sniffles in your household. Fall and winter don’t just bring a change in weather, but tend to bring an increase in viral illnesses. Knowing what to look out for and how to care for yourself and your family can make all the difference.
Some of the most common viruses you may encounter are:
Rhinovirus/Adenovirus
Responsible for the “common cold,” causing cough, sore throat, congestion, runny nose, and sneezing.
Influenza
A respiratory infection, often with fever, body aches, and fatigue. Can be diagnosed with a lab test.
Parainfluenza
The most common cause of croup, a childhood illness causing a barking cough and a whistling sound while breathing called “stridor.”
Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV)
The most common cause of bronchiolitis, a wheezing illness in children under 2, and a common cause of hospitalization.
SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19)
Causes symptoms ranging from a mild cough to fever and general weakness, to severe difficulty breathing. It also can include gastrointestinal symptoms like diarrhea and vomiting.
Simple steps to stay healthy:
Prevention is key!
- Handwashing is extremely important to prevent illness. Use alcohol-based hand sanitizer if soap and water are not available.
- Strengthening your immune system with good habits, like eating a healthy diet, exercising, avoiding smoking, and getting enough sleep are also important.
- Stay up to date on vaccines such as a yearly influenza vaccine, as well as the most recent COVID-19 vaccine to reduce the risk of severe illness or hospitalization.
Feeling under the weather?
A common misconception is that antibiotics can cure a viral illness – however, antibiotics kill bacteria, not viruses. While there is no “cure” for viral illnesses, there are plenty of things you can do to feel better, and help your body fight off illness:
- It’s important to stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water. Try water infusions or decaffeinated teas to help increase your water intake.
- Medications like ibuprofen and acetaminophen reduce pain and fevers.
- Humidifiers can help congestion, and children can benefit from using a nasal suction device.
- For sore throats, warm saltwater gargles can offer relief.
- Honey works well for coughs, but should not be given to children under age one. Try adding it to warm tea for a soothing drink.
When to seek care
Clinic: Ask your primary care provider about keeping your vaccinations up-to-date, and get your regular check-ups to stay healthy. Your provider can also advise you about illnesses.
Urgent Care: Certain groups of people, such as elderly people or those with lung disease or immune deficiencies, are at higher risk for complications from viral illness. These groups can benefit from antivirals for influenza and COVID-19 right after symptoms start. Also, some viral illnesses can lead to bacterial infections, such as ear or sinus infections, or pneumonia. If your illness lingers for over a week, or if your symptoms suddenly worsen, you should see a provider.
Emergency Department: If you have any concerns that may be life-threatening, such as difficulty breathing, low oxygen levels, vomiting and dehydration, severe weakness, or other severe symptoms, seek emergency care.
