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Don’t Let Winter Viruses Get You Down: Expert Tips to Stay Healthy This Season!
2025-01-27
Author: Sarah
Don’t Let Winter Viruses Get You Down: Expert Tips to Stay Healthy This Season!
As winter rolls in and brings along the annual surge of respiratory viruses, it's time to take charge of your health with some age-old wisdom and modern insights. Remember what Grandma used to say—frequently wash your hands, cover your mouth and nose when sneezing or coughing, and steer clear of those who seem under the weather. And let's not forget, wearing a mask can provide added protection!
During these chilly months, respiratory viruses such as the common cold, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), COVID-19, and influenza peak in prevalence. While vaccines against RSV, COVID-19, and the flu are essential to prevent these illnesses, we still lack a vaccine for the common cold. Therefore, prevention and early intervention should be your primary strategies.
Interestingly, experts at Johns Hopkins Medicine have debunked several misconceptions surrounding these diseases, which are as relevant today as they were decades ago. For instance, you can rest assured that colds are not triggered by cold weather or damp clothes. Additionally, suffering from COVID-19 once does not grant you lifetime immunity, the flu vaccine cannot give you the flu, and RSV can affect adults—especially seniors—too.
If you do get sick this winter, it's crucial to consult a healthcare provider for accurate diagnosis and suitable treatment. Prioritize rest, keep your body warm, stay hydrated, and consider over-the-counter medications to address symptoms like congestion, sinus discomfort, and general aches.
Key Insights from Experts:
Common Cold
This pesky illness is caused by over 200 different viruses, primarily spread through coughing, sneezing, or touching surfaces contaminated by an infected individual. Symptoms to watch for include a sore throat, sneezing, a runny or stuffy nose, a persistent cough, mild fatigue, and body aches. For relief, try gargling warm salt water or inhaling steam to alleviate congestion. You may also use petroleum jelly to soothe chapped skin around your nose and lips.
COVID-19
This disease, stemming from the SARS-CoV-2 virus, spreads via airborne particles. Symptoms often emerge within a week post-exposure and can range widely, from fever and chills to congestion and even gastrointestinal issues. Keep in mind that an asymptomatic person can still spread the virus. Diagnosis can be made using home tests or through a healthcare provider. Most mild cases can be managed with rest and over-the-counter fever reducers, while severe cases may necessitate hospitalization.
Influenza (Flu)
The flu virus continually evolves, leading to new strains each year, which complicates vaccination efforts. Symptoms typically manifest within four days after exposure. Common signs include high fever, extreme fatigue, severe headaches, coughing, a runny or stuffy nose, and sometimes gastrointestinal symptoms. Like COVID-19, flu can be diagnosed via tests and treatment is tailored based on symptom severity and patient health status.