Winter is here, bringing with it a host of common symptoms (cough, stuffy nose, fatigue and fever), and this year, New variants of COVID-19 Dominated the scoreboard.
COVID-19 causes the most hospitalizations of any respiratory virus, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Last week, 25 U.S. states experienced high or very high rates of respiratory illness, with fever, cough and other symptoms. The CDC said that number was down from 37 states the week before.
This flu season has so far sickened at least 16 million people, resulted in 180,000 hospitalizations and 11,000 deaths since early October. The CDC says 47 children have died from the flu.
January is probably the worst month for these illnesses. With vaccination rates low, what can you do to protect yourself from respiratory viruses, including influenza, COVID-19, and RSV?
Back to basics
Frequent hand washing is still important to reduce the spread of viral infections. Take your time at the sink. Twenty seconds is recommended. If you think it’s silly to sing “Happy Birthday” twice while scrubbing with soap and water, count to 20 slowly.
When you don’t have soap and water, use hand sanitizer that contains 60% alcohol.
In addition, wear a mask when going to crowded places. Increase ventilation in the workplace and home.
It’s not too late to get vaccinated
In the U.S, Only 17% qualify Have received newer COVID-19 vaccines that provide good protection against the currently dominant JN.1 variant.
It’s not too late to roll up your sleeves. While you’re at it, make sure you get your annual flu shot. People 60 and older may wish to obtain respiratory syncytial virus vaccine is also recommended for preventing infant RSV during pregnancy.
when you have children at home
Young children seem to catch every germ out there. Can their parents avoid getting sick?
This time of year, children stay indoors with other children and touch the same toys and surfaces, said Jennifer Sonny of the University of Washington School of Nursing in Seattle. Some people haven’t learned to cover their coughs and haven’t been exposed to many illnesses, so their immune systems are still developing.
If you’re a parent or caregiver of a young child, it’s important to take care of yourself, said Sonny, past president of the National Association of Pediatric Nurse Practitioners.
“We know that if you don’t get enough sleep, are dehydrated or are under a lot of stress, it can compromise your immune function,” Sonny said.
Raising young children is very demanding, “so all of this advice has to be interpreted in a realistic context,” she said. “Despite doing everything right, kids still get colds.”
Pay special attention if your baby is sick: it is best to have saline solution and pears at home. They can be used to clear mucus from the small nasal passages.
“Put a few drops of saline in one nostril, aspirate, then apply to the other side,” Sunny says. “Doing this before eating and going to bed can help a lot.”
Household products for children may also include acetaminophen or ibuprofen for fever, tissues for a runny nose, and a water bottle or sippy cup to stay hydrated.
test treatment
If you are sick, getting tested right away can help determine whether you have COVID-19 or the flu. It’s important to see if you need a medicine that can help prevent serious illness: Paxlovid to treat COVID-19 and Tamiflu to treat the flu.
If you don’t have a test kit at home, find one Test site to be treated At a nearby pharmacy, clinic or health center.There is still one Free home testing and treatment plans Available to adults who are uninsured or rely on government health insurance.