For a variety of reasons, this is the time of year when a variety of highly contagious viruses are most prevalent: norovirus (also known as the stomach flu), influenza, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) and COVID-19. Some are calling this simultaneous high transmission of all four viruses a “quad-demic.”
Norovirus
Norovirus is really not the flu. It’s a gastrointestinal virus that is most responsible for illnesses that cause illnesses and diarrhea. It is highly contagious and spreads by eating food or drinking water that’s been contaminated by someone who is infected. You can also contract it by touching a contaminated surface and then touching your mouth, swimming in water that has been infected by a contaminated person, cleaning up vomit or diarrhea from an infected person without wearing gloves or a mask, or by your own improper personal hygiene.
Your best line of defense is to frequently wash your hands properly with warm soapy water. It’s much easier said than done but do your best not to touch your face or rub your eyes with your hands. At the very least, try to be cognizant of how often you do this and try to do it less frequently! Regularly clean and disinfect high-contact areas in your home: kitchen areas, faucets, door switches, and the bathroom.
There is no specific treatment for norovirus. Because it is a viral infection, antibiotics will not alleviate symptoms. Recovery depends on the overall health of your immune system, but for more people, norovirus usually lasts a few days. If your symptoms do not improve or seem to worsen, seek medical care as your symptoms may not be norovirus.
According to the Mayo Clinic, “if your family includes young children, (and even if it doesn’t), it’s a good idea to have commercially prepared oral rehydration solutions (such as Pedialyte) on hand. Adults can drink sports drinks, broths, and Pedialyte. Drinking liquids with a lot of sugar, and some fruit juices can worsen diarrhea. Avoid milk and dairy products, caffeine, alcohol, nicotine and fatty or highly seasoned foods for a few days.” If you contract norovirus, avoid contact with others as much as possible during your illness and for several days after recovery.
Influenza
Your best line of defense against the flu is to get an annual flu vaccine and to practice good personal hygiene. The flu is also a viral infection, and the use of antibiotics will not be effective.
There are a variety of prescription medications that can help alleviate flu symptoms. As reported by the CDC, “Flu antiviral drugs are prescription medicines (pills, liquid, an inhaled powder, or an intravenous solution) that fight against flu viruses in your body. Antiviral drugs are not sold over the counter. You can only get them if you have a prescription from IEP Urgent Care or your health care provider. Antiviral drugs are different from antibiotics, which fight against bacterial infections. Antiviral drugs for flu only work to treat flu. Flu antiviral drugs are different than antiviral drugs used to treat other infectious diseases such as COVID-19. Antiviral drugs prescribed to treat COVID-19 are not approved or recommended to treat flu.
Treatment of flu with flu antiviral medications works best when started within 1-2 days after flu symptoms begin. Flu antiviral drugs can lessen symptoms and shorten the time you are sick by about a day. Starting antiviral treatment shortly after symptoms begin also can help reduce some flu complications. For adults hospitalized with flu, some studies have reported that early antiviral treatment can reduce the duration of hospitalization and their risk of death.”
RSV (Respiratory Syncytial Virus)
RSV (Respiratory Syncytial Virus) is also very prevalent this time of year and often feels like the common cold. Symptoms of RSV usually occur four to six days after exposure and include runny nose, decreased appetite, sneezing, fever and moderate wheezing. For most of us, treatment involves the same in-home rest and care as a cold: rest, drink plenty of fluids, avoid contact with others. RSV usually resolves after two weeks. Young children, older adults, or those with compromised immune systems should seek medical care if symptoms persist or seem to worsen, as prescription medications can help.
COVID-19
As with the flu, your best line of defense against COVID-19 is to get vaccinated annually. Symptoms of COVID-19 are similar to the flu but may also include a cough. Like the flu, IEP Urgent Care can make a diagnosis and provide prescription medications to mitigate the severity of the illness. It’s important to see us or your primary care physician within the first five to seven days after symptoms appear for the best treatment plan.