Winter is here, inflicting its usual array of symptoms — coughs, nasal congestion, fatigue flu, and fever — and, this year, a new COVID-19 variant is dominating the scoreboard. COVID-19 is leading hospital admissions among the respiratory viruses, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Last week, 25 U.S. states had high or very high levels of respiratory illnesses with fever, cough, and other symptoms.
FLU Back To Basics
Hand-washing remains crucial to reducing the spread of viral infections. Take your time at the sink. Twenty seconds is recommended. If you feel silly singing “Happy Birthday” twice while you scrub with soapy water, count to 20. Slowly. Use hand sanitizer with 60% alcohol when you don’t have access to soap and water. Also, wear a mask in crowded areas. Increase ventilation in your workplace and home.
Not Too Late To Vaccinate
In the United States, only 17% of those eligible have received the updated COVID-19 vaccine, which provides good protection against the now-dominant JN.1 variant. It’s not too late to roll up your sleeve. While you’re at it, make sure you’ve had your annual flu shot. Those 60 and older may want to get the RSV vaccine, which also is recommended during pregnancy to prevent RSV in infants.
Test To Treat
If you do get sick, prompt testing can help determine whether you have COVID-19 or influenza. That’s important to see if you need one of the medicines that can help prevent severe illness: Paxlovid for COVID-19 and Tamiflu for flu. If you don’t have a test kit at home, look for a test-to-treat site at a pharmacy clinic or health center near you.