WASHINGTON – Winter is here, bringing with it the same old array of symptoms — cough, stuffy nose, fatigue and fever — and this year, a new COVID-19 variant dominates the scoreboard.
COVID-19 leads hospitalizations among respiratory viruses, according to the U. S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. U. S.
Last week, 25 U.S. states had high or very high levels for respiratory illnesses with fever, cough and other symptoms. That’s down from 37 states the week before, the CDC said.
Since the beginning of October 2023, there have been at least 16 million illnesses, 180,000 hospitalizations, and 11,000 deaths from flu so far this season. The CDC said 47 children have died of flu.
January can be 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 the roots
Hand washing is still necessary to decrease the spread of viral infections. Take your time in front of the sink. Twenty seconds is recommended. If you’re feeling silly singing the song “Happy Birthday” twice while rubbing yourself with soap and water, slowly count to 20.
Use a hand sanitizer that contains 60% alcohol when soap and water are available.
Also, wear a mask in high-traffic areas. Increase ventilation in your home and in yourself.
It’s not too late to vaccinate.
In the US, only 17% of eligible people have received the updated COVID-19 vaccine, which provides smart coverage unlike 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.
Kids at home
Young people seem to catch all the germs that circulate. Can your parents get sick?
This time of year, young people are inside, running intensely with other young people, touching the same toys and surfaces, said Jennifer Sonney of the University of Washington School of Nursing in Seattle. Some haven’t learned to cough and simply haven’t been exposed to many diseases. So their immune formula is still being developed.
It’s taking care of yourself if you’re a parent or parent of young children, said Sonney, as well as president of the National Association of Pediatric Nurse Practitioners.
“We know if you are sleep deprived or dehydrated or experiencing a lot of stress, that can compromise your immune function,” Sonney said.
Having young children is very demanding, “so all these recommendations must be interpreted in the context of reality,” he said. “Even if everything is done right, they will still catch a cold. “
A special note if your baby is sick: It’s a good idea to have saline drops and a pear at home. They can be used to remove mucus from the small nostrils.
“Apply a few drops of saline to one nose and suck on it, then move to the other side,” Sonney said. “Doing this before eating and sleeping is too much. “
A home kit for children may also include acetaminophen or ibuprofen for fever, tissues for a runny nose, and water bottles or glasses to stay hydrated.
Test to Treat
If you do get sick, immediate testing can help you if you have COVID-19 or the flu. It’s vital to know if you need any of the medications that can help you save a serious illness: Paxlovid for COVID-19 and Tamiflu for the flu.
If you don’t have a home control kit, look for a check to treat at a pharmacy or fitness center near you. There is also a free at-home monitoring and treatment program for adults who are uninsured or rely on government health insurance.
The Associated Press Health and Science Department receives information from the Howard Hughes Medical Institute’s Educational and Scientific Media Group. The Associated Press alone is guilty of all the content.