Although most of the germs that cause these illnesses can circulate year-round, scientists believe that the winter surge in flu and colds may be due to the fact that we are spending more time indoors and cold, dry air can weaken our defenses.
During the winter months, it seems that few people are safe from any illness – flu, COVID-19, norovirus, the common cold.
Although most of the germs that cause these illnesses can circulate throughout the year, scientists believe that the winter surge in flu and colds may be due to the fact that we are spending more time indoors. indoors and that cold, dry air can weaken our defenses.
But it can be helpful to know what these microbes are and how they are spread. Although it’s difficult to get through the season unscathed, there are some things you can do to protect yourself against these respiratory and stomach viruses.
Some symptoms are difficult to distinguish between illnesses, particularly with respiratory viruses. Others are undeniable.
– THE norovirus is a foodborne illness that can spread through contaminated water and surfaces and can cause vomiting, diarrhea, nausea and stomach pain for one to three days.
– THE common cold can be caused by different types of viruses and may result in a runny nose, congestion, coughing, sneezing, sore throat, headache, body aches, or low-grade fever for less than a week.
– There flucaused by ever-changing flu viruses, causes fever, chills, cough, sore throat, runny nose, body aches, headache and feeling tired. Flu symptoms tend to come on more quickly than cold symptoms and can last anywhere from a few days to two weeks.
– COVID-19 may cause fever, chills, cough, shortness of breath, sore throat, congestion, loss of smell or taste, fatigue, body aches, headache, nausea or vomiting for several days.
– THE VRS may cause a runny nose, congestion, coughing, sneezing, wheezing, fever, and loss of appetite for a week or two.
“Grandmothers’ recipes”
Rigorous and frequent hand washing – with soap! – is essential for reducing the spread of norovirus, colds, flu and COVID-19.
This is especially true after using the bathroom and after eating or preparing food.
Don’t speed up either. Count to 20, slowly, while rubbing.
If you don’t have access to soap and water, try a hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol, although this may not be enough to kill norovirus.
If the norovirus has reached you, you must immediately clean surfaces that have been in contact with contaminated food or bodily fluids. Doctors recommend disinfecting surfaces with a bleach solution or one of the similar products.
Remember to wash clothes that have come into contact with vomit or feces – use hot water and detergent. Then wash your hands. Again.
In case of common cold or fluit is best to regularly clean the surfaces with which you come into contact. Think doorknobs, light switches, counters, beloved toys, cell phones. Use household cleaning products containing soap or detergent, then use a disinfectant.
THE COVID-19 Typically spreads through the air from droplets and particles, and doctors say the risk of contracting the virus from a contaminated surface is low.
Viruses can be spread by talking, coughing and sneezing. So cover your mouth with a tissue if you feel a tickle in your throat or nose. Then wash your hands. Again.
Furthermore, even if you are not sick, remember to mask yourself in crowded places with an N95 mask or medical mask to protect yourself from respiratory viruses.
Don’t touch your face: If you have a germ or virus on your unwashed hands – respiratory or norovirus – and you touch your face, eyes or nose, it can enter your mucous membranes and, voilà, you are sick !
Updated COVID-19 vaccines are available, as well as annual flu shots for those ages 6 months and older. People aged 60 and over or pregnant women can get the RSV vaccine.
On the other hand, there is no vaccine against norovirus or the common cold.
Your immune system may not work as well if you’re sleep-deprived, stressed, or dehydrated. Don’t burn yourself out if you can help it. Rest. Sleep. Drink water.
If you get sick, a rapid test can help determine if you have COVID-19 or the flu. This is important to know if you need any of the medicines that can help prevent serious illness: for example, Paxlovid for COVID-19 and Tamiflu for the flu.
Above all, if you have symptoms, stay home to avoid infecting other people.
To treat a cold, flu or COVID-19, rest and drink. You can take painkillers to lower a fever or relieve body aches. Humidifiers can also help relieve symptoms.
There is no medication against norovirus. Instead, you will need to rehydrate as much as possible with water and other fluids. Get help if you are dehydrated and notice a dry mouth and throat, urinating less, or feeling dizzy when standing.