Stay Healthy This Winter

Stay Healthy This Winter: Preventing Illnesses Like Flu, COVID-19, RSV and Norovirus

Winter is here, and with it comes an increased risk of illnesses like the flu, COVID-19 and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV)—and this year, norovirus cases are also on the rise. While there are some similarities, each illness is distinct and requires separate tests, vaccines and treatments. It’s important to understand these differences so that we can protect the most vulnerable among us.

The Four Illnesses We Are Seeing This Winter

Influenza (Flu)

The flu is a contagious respiratory illness caused by influenza viruses. It can cause a range of symptoms, from mild to severe, and in some cases, it can lead to hospitalization and death. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), flu signs and symptoms usually come on suddenly. People who are sick with the flu often feel some or all of these symptoms:

• Fever / feeling feverish or chills (not everyone gets a fever)
• Cough
• Sore throat
• Runny or stuffy nose
• Muscle or body aches
• Headaches
• Fatigue (tiredness)
• Vomiting and diarrhea (more common in children than adults)

If you contract the flu, antiviral medications can help if taken within the first two days of symptoms. Rest, hydration and over-the-counter medicines can alleviate symptoms. The best way to protect yourself is to get an annual flu vaccine, which is safe and recommended for all individuals 6 months of age and older.

COVID-19

Caused by the novel coronavirus SARS-CoV-2, COVID-19 can lead to severe respiratory distress, hospitalization and death. Symptoms can appear two to 14 days after exposure and can range in variety and severity. COVID-19 symptoms include:

• Fever or chills
• Cough
• Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
• Fatigue
• Muscle or body aches
• Headache
• New loss of taste or smell
• Sore throat
• Congestion or runny nose
• Nausea or vomiting
• Diarrhea

Treatment options include FDA-approved antiviral medications for those at higher risk of severe illness. Most individuals recover at home with rest and supportive care. To protect yourself and others, stay up to date on COVID vaccinations.

Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV)

RSV is a common respiratory virus that primarily affects young children, the elderly and individuals with weakened immune systems. It can lead to mild cold-like symptoms but may cause severe lower-respiratory-tract infections in these vulnerable groups. People infected with RSV usually show symptoms within four to six days after getting infected. Symptoms of RSV are often similar to the common cold and include:

• Runny nose
• Decrease in appetite
• Coughing
• Sneezing
• Fever
• Wheezing

Adults 60 and older can now receive an RSV vaccine. Treatment for RSV can include over-the-counter fever reducers and pain relievers to manage symptoms.

Norovirus

Often referred to as the “stomach flu,” norovirus is a highly contagious virus that spreads easily through contaminated food, water, surfaces or close contact with infected individuals. Symptoms include:

• Vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Stomach cramps
• Nausea

Other symptoms can include fever, headache and body aches. If you contract norovirus, excessive vomiting and diarrhea can lead to dehydration. Be sure to drink fluids, get rest and avoid contact with others to limit spreading the virus. While there is no specific medicine to treat norovirus, most people get better within one to three days.

To stay healthy this winter, adopt these habits:

• Practice good hygiene: Wash hands frequently with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. Use hand sanitizer if soap is unavailable.
• Get vaccinated: Stay current with recommended vaccines for flu, COVID-19 and RSV.
• Eat well and get enough rest: Eat a balanced diet, stay active, drink fluids and get enough sleep to keep your immune system strong.
• Avoid crowded spaces: When possible, limit exposure to crowded indoor environments, especially during peak illness season. If you can’t avoid it, consider masking up to protect yourself and others.
• Clean and disinfect: Regularly sanitize high-touch surfaces like doorknobs, phones and countertops.
• Stay home when sick: Protect others by staying home if you’re unwell and seeking medical care if necessary.
• Cough/sneeze tightly into your elbow: This will contain the spread of germs.

Due to norovirus’ highly contagious nature, use these extra precautions to prevent the virus from spreading:

• Wash hands thoroughly before eating or preparing food.
• Wash fruits and vegetables; cook seafood thoroughly.
• If you are sick, avoid food preparation.

By understanding the risks and taking steps to prevent illness, you can help ensure a safe and healthy winter for yourself and your community.

Garnet Health Doctors’ Primary Care and Family Medicine services offer immunizations to their patients at most locations throughout Orange and Sullivan counties. Call (845) 333-7575 or (845) 333-8909 for an appointment. Garnet Health Urgent Care offers rapid testing for flu, COVID-19 and RSV at their Goshen, Middletown and Monticello locations. 

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Jodi Galaydick, MD

Jodi Galaydick, MD obtained her medical degree from Upstate Medical University SUNY, Syracuse, NY. She completed her Residency in Internal Medicine at Wake Forest University Baptist Medical in Winston-Salem, NC. She completed her Fellowship in Infectious Diseases at the University of Chicago in Chicago, Illinois and completed Fellowship training in Critical Care at Mount Sinai in New York, NY. Dr. Galaydick also obtained her Master’s degree in Public Health at Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health in New York, NY. Dr. Galaydick works as the system Epidemiologist for Garnet Health, in addition to working at Garnet Health Medical Center in Middletown and at Garnet Health Medical Center - Catskills in Harris as an Intensivist.