how to stay healthy in winter? Is It Flu, COVID-19, Allergies, or something else?

 

Is It Flu, COVID-19, Allergies, or something else?

How to stay Healthy in Winter?

 

Feeling sick can be especially about these days. Could COVID-19 cause you to smell? Or flu? A cold? Or maybe an allergy?

Determining the cause of the disease can be complicated because many people share certain symptoms. They can make you feel snuffy, coughing and tired. But there are important differences.

Finding out what is making you sick can help you recover and prevent the disease from spreading to others.

 

Flu vs. COVID-19

Specific COVID from "flu" can be difficult because the symptoms are so severe, "explains Dr. Brooke Bozak, a respiratory specialist who affects the lungs.

The flu and COVID-19 are caused by different viruses that can spread to people. The flu is caused by the infection called “influenza virus”. COVID-19 is caused by SARS-CoV-2. Both can cause fever, cough, headache and body aches.

The flu and COVID-19 spread in a same way. They are transmitted through tiny particles that come out of your nose and mouth when you sneeze, cough, sing or talk, increasing the chances of affecting the people around you. Infected people may not have symptoms, but may still be infected with any virus.

"Both influenza and COVID can spread to other people before they show symptoms," notes Dr. Aubrey Gordon, an infectious disease specialist at the University of Michigan.

She says the symptoms of COVID-19 may take longer than the symptoms of the flu. Symptoms usually appear 1 to 4 days after the infection in someone with the flu. A person with COVID-19 usually shows symptoms about 5 days after the infection, although it can last from 2 to 14 days.

In some cases, a clear sign of COVID-19 is a lack of smell or taste. But because of other similar symptoms, the only way to know for sure if you have COVID-19 or the flu is to get tested.

"You can go to many pharmacies for a COVID test, and your doctor can get you tested for the flu," Bozak said. The “COVID-19” tests are also available at many health centers.  Now people can also buy approved testing kits for home use as well.

Could it be cold? Or allergies?

Like the flu and COVID-19, the common cold is caused by a virus and can spread to others.

Cold symptoms are minor. You may have a runny nose, cough, runny nose and sore throat. But you will not usually have the pain and fever that are common with COVID-19 and the flu. Often, you will feel better in a day or two.

There is no cure for the common cold. Common treatments include rest, juices, and over-the-counter medicines. Some complementary therapies can also help with cold symptoms. Eating honey can help children over the age of 1 to cough at night. Washing your nose and sinuses can help with congestion. You can use a neti dish or another nasal cleanser. Be sure to use only water that has been properly treated, such as distilled or boiled water, not tap water. Rinsing the nose can relieve both colds and allergies.

Allergies can cause runny nose and sneezing. But they are not contagious. If you have itchy eyes, nose or ears, it can also be an allergy. Exposure to things such as dust, pets, and tree or grass pollen can trigger allergies, which are caused by an over-reactive immune system.

Winter mixture of viruses

Cold is the season of cold and flu. When it is cold outside, you are more likely to be indoors and close to others. Weather also plays a role in the spread of the virus.

 

"The flu and flu viruses survive better and can be transmitted more if it's cold and if the humidity is low," says Gordon.

 

Experts fear that cases of flu and COVID-19 may increase and overlap in winter. Flu cases usually start growing around October and reach their peak between December and February. It is possible to be infected with the flu and SARS-CoV-2 at the same time, as both are showing symptoms.

 

If you have the flu, your doctor may prescribe antiviral drugs. Such medications can alleviate your flu and reduce your chances of getting sick. They work best if they are used early in your illness.

 

The “FDA” has also approved an antiviral drug called “remdesivir” to treat COVID-19. Other treatments are in progress and under review. No complementary methods have been helpful in fighting the flu or COVID-19.

 

Fortunately, the strategy to prevent the spread of COVID-19 also prevents the spread of flu and cold. "Measures like masks and social distance work for COVID-19, as well as other respiratory viruses," said Dr. Chip Walter, who studied vaccine development at Duke University.

 

Allergy symptoms stop when you are not exposed to it. Unless you have asthma, allergies usually do not cause breathing difficulties. Allergies can be treated with medications such as antihistamines, decongestants and nasal steroids.

Live well

Another very important way to fight the virus. "Take your flu-shot & the COVID19 vaccine. These are safe and effective ways to protect yourself and the people around you," Walter advised.

Don't forget to vaccinate your children too. This is the best way to protect their health. The COVID-19 vaccine is now recommended for everyone 5 years of age or older.

 

The influenza (Flu) vaccine is recommended for everyone Six months & older. The flu vaccine is designed to protect against the four types of flu viruses that scientists expect to circulate this year.

Researchers like Walter and others are working to develop a flu vaccine that lasts longer and provides greater protection against many flu strains.

Masks are an important tool in preventing the spread of respiratory viruses such as COVID-19. "Whereas the epidemic is still raging, it's truly vital for people to wear masks," Gordon said. Whenever possible you should have all of these mechanisms in place for launch to maximize profits.

Comparing Cold, Flu, Allergies, and COVID-19
Symptoms	Cold	Flu	Airborne Allergy	COVID-19
Fever	Rare	Usual, high (100–102 °F), sometimes higher, especially in young children); lasts 3–4 days	Never	Common
Headache	Uncommon	Common	Uncommon	Common
General Aches, Pains	Slight	Usual; often severe	Never	Common
Fatigue, Weakness	Sometimes	Usual, can last up to 3 weeks	Sometimes	Common
Extreme Exhaustion	Never	Usual, at the beginning of the illness	Never	Common
Stuffy, Runny Nose	Common	Sometimes	Common	Common
Sneezing	Usual	Sometimes	Usual	Rarely
Sore Throat	Common	Sometimes	Sometimes	Common
Cough	Common	Common, can become severe	Sometimes	Common, dry cough
Chest Discomfort	Mild to moderate	Common	Rare, except for those with allergic asthma	Common; can cause trouble breathing or persistent pain or pressure in the chest that calls for immediate emergency care
Loss of Taste or Smell	Rarely	Rarely	Rarely	Common
Treatment	Get plenty of rest. Stay hydrated. (Drink plenty of fluids.) Decongestants. Aspirin (ages 18 and up), acetaminophen, or ibuprofen for aches and pains	Get plenty of rest. Stay hydrated. Aspirin (ages 18 and up), acetaminophen, or ibuprofen for aches, pains, and fever Antiviral medicines (see your doctor)	Avoid allergens (things that you’re allergic to) Antihistamines Nasal steroids Decongestants	NIH has developed guidance on treatment of COVID-19, which is regularly updated. The FDA has approved one drug, remdesivir, to treat COVID-19.
Prevention	Wash your hands often. Avoid close contact with anyone who has a cold.	Get the flu vaccine each year. Wash your hands often. Avoid close contact with anyone who has the flu.	Avoid allergens, such as pollen, house dust mites, mold, pet dander, cockroaches.	Get the COVID-19 vaccine, recommended for everyone age 5 and older. Wear a mask in indoor public places. Avoid crowds. Wash your hands often and avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth. Get tested if you think you might have COVID-19.
Complications	Sinus infection middle ear infection, asthma	Bronchitis, pneumonia; can be life-threatening	Sinus infection, middle ear infection, asthma	Pneumonia, respiratory failure, acute respiratory distress syndrome (fluid in lungs), sepsis, cardiac events (e.g., heart attack and stroke), multiple organ failure, inflammation of the heart, brain, or muscle tissue, death