If the holidays left you feeling less than stellar, you’re not alone.
Respiratory viruses of all kinds — from run-of-the-mill colds to more serious illnesses like COVID, influenza and respiratory syncytial virus — are surging nationwide. Here in Brevard, trends are similar to previous years, according to local health systems: Hospitals are seeing an uptick in respiratory viruses, but to date, there isn’t a staggering increase in these kinds of visits compared to prior years.
Some of these viruses can be treated at home. For others, you can get antivirals to help speed up your recovery or prevent serious illness. Here’s what you need to know about the signs to watch for, and how to prevent the spread of these illnesses.
How hard is Brevard being hit this year?
Nationally, respiratory illnesses were causing people to seek healthcare at a high level, with the rate increasing as of Jan. 3, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
While the agency didn’t provide statistics for Brevard, it showed that in Florida, the rate of people seeking healthcare for these viruses were even higher compared to the national rate, with residents visiting emergency departments for the flu at a very high rate and a high rate for RSV. Residents were minimally visiting emergency rooms with COVID, though the rate of ER visits for COVID was increasing.
Florida’s wastewater showed low levels of COVID and moderate levels of flu and RSV, according to the CDC.
It’s normal to see a surge in these viruses during the winter, said Lance Skelly, a spokesperson for Health First, adding that this year is following similar trends from prior years.
“Throughout the winter season, Health First experiences an uptick in patients seeking treatment for influenza and other viral infections at our physician offices, urgent care centers and emergency departments,” he said. “This year follows the same trend; however, we are not currently observing a significant rise in the prevalence of these viral types.”
Similarly, Parrish Healthcare in Brevard is seeing respiratory illness trends close to last year, according to Natalie Sellers, a spokesperson for the hospital system. She said they treated more than 500 respiratory related illnesses last year and are seeing similar trends this year.
“It is common for our emergency department to see an influx of patients in early January (post-holidays) with respiratory-related illnesses,” Sellers said, adding that it’s important for people to practice good prevention strategies as the peak of flu season approaches.
What are the symptoms of COVID, flu and RSV?
The common cold, COVID, influenza, RSV and other illnesses affecting the respiratory system share similar symptoms. These can include fever, chills, fatigue, cough, congestion, sore throat, new loss of taste or smell, headache, body aches, nausea/vomiting and diarrhea.
There are some differences in how the various viruses present — for example, the flu tends to come on very quickly in a matter of hours — but in general, you likely won’t know what you’re sick with unless you take a test.
The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services is currently offering four free rapid COVID tests per household. You can order them at covidtests.gov. Similar tests, as well as rapid flu tests, are available for purchase at many grocery stores and pharmacies. You can also get tested for these viruses, as well as RSV and other illnesses, by visiting your healthcare provider.
What should I do if I have symptoms?
Prescription antivirals, which are available for COVID and the flu, can decrease your risk of severe illness and death or shorten the length of your illness. It’s recommended that you begin taking them as soon as possible, which is why it’s important to get tested when you have symptoms of an illness.
There are no prescription medications to treat RSV, so it’s generally treated at home with over-the-counter medication, rest and fluids. However, if hospitalization is required, you may receive IV fluids or oxygen.
How long you’ll remain contagious depends on what illness you have. People with the flu are usually most contagious during the first three days of illness, though it can also be spread asymptomatically. RSV is generally contagious for around three to eight days, with sick individuals able to spread it a day or two before symptoms begin.
As for COVID, estimates vary as to how long you remain contagious, but the general consensus by the CDC is that you should isolate for at least five days even if you’re asymptomatic, then wear a mask for an additional five days. Factors such as severe symptoms or being immunocompromised may make you contagious longer and require you to isolate for 10 to 20 days. Regardless of the severity of your illness, when ending isolation, it’s best to wear a high-quality mask in public for at least five additional days, with the CDC suggesting precautions be taken for a longer period of time if you experienced severe illness or have a compromised immune system.
How can I prevent respiratory viruses?
COVID, the flu and RSV are all airborne viruses, meaning they’re spread through the air when an infected person exhales, talks, coughs or sneezes. The viruses can also live on surfaces, meaning you can be infected by handling a contaminated object and then touching your mouth, nose or eyes.
There are various steps you can take to protect yourself from these viruses.
- Increasing airflow or use an air purifier: If you’re gathering in a large group or visiting a loved one who may be especially vulnerable to illness, you can open a window, sit outside or run a HEPA air purifier. Any of these precautions can all help provide better air quality and decrease your risk of getting sick, according to the CDC.
- Get vaccinated: COVID and flu vaccines are available for babies six months and older through adulthood, and RSV vaccines are available for infants, pregnant people and adults age 60 and older. Studies have shown they can help prevent hospitalization and death, according to the CDC. Protection from the RSV vaccine lasts at least two years, while the flu and COVID shots are updated annually based on what strains are circulating.
- Wear a mask: A mask can help protect you from airborne pathogens. It can also protect those around you if you need to leave your home while you are infected with a virus. While cloth and surgical masks offer some protection, a well-fitting mask that doesn’t allow air to leak in and out — such as an N95 or KN95 — will provide the best filter against viruses.
- Wash your hands and practice good hygiene: While these viruses are primarily spread through the air, it’s important to wash your hands after going out or handling potentially dirty items, cough/sneeze into a tissue or your elbow and disinfect surfaces that are frequently touched.
Finch Walker is the education reporter at FLORIDA TODAY. Contact Walker at fwalker@floridatoday.com. X: @_finchwalker.
