Viruses still looming; flu season lies ahead

Despite the warmer-than-usual weather, tis the season not only to be jolly, but to be on the lookout for viruses that cause colds and flu.
Most experts are predicting influenza season will peak in February, a little later than it has in the last couple of years, so there’s still plenty of time left to get the seasonal influenza vaccine.

But if anything, influenza is unpredictable.

“There are lots of bugs floating around at this time of the year and influenza is just one of many,” said Dr. Timothy Angel, Ross County’s Health Commissioner. “There are a few ways to fight the flu. One is the seasonal flu shot, one is social distancing, and good, regular handwashing is another.”

Influenza

Influenza causes a respiratory infection that leads to coughing, a sore throat, head and body aches, fatigue, chills, and a fever — usually a high fever. Since it infects our nose, throat, and lungs, influenza is spread via coughing and sneezing. Those droplets can remain airborne for a time, as well as settling on surfaces. Those droplets, whether we breathe them in or pick them up on our hands from a contaminated surface, carry the virus and spread it to others.

“Social distancing means leaving some extra distance between ourselves and others,” Angel said. “That can help reduce the spread of the virus. Likewise, washing your hands often — especially after touching common surfaces or handling objects others might handle — and not eating or touching your face with unwashed hands, can reduce your risk of getting a virus.”

Angel said one of the biggest problems with influenza is that people who are infected can spread the virus for a day or two before they begin to develop symptoms and feel sick themselves.

Flu symptoms can last as few as three days, or as many as 10. The very young, the elderly and those with a chronic illness may need to be seen by a physician, but most often the only option is treating the symptoms. It’s especially important to ensure the sick get plenty of fluids (water, not sugary drinks or alcohol) to ward off dehydration.

Common Cold

Symptoms for the common cold are similar to those of influenza, but usually less severe, and without the high fever.

Colds, as well as sinus and ear infections, are most commonly caused by a variety of different types of rhinoviruses, but also can be caused by coronaviruses and respiratory cyncytial viruses (RSV). The rhinoviruses are spread in the same manner as the influenza virus is. There’s no vaccine against the common cold, so social distancing and handwashing are absolutely the best way to avoid them.

Angel said people with a cold are most contagious for the first few days. There is no prescribed treatment for a cold, but decongestants can help, and there are any number of “remedies” different people rely on.

Antibiotics fight bacteria, not the viruses that cause a cold.

Stomach Flu

Stomach flu is a misnomer that has become part of our vocabulary. The influenza virus itself does not cause gastrointestinal issues.
Angel said that most people suffering from the “stomach flu” likely have gastroenteritis.

“Gastroenteritis is caused by a norovirus, of which there are many types,” he said. “But it’s very contagious and good hand washing on the part of the infected person is the key to limiting the spread.”

Gastroenteritis typically causes stomach pains or aches, nausea, vomiting and diarrhea, and does not cause respiratory problems like the influenza virus.

The noroviruses are spread by the infected person to surfaces, or to food and water that are then consumed by others, making them sick, too.

“It sounds pretty gross, but people who are preparing food, whether in the home, in a restaurant, or other kitchen, really need to wash their hands and wash them well after they use the restroom,” Angel said. “When they don’t, they can contaminate food others will eat and surfaces other people will touch.”

Like the other viruses, treatment of gastroenteritis involves treating symptoms. However, dehydration can be a risk, and if blood appears in vomit or stool, or if a fever develops, a doctor should be contacted.

Fomites

Contaminated surfaces or objects are referred to as fomites.

They can be porous or nonporous surfaces or objects that become contaminated by pathogenic microorganisms and then serve as a vehicle for the transmission of those viruses and bacteria.

“With so many viruses floating around and so many people being sick, it’s really important at this time of the year that we’re aware of what objects might be contaminated and understand that hand washing is really important after we handle these fomites or touch contaminated surfaces,” Angel said.

In the workplace, telephones, copiers, fax machines, door knobs or handles, and numerous other items serve as fomites.

Angel said there’s often no way to avoid these fomites, but that hand washing can help.

“Try to get out of the habit of touching your eyes, nose, or mouth,” he said. “Germs on your hands won’t make you sick, but eating, rubbing your eyes, or biting your fingernails with unwashed hands can. It’s a habit we all need to break.”

Viruses are thought to be the most common cause of disease outbreaks, Angel added. Whether in the workplace, in the home, or in schools or childcare centers, viruses are spread from person to person when people are in close contact with each other; when coughs and sneezes aren’t covered; and when proper hand washing practices are ignored.

Anyone interested in receiving the seasonal influenza vaccine can do so through the Ross County Health District’s Public Health Clinic, which is a walk-in clinic, no appointment necessary. The cost is $20, but many insurances are accepted.

“But it doesn’t matter where you get the flu vaccine, just get it,” Angel said. “Pharmacies give it, doctor’s offices give it. If you're elderly, have a chronic health condition, or work with babies, you definitely need to get it.”

The Public Health Clinic can be reached by calling 740-775-1146.