It is that time of year. With the holidays being so close together, many people are starting to feel the effects of pathogens attacking their immune systems. So, what illnesses are currently going around? Below is an overview of three common viruses: Influenza (flu), Norovirus (stomach flu), and COVID-19.
Let us dive in.
Influenza, commonly known as the flu, is a contagious respiratory illness. It is spread through close contact, such as when an infected person talks, coughs, or sneezes. The flu affects the nose, throat, and lungs. Symptoms typically develop one to four days after exposure. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), individuals with the flu are most contagious during the first three days after becoming sick, but they can remain contagious for up to seven days. Antiviral medications are available to help treat the flu (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, “Influenza”).
Norovirus, often referred to as the stomach flu, is a highly contagious, foodborne virus. However, it is not a type of influenza. Norovirus is spread through direct contact with an infected person, consuming contaminated food or drinks, or touching contaminated surfaces or objects. Symptoms usually develop twelve to forty-eight hours after exposure. The virus can still be spread for up to two weeks after symptoms subside. Most individuals recover within one to three days, but there is no specific medication to treat norovirus. One of the most serious risks associated with norovirus is dehydration (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, “Norovirus”).
COVID-19, also known as the coronavirus, is a contagious disease that spreads primarily through close contact with infected individuals and by touching contaminated surfaces and then touching the face. Symptoms may develop two to fourteen days after exposure. Some individuals who contract COVID-19 may not experience any symptoms at all (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, “About COVID-19”).
The symptoms of the flu, stomach flu, and COVID-19 are similar in several ways. All three illnesses may cause fever, body aches, headaches, nausea, and vomiting. The flu commonly includes additional symptoms such as cough, sore throat, congestion, and fatigue. The stomach flu often causes diarrhea and stomach pain. COVID-19 symptoms may include chills, cough, sore throat, congestion, loss of smell or taste, and fatigue (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, “Signs and Symptoms”).
There are several prevention methods that everyone can follow to reduce the spread of these illnesses. Individuals should wash their hands thoroughly and often, fully cook all meats, and wash fruits and vegetables before eating. Frequently touched surfaces should be cleaned regularly, and laundry should be washed using hot water.
Works Cited
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. “About COVID-19.” CDC, www.cdc.gov/covid/about/index.html.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. “Influenza (Flu).” CDC, www.cdc.gov/flu/about/index.html.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. “Norovirus.” CDC, www.cdc.gov/norovirus/about/index.html.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. “Signs and Symptoms of COVID-19.” CDC,
www.cdc.gov/covid/signs-symptoms/index.html.
