It’s the perfect storm: cold Minnesota weather and people gathering indoors for the holidays. The result is an increase in the spread of all sorts of ick.
We saw it during the holidays with the Minnesota Department of Health warning about an increase in the number of Norovirus, or the stomach flu, cases, which doubled in December with more than 40 outbreaks reported.
“Stomach flu is nausea, vomiting and diarrhea, but influenza is respiratory symptoms,” clarified Julie Winner, disease prevention & control nursing supervisor for Washington County Public Health & Environment. Winner said we’re also dealing with COVID-19 and a whole host of other viral bugs. “We have the respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), pertussis or whooping cough, influenza and the colds and general respiratory viruses out there.”
When sickness has us cornered, we wonder: how can we protect ourselves and our families, especially older adults, infants and the immune-compromised? Winner said there are simple ways to arm ourselves and those we love.
First on that list is vaccines. Winner emphasized that while vaccines may not prevent illness, they have a significant impact on severity. “Vaccines are key to lowering your risk of hospitalization, the long-term health impacts that some of these illnesses can have and even prevent death,” Winner said. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends the seasonal flu and COVID-19 vaccines for everyone 6 months and older every year. The RSV vaccine is recommended for older adults and babies, especially those who could face serious respiratory illness if infected. Pertussis vaccines are routinely administered throughout childhood and boosters are recommended every 10 years.
Other critical, tried-and-true prevention methods include handwashing, coughing or sneezing into the crook of your elbow and wiping down high-touch surfaces.
If you fall victim to illness, hydration is key. Winner said liquids like water, electrolytes and even broth serve a major role in recovery. “They carry nutrients and oxygen to your cells to flush out toxins. When you’re sick, staying hydrated can help replenish those lost fluids to loosen congestion and the general yuck you feel when you have a respiratory illness.”
Over-the-counter medications help when your symptoms persist or keep you from sleeping, another key component to fighting off infection. “Take Tylenol or Advil if you have a fever, body aches or a headache,” Winner said. And if you’re doing all of these things and your symptoms are severe or worsening, then it’s time to head to the doctor. “They may test you for COVID, influenza, RSV or pertussis, and if you test positive, they could treat you with antibiotic in the case of pertussis or an antiviral if you test positive for the flu and these medications can lessen the symptoms,” Winner added.
Essentially, you need to listen to your body when you're sick and for goodness sake, don’t try to work, go to school or leave your home! “We don’t want to pass this on to others, especially vulnerable people,” Winner added. Use your sick days and help stop the spread.
If you are interested in learning more about your vaccine status, check with your primary care doctor. Need a vaccine but don’t have insurance? Washington County offers immunization clinics at its public health service centers at the Government Center in Stillwater, the Forest Lake Service Center and the Cottage Grove Service Center. Learn more at https://www.washingtoncountymn.gov/ or call 651-430-4036.