By\u00a0\u00a0THE ASSOCIATED PRESS<\/p>\n\n\n\n
In the winter months, it seems few are safe from some kind of illness<\/a> \u2014 flu, COVID-19, norovirus<\/a>, colds.<\/p>\n\n\n\n While many of the germs that cause this misery can circulate throughout the year, scientists think that the winter surge of flu and cold activity may be because we spend more time indoors and the cold, dry air may weaken our defenses.<\/p>\n\n\n\n But knowing what these bugs are and how they spread can help. While it may be difficult to make it through the season totally unscathed, there are some things you can do to protect yourself from these respiratory and stomach viruses.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Some symptoms are hard to distinguish among illnesses, especially with respiratory viruses. Others are unmistakable.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u2014 Norovirus<\/a> is a foodborne illness that can spread through water and contaminated surfaces and can cause vomiting, diarrhea, nausea and stomach pain for about one to three days.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u2014 The common cold<\/a> can be caused by several different types of viruses and can cause a runny nose, congestion, cough, sneezing, sore throat, headaches, body aches or low fever for less than a week.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u2014 The\u00a0flu<\/a>, caused by influenza viruses that are always changing, leads to fever, chills, cough, sore throat, runny nose, body aches, headaches and feeling tired. Flu symptoms tend to hit more quickly than cold symptoms, and can last anywhere from a few days to two weeks.<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n One option for people who have tried everything but still can\u2019t lower their blood pressure<\/a><\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n Doctors worry that iodine deficiency \u2014 a dietary problem from the past \u2014 is coming back<\/a><\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n \u2014 COVID-19<\/a> can cause fever, chills, cough, short of breath, sore throat, congestion, loss of smell or taste, fatigue, aches, headache, nausea, or vomiting for several days.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u2014 RSV<\/a> can cause a runny nose, congestion, coughing, sneezing, wheezing, fever and a loss of appetite for a week or two.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Seriously. Rigorous and frequent handwashing \u2014 with soap! \u2014 is crucial to reduce the spread of norovirus, colds, flu and COVID-19.<\/p>\n\n\n\n This is especially true after using the bathroom and eating or preparing food, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Don\u2019t speed through it, either. Count to 20, slowly, while you scrub away.<\/p>\n\n\n\n If you don\u2019t have access to soap and water, try a hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol \u2014 though that isn\u2019t enough to wipe out norovirus<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n If norovirus has found you, you\u2019ll want to immediately clean surfaces that came in contact with contaminated food or bodily fluids. The CDC recommends disinfecting things with a chlorine bleach solution or one of the products listed on this Environmental Protection Agency website<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Don\u2019t forget to wash any clothing that came in contact with vomit or feces \u2014 use hot water and detergent. Then, wash your hands. Again.<\/p>\n\n\n\n With colds and flu, it\u2019s best to regularly clean surfaces that you come into a lot of contact with. Think doorknobs, light switches, countertops, beloved toys, cellphones.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Use household cleaning products that contain soap or detergent, and follow it up with a sanitizer. The CDC has more tips on how to clean<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n COVID-19 generally spreads through the air from droplets and particles, and the CDC says the risk of getting the virus from a contaminated surface is low.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Viruses can spread through talking, coughing and sneezing, so cover your mouth with a tissue if you feel a tickle in your throat or your nose. Then, wash your hands. Again.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Also, even if you\u2019re not sick, consider masking in crowded areas with an N95 or medical-grade mask to protect yourself from respiratory viruses.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Don\u2019t touch your face: If you have a germ or virus on your unwashed hands \u2014 respiratory or norovirus \u2014 and touch your face, eyes or nose, it can get into your mucus membranes and, voila!, you\u2019re sick!<\/p>\n\n\n\n Updated COVID-19 vaccines are available, as well as annual flu shots<\/a> for people 6 months and older. For those 60 and older or for people who are pregnant, you may want to get the RSV vaccine<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n But there is no vaccine for norovirus or the common cold.<\/p>\n\n\n\nHow do I know whether I have the cold, the flu, COVID-19 or something else?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
One way to protect yourself from all viruses: Wash your hands<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Cleaning surfaces can wipe out viruses<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Keeping your hands off your face can keep viruses out<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Consider a vaccine (if there is one)<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Another way to keep your defenses against viruses up: Rest<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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