In the midst of the respiratory virus season around the country, and the increase in cases of Covid, flu, and the Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV), now norovirus, a highly contagious and unpleasant stomach virus, has been added to the list.
However How can you identify the difference in symptoms between these diseases?
“Many respiratory viruses, including influenza, RSV, and COVID-19, can cause cold-like symptoms,” says the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (NCDHHS).
But to know what disease is attacking the immune system, here's what the experts at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) say:
How do you know if you have norovirus?
Norovirus is the leading cause of vomiting and diarrhea from gastroenteritis in the United States, with more than 2,500 outbreaks reported each year, according to the CDC.
People usually develop symptoms 12 to 48 hours after being exposed to the virus, also known as the “stomach flu,” although it is not related to the flu.
What are the symptoms?
According to the CDC, the most common norovirus symptoms are:
- Diarrhea
- Threw up
- Nausea
- Stomach ache
- Fever
- Headache
- Body pain
- Dehydration
- Decreased urination (urine)
- dry mouth and throat
How can you get norovirus?
Norovirus often spreads in crowded, closed settings, such as hospitals, nursing homes, daycare centers and schools, according to the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (NCDHHS).
Norovirus can be contracted in several ways:
- Eating or drinking anything that has norovirus on it, including undercooked shellfish
- Touching a contaminated surface and then touching your mouth before washing your hands
- Having direct contact with someone who is sick with norovirus
- Sharing a toilet or bathroom with someone who is sick with norovirus
- Accidentally swallowing water that has norovirus in it, including swimming pool water
- Cleaning up vomit or diarrhea without using protective equipment, such as gloves and a mask
“People sick with norovirus shed large amounts of the virus in their vomit and feces,” the CDC reported.
How to avoid spreading norovirus?
Because norovirus is highly contagious, the CDC recommends following these tips to avoid getting sick and spreading the disease:
- Wash your hands well and frequently
- Clean and disinfect contaminated surfaces
- Cook seafood thoroughly and wash fruits and vegetables.
- Wash clothes with hot water
- Stay home when sick for 48 hours after symptoms stop
Related >> Respiratory diseases: learn how to prevent them and avoid contagion
How do you know if you have the flu or influenza?
La flu can cause mild to severe illness and potentially lead to death.
According to the CDC, symptoms may appear suddenly for those with the flu.
What are the symptoms?
- Fever
- Cough
- Sore throat
- Runny or stuffy nose
- Muscle or body aches
- Headache
- Fatigue
How is it spread?
People who are infected with the flu can spread the disease to others. The CDC suggests that flu viruses are “spread mainly by droplets made when people with the flu cough, sneeze, or talk.”
These droplets can land in the mouths or noses of people nearby or possibly be inhaled into the lungs.
How to avoid the flu?
The CDC says there are several ways to reduce your chances of getting or spreading the flu:
- Put on the flu vaccine
- Knowing how the flu spreads
- Know the symptoms
- Cover your cough and sneeze
- Clean your hands and surfaces
- Staying home when sick
How do you know if you have Covid-19?
The CDC indicates that the Covid-19 which is caused by a virus called SARS-CoV-2, “can be very contagious and spreads quickly.”
Possible symptoms include:
- Fever or chills
- Cough
- Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
- Tiredness
- Muscle, head or body aches
- New loss of taste or smell
- Sore throat
- Stuffy or runny nose
- Nausea or vomiting
- Diarrhea
“Symptoms may appear two to 14 days after exposure to the virus,” the CDC website says.
Should you get tested for Covid-19?
Although the flu and COVID-19 share common symptoms, the NCDHHS said that “over-the-counter COVID-19 home tests can be used” to diagnose the illness.
How to stop the spread of coronavirus?
The CDC recommends that everyone use “basic prevention strategies” to Protect themselves and others from Covid-19.
Tips include:
- Keep up to date with Covid-19 vaccines .
- Practice good hygiene
- Make measures for cleaner air
When sick:
- Stay home and away from others if you have respiratory symptoms.
- Seek medical attention immediately for get tested I receive treatment It is held risk factors for becoming seriously ill.
How do you know if you have RSV?
The CDC says respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) infects the nose, throat, and lungs, resulting in symptoms that “make it difficult to distinguish from the common cold or other respiratory viruses.”
“Although this virus generally does not cause serious illness in healthy adults and children, some people with RSV, especially older adults and very young infants, can become seriously ill and may need to be hospitalized,” the agency says.
Symptoms of RSV may include:
- Fever
- Cough
- Runny nose
- Wheezing in very young babies
- Trouble breathing
Can you get tested for RSV?
The agency notes that testing is not generally necessary to diagnose RSV. However, it can help diagnose complications or rule out other respiratory viruses that can cause similar symptoms.
These tests may include chest X-rays, swabbing of the inside of the mouth or nose, pulse oximetry to check oxygen levels, and blood tests.
How to treat RSV
Treatment for RSV usually involves self-care measures, although hospital care may be necessary if severe symptoms occur.
A doctor may recommend an over-the-counter medication such as Tylenol to reduce fever, or saline nose drops and suction to clear nasal congestion.
Your doctor may prescribe antibiotics if there is a bacterial complication, such as bacterial pneumonia.
The patient should drink plenty of fluids and watch for signs of dehydration, such as dry mouth, little or no urine output, sunken eyes, and irritability or extreme drowsiness.
Hospitals may treat RSV with intravenous fluids, humidified oxygen, or a ventilator in the most severe cases.
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