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As millions brace for peak virus season, winter illness prevention takes center stage in public health discussions.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports a surge in four major viruses—norovirus, COVID-19, influenza, and RSV—each requiring distinct prevention strategies. While avoiding all winter illnesses proves challenging, experts say understanding how these viruses spread empowers people to protect themselves and their families through simple yet effective measures.
According to the CDC guidelines, these illnesses show different signs. Norovirus brings vomiting and diarrhea that lasts one to three days. COVID-19 causes fever, cough, body aches, and sometimes loss of taste or smell for several days. Regular flu starts quickly with fever, cough, and tired feelings that can last up to two weeks. RSV leads to a runny nose, cough, and fever for one to two weeks.
To prevent winter illness, the CDC recommends washing hands well and often with soap, especially after using the bathroom and before touching food. Hand sanitizer with alcohol works against most viruses but not norovirus.
CDC advises cleaning surfaces often. Use bleach or approved cleaners on areas touched by someone with norovirus. For other viruses, clean things people touch often, like doorknobs and phones.
Shots help prevent some winter illnesses. Anyone over six months old can get COVID-19 and flu shots. People 60 and older and pregnant women can get RSV shots. No shots exist for norovirus.
Wear good masks in crowds, the CDC suggests. N95 or medical masks work best against breathing in viruses.
Keep your hands away from your face, health officials say. Viruses enter through eyes, nose, and mouth. Get enough sleep and drink plenty of water to stay healthy. Stay home if you feel sick to avoid spreading illness.
If you get sick, testing helps doctors know if you have COVID-19 or flu. This matters because medicines like Paxlovid (for COVID-19) and Tamiflu (for flu) can help if taken early. No medicine fights norovirus, but drinking water helps.
See a doctor if you:
- Feel very thirsty
- Rarely need to use the bathroom
- Feel dizzy standing up
- Have trouble breathing
- Keep a high fever
- Show signs of dehydration
These warning signs need quick attention, especially for young children, older adults, pregnant women, and people with weak immune systems. While avoiding all winter illnesses proves hard, the CDC notes that staying healthy helps.
