CNN
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With fall upon us, schools reopening, and the recent rise in COVID-19 cases, people are suffering from sniffles, coughs, and other cold-like symptoms.
What should I do if I have these symptoms? When should I get tested for coronavirus, influenza, or other viruses? What can I do to feel better? When should I see a doctor? Should I seek help? And what precautions should I take at school, work, and home?
To answer these questions, we spoke to CNN wellness medical expert Dr. Leena Wen. Wen is an emergency physician and George is a professor of health policy and management at the University of Washington Milken Institute School of Public Health. She previously served as the health commissioner for the city of Baltimore.
CNN: What should I do if I develop cold-like symptoms?
Dr. Liana Wen: Respiratory infections are very common, especially in winter.There is over 200 viruses That causes colds.It is estimated that children will pass 6 games Adults develop 2 to 4 episodes of respiratory illness. Cold-like symptoms usually go away without special treatment.
What people should do if they have these symptoms depends on their medical condition and the vulnerability of their family. There are some people who are extremely vulnerable to severe outcomes from viral illnesses such as COVID-19 and influenza. These people should receive antiviral treatment if they test positive to reduce the risk of hospitalization and death.
If you are over 65 years old, over 50 years old with an underlying medical condition, have a weakened immune system, or have a serious pre-existing condition that affects your heart or heart, please stay home if you develop cold-like symptoms. We recommend that you get tested for coronavirus disease (Covid-19). lung. If you test positive, you can take paxlobid if you qualify, and if you don’t, your health care provider can ask you for another oral antiviral, molnupiravir, or the injectable antiviral, remdesivir.
These people should also consider getting tested for the flu, especially if they develop a fever or body aches. If you have the flu, you should take Tamiflu, an antiviral drug that targets influenza.
It’s also important for people who live with people who are more likely to get tested for COVID-19 early and often. The coronavirus is highly contagious, so if you test positive, you can take proactive steps to isolate yourself from the high-risk people you live with.
Luis Alvarez/Digital Vision/Getty Images/File
Children experience about six respiratory illnesses each year, while adults experience two to four.
CNN: What about other viruses? For example, at what point should you get tested for respiratory syncytial virus (RSV)?
Wen: Some clinics routinely test for RSV as part of their viral panel. There is no targeted antiviral treatment for RSV, so a positive test does not change management.
For this reason, most people with cold-like symptoms do not need a viral panel. In some circumstances, your doctor may recommend a complete viral test. For example, in critically ill immunocompromised patients. However, most people do not need to know exactly which virus is causing their symptoms. This is because the treatment you receive will not change.
CNN: What precautions should people with cold-like symptoms take at school, work, and home?
Wen: Let’s look at each of these situations individually. Schools usually have policies regarding such illnesses. Most schools are not allowing children to return to school if they have severe virus symptoms, such as fever or vomiting. Some require a doctor’s note, while others require tests.
Your workplace may also have these protocols. When in doubt, stay home if you have a fever and active or new symptoms. If you must return to work, wear a well-fitting, high-quality mask when around other people, such as in conference rooms or when riding public transportation, to prevent infecting others. please.
The precautions you should take at home will depend on the vulnerability of the people you live with. If everyone is generally healthy, it’s not unreasonable to do the same things we did before COVID-19. Parents may decide that it’s not worth the extra effort to keep a sick child away, or to keep a symptomatic child away from an asymptomatic child. On the other hand, if you have a very vulnerable family member, such as an elderly grandparent with severe lung disease, that person should not be in the same room as the sick person.
CNN: What can people do to feel better?
Wen: People who have COVID-19 or influenza and are eligible to receive antiviral medications should take them during the early stages of the illness. In other cases, treatment is symptomatic.
This means drinking plenty of water to stay hydrated and getting plenty of rest. If you develop a fever or muscle aches, you can take Tylenol or ibuprofen. Other over-the-counter medications can also provide some relief from certain symptoms, such as stuffy nose and cough.
CNN: When should you seek medical attention?
Wen: Most people do not need to see a health care provider for viral illnesses like the common cold. Those who should be more careful are the elderly, the very young, and those with high-risk conditions. These people and their caregivers should contact you if you are concerned or think something is wrong, for example if an elderly person seems confused, if your baby is more restless or sleepy than usual, or if you have an underlying medical condition. You should be ready to seek medical help, such as if someone has it. A condition that appears to be getting worse.
Other reasons to seek medical help include an inability to keep fluids down, inability to keep diapers wet in small children, shortness of breath or difficulty breathing, and a fever that lasts more than a few days. You should also see a doctor if your symptoms, such as a sore throat or headache, worsen significantly.
Finally, people who are most susceptible to severe illness from COVID-19 and their families should be tested for coronavirus. Vulnerable people should plan ahead to receive antiviral treatment for both COVID-19 and influenza.
CNN: Lastly, can you remind us how people can protect themselves from getting these viruses?
Wen: We would like to emphasize that viral infections are very common and difficult to avoid. However, there are steps people can take to reduce their chances of infection.
These steps include careful hand washing. Viruses can be transmitted through frequently touched surfaces. Anyone going out should wash their hands or use hand sanitizer before touching their face or eating.
Depending on how important it is to you to avoid contracting the virus, you can take additional steps, such as avoiding crowded indoor spaces and wearing a high-quality mask around others. Of course, I would encourage people to stay up-to-date on vaccines, including the COVID-19 vaccine, the influenza shot, and, if eligible, the novel respiratory syncytial virus vaccine.
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