Written by Tanya Terry
Photos courtesy of CKC Agency
Featured photo: Dr. Muna Beeai
As you have probably noticed, there are a number of respiratory viruses, including the common cold, influenza and COVID-19 circulating in Flint this winter.
The Courier talked to Dr. Muna Beeai, staff physician with Teladoc Health, about how to distinguish the viruses from each other, and, most importantly, what we can do to prevent and treat them.
Distinguishing the symptoms
Beeai pointed out the flu, or influenza, tends to have a sudden acute start, and symptoms are severe at the onset, such as body aches, headache and a fever. Loss of appetite, fatigue and weakness can occur a day or two later. Sore throat and nasal congestion can also occur.
“While not everyone will experience all these symptoms, it’s important to understand the differences between the flu and other common viruses at this time of year,” Beeai said.
Beeai also pointed out COVID-19 symptoms are very similar to influenza, which is what makes it difficult to differentiate them. However, with COVID-19, other symptoms may also occur at the same time and start early, such as abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea.
“My experience is that the fever tends to be slightly higher with COVID-19, and headaches as well as sore throat tend to be more severe,” stated Beeai. “This obviously does not include all people with the infection. The different strains that we see of COVID-19 can cause different presentation, both in severity and in prevalence of symptoms. The symptoms seen early in the COVID-19 pandemic, such as loss of smell and loss of taste, are still seen occasionally, but not as frequently today. However, the presence of the above symptoms, in addition to loss of taste and smell, is still pretty consistent with the diagnoses of COVID-19 and can differentiate it from the regular influenza.
Norovirus is another common virus, although unlike influenza and COVID-19, it is not a respiratory virus but a gastrointestinal infection.
“It is often seen in more vulnerable populations, such as young children and the elderly. Fever and body aches can occur, but the predominant symptoms are often nausea, vomiting, diarrhea and severe weakness. Transmission is most commonly through contamination of food or directly from person to person. Norovirus is not necessarily a winter virus, and in fact it’s more common to be seen in other seasons of the year. The infection can spread rapidly, especially if consuming raw seafood such as oysters.”
Focusing on prevention
As dispiriting as the fact these viruses are currently spreading rapidly is, Beeai said there is a lot that can be done to prevent the spread of these infections. First, like during the pandemic, she suggests frequent handwashing for at least 20 seconds, avoiding droplet spread by coughing into your arm or elbow, disinfecting surfaces often such as door handles and kitchen counters, and considering wearing a mask if you are vulnerable to infections.
“These infections often spread throughout the whole family when one person is sick, so avoid contact as much as possible. At times, it is highly advisable to stay home from school or work, not only to get better, but also avoid further spreading the infection. Take precautions when traveling, as the chances of being exposed are much higher when people are ‘squeezed’ into a small area. I carry disinfectant wipes with me to wipe off the table or the handles when going to the bathroom for instance.
It is also very important that you are staying as healthy as possible by getting enough sleep and hydrating well daily. Exercise and eating a well-balanced diet helps keep our immune systems up. Supplements such as vitamin C and zinc have become popular and can be beneficial especially in people who may not be eating enough fruits and vegetables daily that contain these elements. “
Effectively treating the illnesses
According to Beeai, treatment is usually supportive care; bedrest and proper hydration, which means drinking different fluids, not just water.
“ I tell patients to aim for at least 64 to 80 ounces of different fluids daily. When feeling sick, it’s common to not eat well and deplete our bodies’ sources of energy, so certain drinks like juices, soups and herbal teas as well as supplements like Pedialyte and Gatorade are highly recommended. Symptomatic management also includes over-the-counter medications, cold medicines with Tylenol or NSAIDs, within reasonable dose following instructions on the package, and cough expectorants are very useful to help with airway congestion. And time! “
About Teladoc
Teladoc Health is the largest telehealth provider in the US and has physicians and nurse practitioners readily available. These medical providers can order tests and prescribe medication. Teladoc Health includes access to care with a single-entry point providing a full spectrum of both virtual and in-person healthcare. Services include wellness and prevention, acute care, referrals and more.
Teladoc Health offers a wide range of whole-health services and wellness care to help you reach your health goals from nutrition, weight management and health coaching, to specific program goals like tobacco cessation. . Mental healthcare, dermatology, nutrition and back and joint care is also available through Teladoc Health.
For details, visit www.teladochealth.com
