Healthy Living

To minimize the spread of germs in public, it’s essential to practice good hygiene and be mindful of your surroundings. Regularly washing your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after touching common surfaces or using the restroom, is crucial. If soap and water aren’t available, use a hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol. Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or your elbow when you cough or sneeze, and dispose of tissues immediately. Avoid touching your face, particularly your eyes, nose, and mouth, as germs can easily enter your body this way. Maintaining physical distance from others, especially if they appear unwell, and wearing a mask in crowded or poorly ventilated areas can also help reduce the spread of germs. Lastly, staying home when you’re feeling sick prevents spreading illness to others.

 What are the latest COVID symptoms to look for?

• Runny nose.
• Cough.
• Sore throat.
• Fever.
• Chills.
• Body aches.
• Fatigue.

 WHAT TO DO IF YOU FEEL SICK

 Step 1: Stay away from other people, and get tested

• Stay home and away from other people–except to get medical care. 
• Take a COVID-19 test as soon as possible. Most doctor's offices, health centers, and some pharmacies offer testing. If you want to test at home, you may be able to pick up free tests in your community. 

Step 2: Talk to a medical professional

• Talk to a healthcare provider right away about testing and/or treatment, even if your symptoms are mild.
• If you don't have a provider, find a community health center near you. Health centers provide care to patients regardless of ability to pay.

If you have trouble breathing or notice any of these warning signs, seek medical care right away.

The FDA has approved or authorized several antiviral medications to treat mild-to-moderate COVID-19 in people who are more likely to get very sick from COVID-19. All treatments require a prescription from a healthcare provider.

• Paxlovid (nirmatrelvir/ritonavir) and Lagevrio (molnupiravir) are pills you can take. You have to start taking them within five days of your first symptoms.
• Veklury (remdesivir) is an intravenous (IV) infusion that is given at a doctor’s office. It must be started within seven days of your first symptoms. 
• Treatments are not a substitute for vaccination. Vaccines offer the best protection against COVID-19.

Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is a common respiratory virus that infects the lungs and breathing passages. It’s particularly prevalent in infants and young children, with most children having been infected by age two1. RSV typically causes mild, cold-like symptoms such as a congested or runny nose, dry cough, low-grade fever, sore throat, and headache. However, it can lead to severe respiratory illness, especially in infants, older adults, and individuals with weakened immune systems or chronic heart and lung diseases.

In severe cases, RSV can cause bronchiolitis (inflammation of the small airways in the lung) or pneumonia, leading to symptoms like wheezing, rapid breathing, and bluish skin due to lack of oxygen. The virus spreads through respiratory droplets when an infected person coughs or sneezes, and it can also survive on surfaces, making it easy to contract through touch.

Preventative measures include frequent hand washing, avoiding close contact with sick individuals, and cleaning frequently touched surfaces. There are also vaccines available for older adults and immunizations to protect infants.

If you suspect you have RSV, here are some steps you can take:

1. Rest and Hydrate: Ensure you get plenty of rest and drink fluids like water, tea, or broth to stay hydrated.
2. Manage Symptoms: Over-the-counter medications like acetaminophen (Tylenol) or ibuprofen (Advil) can help reduce fever and alleviate pain. Using a saline solution can also help clear nasal congestion.
3. Monitor Symptoms: Keep an eye on your symptoms. If you experience severe symptoms such as difficulty breathing, wheezing, high fever, or bluish skin, seek medical attention immediately.
4. Avoid Spreading the Virus: To prevent spreading RSV to others, wash your hands frequently, cover your mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing, and avoid close contact with others.
5. Consult a Healthcare Provider: If your symptoms worsen or do not improve after a few days, contact your healthcare provider. They can perform tests to confirm if you have RSV and provide additional care if necessary.

Taking these steps can help manage your symptoms and prevent the spread of RSV to others.