[Winter tends to be peak season for respiratory viruses, and this year is no different in the United States. People are getting sick with acute respiratory illnesses and visiting health care providers at high levels, according to data from the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Seasonal flu levels are elevated across the country and increasing in many parts, while Covid-19 has also increased in most areas.
Most people with symptoms of respiratory illness do not need to be tested. According to Dr. Leana Wen, an emergency physician and clinical associate professor at George Washington University, “Most people with symptoms of respiratory illness do not need to be tested. That’s because there are hundreds of viruses that can cause the common cold, and most healthy people with run-of-the-mill symptoms like a runny nose, congestion, and fatigue don’t need testing to identify the type of virus or to distinguish between these viruses from the flu or Covid-19.”
However, there are two instances where people should consider testing. The first is if they would qualify for antiviral treatment for Covid-19 or influenza, and the second is if they are very ill. For people who are very sick, further testing may be recommended to identify whether they have a virus or a bacterial infection, and whether they need antibiotics.
Dr. Wen stressed that people should see a health care professional in the following instances: to receive antiviral treatment if they are eligible, to alleviate severe or persistent symptoms, and to investigate concerning and unusual symptoms.
Over-the-counter treatments that are helpful include acetaminophen and ibuprofen for fever and body aches, and dextromethorphan, oxymetazoline, and pseudoephedrine for cough and congestion. However, it is important to always read the label and follow instructions for use, and to be aware of potential interactions with other medications.
To reduce the risk of contracting respiratory viruses, Dr. Wen recommends practicing good hand hygiene, washing hands regularly with soap and water, and using hand sanitizer if soap and water are not available. Individuals with a fever and active respiratory symptoms should stay away from others, especially those most vulnerable to severe illness. Vulnerable individuals should also consider taking additional precautions, including masking in indoor crowded settings.
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