Sniffles at this time of year are typically caused by COVID, the flu, or RSV.
This winter, experts warn that a variety of other ailments could be the cause of your illness.
“We’ve seen an enormous number of other viral diseases, just enteroviruses, rhinoviruses, and others that have been going on for several weeks, and more than flu and RSV,” said Dr. David Weber to UNC Hospitals.
Weber shared. UNC Hospitals have observed more than usual cases of mycoplasma pneumonia, with an average of 50 positive cases each week.
Mycoplasma pneumonia, also known as atypical or walking pneumonia, has been on the rise countrywide for some months, particularly among children.
“It does peak a little bit in the winter, but it also has peaks and valleys that last over several years and we seem to be in a peak,” according to Weber.
The doctor also stated that pertussis, popularly known as whooping cough, has been on the rise.
Flu and RSV cases have steadily grown in North Carolina over the last few weeks.
According to the most recent respiratory virus dashboard data, respiratory symptoms accounted for around 9% of emergency department visits statewide and 1,167 hospitalizations as of December 14.
Weeks later, Weber believes the current figure is significantly higher following massive meetings.
“We usually see a boost of these diseases after Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year’s, people traveling, in large groups, religious ceremonies, and we have seen that this year,” says Weber. “All respiratory viruses, particularly RSV, COVID, and influenza, do better in colder temps and lower humidity.
Plus, we spend more time indoors and heat our houses, which dries out our mucus membranes, making us more susceptible.”
The majority of the present illnesses have similar symptoms, such as cough, fever, runny or stuffy nose, headache, and sore throat.
According to Weber, getting vaccinated and tested early is vital for lowering the chance of serious infection.
“For our outpatients, we do a 4-Plex test that tests for COVID, RSV and the two types of influenza A and B,” according to Weber. “We have medicine for influenza, but it must be started within two days of the first symptoms.
For COVID, we have oral medicines that can be administered as outpatients. Those have to be begun within five days of the onset of symptoms, so if you’re in that older category or have underlying conditions, you don’t want to wait and say, ‘Well, let me wait if I become sicker over the next several days.'”
According to the doctor, at-home combination COVID-Flu tests can assist narrow down the cause of your illness.
According to Weber, bacterial diseases can typically be treated later, whereas viral diseases must be treated early with drugs.
Those who are sick should stay home from work and school for at least 24 hours after their symptoms have improved and they have maintained a fever-free state without medication.
Weber recommended that people recuperating from COVID infections wear a mask for five days to limit the risk of spreading the virus.