Common Viruses Going Around Maryland This Flu Season

Common Viruses Circulating in Maryland This Season

As we head into the thick of flu season, Maryland residents should be aware of some of the common viruses going around their communities. Being informed about these illnesses can help you take steps to avoid getting sick and know when to seek medical care. Some of the most prevalent viruses in Maryland currently include influenza, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), norovirus, and COVID-19.

Influenza

The flu is a contagious respiratory illness caused by influenza viruses. The flu spreads easily through coughing, sneezing, and close contact. Symptoms come on suddenly and can include fever, chills, cough, sore throat, runny nose, body aches, headaches, and fatigue. Nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea may also occur. Most people recover from the flu in less than two weeks, but complications can be severe and even life-threatening in some cases. The flu shot is recommended every year for everyone 6 months and older.

Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV)

RSV is a common virus that leads to cold-like symptoms such as runny nose, cough, and fever. Nearly all children will have an RSV infection by age 2. For most, symptoms last about 1-2 weeks and clear up with supportive care. However, RSV can be dangerous for some infants, older adults, and people with weakened immune systems or chronic health conditions. Warning signs include difficulty breathing, high fever, and dehydration. RSV is highly contagious and spreads through coughing, sneezing, kissing, or touching contaminated surfaces.

Norovirus

Norovirus is an extremely contagious virus that causes inflammation of the stomach and intestines, leading to symptoms like diarrhea, vomiting, nausea, stomach pain, and fever. It spreads easily through contact with an infected person or contaminated food, water, or surfaces. Norovirus illness usually lasts about 1-3 days and resolves on its own. Staying hydrated is key. Norovirus outbreaks are common in crowded living areas like nursing homes, schools, and cruise ships.

COVID-19

The virus that causes COVID-19 continues to circulate. COVID spreads through respiratory droplets from coughing, sneezing, speaking, or breathing. Symptoms can include fever, cough, shortness of breath, fatigue, body aches, headache, loss of taste/smell, sore throat, runny nose, nausea/vomiting, and diarrhea. Most cases are mild, but COVID can lead to severe illness, complications, and death in some people. Vaccines and boosters provide good protection against severe disease. Wearing masks in public indoor spaces and avoiding crowds can also reduce risk.

How to Avoid Getting Sick

Here are some tips to avoid catching a virus this season when viruses are going around Maryland:

Get Vaccinated

Getting vaccinated is one of the best ways to protect yourself against certain viruses like the flu and COVID-19. The flu vaccine reduces risk of infection, hospitalization, and death. Its recommended yearly for everyone over 6 months old. COVID vaccines (and boosters) are critical tools to prevent severe illness and are recommended for everyone over 5 years old.

Wash Your Hands

Practicing good hand hygiene helps prevent the spread of viruses. Wash your hands frequently with soap and warm water for at least 20 seconds. When soap isn't available, use a hand sanitizer containing at least 60% alcohol. Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth with unwashed hands.

Clean and Disinfect

Many viruses can live on surfaces for hours or days. Clean frequently touched objects and surfaces with a disinfectant spray or wipe. This includes doorknobs, phones, keyboards, faucets, and counters. Use an EPA-approved disinfectant and follow label instructions for effective germ killing.

Avoid People who are Sick

Since viruses spread through contact with infected people, avoiding close contact can reduce your risk. Stay 6 feet away from anyone coughing, sneezing or showing other symptoms. Avoid crowds when contagious viruses are circulating. Stay home from work, school or running errands if youre ill.

Don't Share Personal Items

Sharing drinks, utensils, and other personal items can spread germs. Use your own plates, cups, toothbrushes, towels and bedding. Never share medications or medical supplies like inhalers with others.

Sleep and Eat Well

Adequate sleep and nutrition support a healthy immune system to help fight off viruses. Adults should aim for 7-9 hours of sleep per night. Eat plenty of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean protein. Stay hydrated with water and decaffeinated beverages.

Consider a Mask

Wearing a high-quality, well-fitting mask in public indoor spaces provides extra protection against viruses spread through respiratory droplets like flu, RSV and COVID-19. N95 and KN95 masks offer the most effective filtration compared to cloth or surgical masks.

What to Do If You Get Sick

Stay Home

If you develop symptoms of a contagious virus, stay home from school and work until youre no longer infectious. Isolating when sick prevents spread to others. Follow public health or doctor recommendations for safe return, usually after fever has resolved and symptoms improving.

Get Plenty of Rest

Rest allows your body to direct its energy towards fighting infection. Sleep, avoid strenuous activity, and take time off work or other obligations to recover. Stay home from events, religious services, and social activities even if you feel well enough to go.

Stay Hydrated

Drink extra fluids like water, broth, and electrolyte drinks. Staying hydrated thins mucus, loosens congestion, prevents dehydration from fever and vomiting, and keeps your immune system working properly.

Consider Over-the-Counter Medications

OTC medications can help relieve viral symptoms like fever, headaches, congestion and body aches. Acetaminophen and ibuprofen reduce fever. Decongestants, antihistamines, cough syrups, and nasal sprays help ease congestion, runny nose and cough. Follow dosing instructions carefully.

Monitor Symptoms

Monitor your symptoms closely and watch for any that indicate an emergency. Difficulty breathing, high fever not responding to medication, disorientation, prolonged vomiting, chest pain and pressure all warrant urgent medical care. Don't hesitate to call a doctor or go to an emergency room if concerned.

Consult a Doctor

Contact your doctor if symptoms dont improve after a few days or if they suddenly worsen. People at higher risk for viral complications like flu, RSV, or COVID-19 may benefit from prescription antiviral medications if given early in illness. Let your doctor know of any underlying medical conditions.

Preventing Viral Spread to Others

If you or someone in your household gets sick, follow these tips to help prevent spreading the virus to others:

Isolate the Infected Person

As much as possible, isolate the sick person in a separate room and keep common spaces well ventilated. Have them use a separate bathroom if available. The infected person should wear a mask and stay at least 6 feet from others.

Hand Hygiene

Everyone in the household should wash hands vigorously with soap and water after any contact with the infected person. Hand sanitizer is a good alternative if soap is unavailable.

Clean and Disinfect

Clean surfaces touched by the sick person with EPA-approved disinfectants. This includes bedside tables, doorknobs, bathrooms, keyboards, tablets, and phones. Strictly avoid any contact with items soiled by bodily fluids.

Avoid Sharing Personal Items

Do not share dishes, towels, bedding or electronics with the sick person. Eat or drink from separate utensils and wash afterward. Do not breathe in air exhaled by the infected person.

Monitor for Symptoms

Carefully monitor other household members for any signs of illness like fever, cough, or diarrhea. Isolate anyone who develops symptoms in another room. Call the doctor if symptoms dont improve or worsen.

Notify Close Contacts

Let close contacts like family members, friends, childcare facilities and employers know about the illness. This allows them to monitor themselves for symptoms and get tested or stay home if recommended.

Viruses in Maryland: Key Takeaways

Here are some key points to keep in mind about common viruses going around Maryland this season:

• Flu, RSV, norovirus and COVID-19 are some of the most prevalent viruses circulating in Maryland right now.
• Good hygiene practices like hand washing, surface cleaning, and avoiding sick contacts provides protection.
• Getting vaccinated against flu and COVID-19 is critical to prevent severe illness and complications.
• Isolating when sick and avoiding others if exposed prevents viral spread.
• Watch for signs of respiratory distress, high fever, dehydration or worsening illness as these indicate an emergency.
• Notify close contacts of illness to allow monitoring for symptoms and testing if warranted.

Being informed about symptoms, preventive measures, and when to seek care can help Maryland residents stay healthy even as viruses circulate in their communities. Consult your doctor or local health department for updates about viral illnesses in your area this season.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.