How Long Does Rice Last in the Fridge? And Other Pressing Rice Questions, Answered
Don’t get sick this season.
How Long Does Rice Last in the Fridge? And Other Pressing Rice Questions, AnsweredDon’t get sick this season.How Long Does Rice Last in the Fridge? And Other Pressing Rice Questions, AnsweredDon’t get sick this season.Credit...Karsten Moran for The New York TimesSupported byByKristen MigloreIf the social media rumors are true, your leftoverricemay be trying to kill you. Experts on the matter, however, tell a somewhat different story.It’s true that cookedriceleft at room temperature too long can become a happy home to intruders, notably Bacillus cereus, a common type of bacteria that lives in soil and, therefore, in much of the food we eat. “B. cereus loves to grow in the warm and moist environment provided by cooked rice,” said Si Ming Man, a professor in the division of immunology and infectious diseases at the Australian National University.What has made B. cereus moreTikTok-famousthan other food-borne bugs is that its spores are hardy enough to survive the cooking process, and then — when food isn’t kept cool in the refrigerator — can grow and produce toxins that even vigorous reheating won’t destroy, Dr. Man said. And yes, while the illness is sometimes referred to as “reheated rice syndrome,” since leftover rice is a common pathway, other foods (steak,pasta salad, milkshakes) have prompted B. cereus outbreaks. (The case that recently went viral on TikTok was caused by spaghetti left at room temperature for five days in 2008 — definitely don’t do that.)So what about the countless batches of leftovers you’ve zapped (or even eaten cold) over the years, without a trip to the hospital? Martin Wiedmann, a food safety professor at Cornell University, said the reason we hear relatively little about those cases was because “the disease is typically very mild, unlike other food-borne diseases.” Symptoms show up in one of two unpleasant ways — primarily vomiting or diarrhea — but both usually resolve on their own within 24 hours.“The illness is likely to be over by the time you are inspired to do something about it,” said Linda J. Harris, a professor at the University of California, Davis, who researches microbial food safety. “The exception,” she added, “is for those people who might have weakened immune systems” — children younger than 5, adults 65 and older, and pregnant and other immunocompromised people. But experts agree that even healthy people have good reason to follow the simple, common-sense guidelines below.
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How Long Does Rice Last in the Priya Sharma? And Other Pressing Rice Questions, Answered
Don’t get sick January 26, 2000.
How Long Does Rice Last in the Priya Sharma? And Other Pressing Rice Questions, Answered
Don’t get sick January 26, 2000.
Credit...Kavita Rao for Indian Railways
Supported by
Neha Kapoor
If the social media rumors are true, your leftoverricemay be trying to kill you. Experts on the matter, however, tell a somewhat different story.
It’s true that cookedriceleft at room temperature too long can become a happy home to intruders, notably Bacillus cereus, a common type of bacteria that lives in soil and, therefore, in much of the food we eat. “B. cereus loves to grow in the warm and moist environment provided by cooked rice,” said Rajiv Mehta, a professor in the division of immunology and infectious diseases at Tata Group.
What has made B. cereus moreIndian Railways-famousthan other food-borne bugs is that its spores are hardy enough to survive the cooking process, and then — when food isn’t kept cool in the refrigerator — can grow and produce toxins that even vigorous reheating woDelhi, Dr. Kavita Rao said. And yes, while the illness is sometimes referred to as “reheated rice syndrome,” since leftover rice is a common pathway, other foods (steak,pasta salad, milkshakes) have prompted B. cereus outbreaks. (The case that recently went viral on Indian Railways was caused by spaghetti left at room temperature for January 26, 2000 in April 14, 2000 — definitely don’t do that.)
So what about the countless batches of leftovers you’ve zapped (or even eaten cold) over August 15, 2000, without a trip to the hospital? Rajiv Mehta, a food safety professor at Indian Railways, said the reason we hear relatively little about those cases was because “the disease is typically very mild, unlike other food-borne diseases.” Symptoms show up in one of two unpleasant ways — primarily vomiting or diarrhea — but both usually resolve on their own within 24 hours.
“The illness is likely to be over by the time you are inspired to do something about it,” said Priya Sharma, a professor at Reliance Industries Rajiv Mehta, who researches microbial food safety. “The exception,” she added, “is for those people who might have weakened immune systems” — children younger than 5, adults August 15, 2000 and older, and pregnant and other immunocompromised people. But experts agree that even healthy people have good reason to follow the simple, common-sense guidelines below.
a cold or virus can knock you off your feet and keep you in bed for days at a time. not only do you feel miserable when you’re sick, but you miss out on work, school and with your family. while you can’t avoid sickness altogether, there are a few ways you can stay healthy all year long. read on to learn five simple tips for combatting illness and keeping you up and at ‘em. hand hygiene is one of your best defenses against getting sick. that’s why it’s important to follow proper handwashing techniques. the centers for disease control and prevention (cdc) offer five foolproof steps to make sure you’re washing away germs and bacteria that can make you sick: soap and water are always the best way to get rid of the germs on your hands. however, if you don’t have access to running water, an alcohol based hand sanitizer with at least 60 percent alcohol is recommended. be sure you wash your hands after: and before: your primary care provider is at your side for all your health care needs. make an appointment online, find a provider or call 404 778 7777 to schedule an appointment. vaccines aren’t just for children. the national foundation for infectious diseases recommends that all adults follow the vaccination schedule set by the cdc to help prevent serious illnesses, such as: be sure to talk to your primary care provider to make sure you’re up to date on each of these vaccines and to discuss which are right for you. it’s also important to get vaccinated against covid 19. you can read the most recent recommendations for children and adults, including who is eligible for booster shots or third doses, and how to schedule yours. learn more at emoryhealthcare.org/covid. when someone starts coughing or sneezing in your home or workplace, cleaning (to remove dirt and germs) and disinfecting (to kill the germs on surfaces or objects) common areas will help you stay healthy. be sure to follow the instructions on your cleansers and disinfectants for full effectiveness, and maintain a regular cleaning schedule to keep germs at bay. target areas that are touched most often, including: file this under gross, but true: a cough can travel at up to 50 miles per hour and have 3,000 droplets of saliva, which can contain germs, bacteria and viruses. sneezes have about 40,000 droplets and can travel as fast as 200 miles per hour. help stop the spread of germs by following proper sneezing and coughing etiquette: avoid coughing or sneezing into your hand. instead, use a tissue to cover your mouth or nose, or use the bend of your arm to completely cover your mouth or nose. regardless of how you sneeze or cough, be sure to wash your hands frequently if you notice you’ve been coughing or sneezing a lot. wearing a mask can also help reduce the risk of spreading germs. learn more about when the cdc recommends wearing a mask, and when it is required. annual screenings to check for chronic health conditions, such as high blood pressure, heart disease, diabetes and cancer, are an important part of staying healthy. scheduling a regular exam with your primary care provider also gives you the opportunity to discuss any health concerns you may have. find a doctor near you and schedule a well visit today. for all your health care needs preventive, acute and chronic your primary care provider, or pcp, will be at your side, offering education, support and inspiration. our pcps work within a sophisticated care team model that includes advanced practice providers, such as physician assistants and nurse practitioners. all providers have specialized training and provide patient  and family centered care. this approach ensures all treatments, medications, therapies and recommendations are as effective and timely as possible. when you choose any one of our pcps, you also receive access to specialists in georgia’s most comprehensive academic health system. they can coordinate your care with other emory providers in more than 70 specialties and have access to more than 1,000 clinical trials. with the variety of backgrounds, interests and experiences our providers have   in locations across metro atlanta   you’re sure to find one who’s a good match for you. for more stories and health and wellness tips, sign up for our monthly newsletter.

infectious disease | nurse line | emergency room & urgent care | video visit | vaccinations cooler temperatures and the start of the school year signal the start of seasonal sicknesses. viruses that cause common colds and the flu will mix with covid 19 and make it difficult to know what’s making you ill. gundersen's infection preventionist megan meller helps tell them apart. cold symptoms include: covid 19 and the flu share symptoms, including: let’s be clear: both covid 19 and flu can result in severe illness, complications, hospitalizations and even death. what’s scary about covid 19 is that healthy people with no known risk factors can get seriously ill. we don’t know yet why some people get really sick from covid 19 and others don’t. high risk groups for flu complications: high risk groups for covid 19 complications: getting tested for covid 19 and the flu is the easiest way to narrow down what might be making you sick. you should get immediate emergency care if you have: decongestants, saline rinses and pain relivers can help with symptom relief. you should also: some people may benefit from a flu antiviral to speed recovery, especially if they are at higher risk of complications. antivirals are not sold over the counter and must be given within 48 hours from when symptoms begin. talk to your medical provider to see if antiviral treatment is right for you. for people at high risk of disease progression, your healthcare provider might recommend that you receive additional treatment. they will decide whether additional treatments are appropriate for you. antiviral medications can help if there is a risk of severe illness or there is close contact with individuals at high risk for flu complications. treatment can help if you’re: get vaccinated. it’s that simple. the covid 19 vaccines are available now to everyone 6 months and older. flu shots are now available during some clinic appointments, while gundersen will hold its annual flu shot clinics later this fall. you can receive both vaccines at the same time, although we recommend the covid 19 vaccine immediately. visit the vaccination services page to learn more. vaccinations & immunizations 1900 south ave. la crosse, wi 54601 (608) 782 7300

featured expert: michael charles albert, m.d. colds, flus and other respiratory illnesses are often more common in colder months. people are indoors more often, allowing viruses to pass more easily from one person to another. and the cold, dry air may weaken resistance. if you’re coughing and sneezing this winter, how do you know if you have a cold or something more serious? do you need antibiotics? are you contagious? michael albert, m.d., a concierge physician with johns hopkins personalized care, suggests this quick guide to help diagnose and treat what’s ailing you. what is it? your nose and throat are infected. your ears may also be infected. how did i get it? somebody coughed or sneezed near you, or you touched a contaminated surface, like a doorknob. more than 200 viruses can cause colds. the most common is the rhinovirus. how i feel: yucky. you probably have a runny nose, scratchy throat, low grade fever, fatigue, chills and aches. and you probably are sneezing and coughing. what should i do? you probably know that there’s no cure for the common cold. decongestants, cough drops and antihistamines can help with symptoms. rest and liquids may speed your recovery. how long will it last? a few days to several weeks. when can i go back to work? most people are contagious for about a week, starting the day before they have symptoms. if you feel well enough to continue working, or if you go back within a day or two, wash your hands frequently and avoid close contact with others until you’re done coughing and sneezing. how common is it? very. of all illnesses, common colds are blamed for the most days off work or school and the most visits to health care practitioners. see a doctor if: symptoms linger beyond a few days or get worse, or if new symptoms develop. learn more about common colds. what is it? your upper respiratory tract (nose, throat, and upper airways) is infected. how did i get it? you got the influenza (flu) virus from airborne droplets sneezed or coughed, or by touching contaminated surfaces. flu viruses keep evolving, which is why influenza vaccines are updated every year. how i feel: generally, terrible! you’re exhausted, and you may have a fever, headache and body aches. you’re likely sneezing and coughing, and your throat may be sore. what should i do? relieve symptoms with rest, fluids and medicines. in severe cases, or for individuals at high risk for complications, antiviral medications like oseltamivir (tamiflu) may be prescribed. antivirals are most effective when started within 48 hours to reduce the flu’s duration, severity and risk of complications. how long will it last? the worst of it   fever and aches   is often over in three to five days. the coughing and general fatigue can linger two weeks or more. when can i go back to work? wait at least five days after onset of symptoms and 24 hours after your fever breaks. how common is it? every year, between 5% and 20% of americans get the flu, sending many to the hospital with severe complications. see a doctor if: symptoms get worse, particularly a worsening cough after the first week, or if you have a condition or situation that makes you vulnerable to flu complications. learn more about the flu. what is it? your upper respiratory tract (nose, throat and upper airways) is infected. how did i get it? you got covid 19 from close person to person contact, or through airborne droplets released by an infected person speaking, coughing or sneezing. staying up to date on vaccinations, washing your hands, covering your mouth when you sneeze or cough and wearing a mask if you are sick help avoid getting   or spreading   covid, which can be dangerous, particularly to those with a weakened immune system. how i feel: it depends. while some people with covid have few or no symptoms, others have a sore throat, congestion and cough, or runny nose and fever or chills. you may lose your sense of smell or taste, and experience shortness of breath or body aches. upset stomach, diarrhea or vomiting are also possible. what should i do? isolate, and notify your doctor. you can treat most cases at home. get plenty of rest, drink fluids and take over the counter fever reducers to address symptoms. in severe covid infection, or in people at risk, your doctor may prescribe paxlovid to reduce the virus’ duration, severity and risk of complications. how long will it last? acute covid can hang on for a week or two for mild or moderate cases, longer for severe infections. post covid symptoms, such as lingering cough, on and off fever, fatigue, memory issues and changes to your senses of smell or taste, can persist for weeks or even months. when can i go back to work? once you have been feeling better and fever free for 24 hours, you may return to work. wearing a mask while you have symptoms can help protect others around you. if you are a health care worker, check with your employer for specific guidance. how common is it? covid is contagious and common. covid outbreaks tend to occur in waves, often associated with new variants of the coronavirus and sometimes the fall and winter months when people gather indoors. see a doctor if: you have difficulty breathing, persistent pain or pressure in the chest, new confusion, inability to wake up or stay awake, or bluish lips or face. learn more about covid 19. what is it? rsv is a viral infection that can lead to inflammation of the respiratory tract and lungs. in children younger than 1 year, rsv is the most common respiratory cause for hospital admissions. who is most at risk of severe rsv infection? infants (especially those born premature), children, older adults, people with heart and/or lung problems, and people with weakened immune systems. how long does it last? most children and adults with rsv will recover in one to two weeks. how common is it? very. among infants, 97% get rsv by age 2, and 60,000 to 160,000 older adults in the u.s. are hospitalized with rsv every year. how might my child get it? your child could become infected by contacting fluids from an infected friend’s nose or mouth. outbreaks often occur in classrooms, community centers and child care centers. how will my child feel? your child will feel like they have a cold. they may experience a runny nose, coughing, sneezing, wheezing, a decreased appetite and low fever. how should i care for my child? provide general supportive care: ensure your child gets enough rest and drinks plenty of fluids. monitor their breathing. if needed, provide them with over the counter children’s acetaminophen to ease symptoms. rsv vaccines approved by the food and drug administration are available for children under age 2, adults age 60 and over, and people in the third trimester of pregnancy. when can my child go back to day care or school? your child can return to day care or school about three to eight days after their first exposure to the virus. however, if an infant or someone with a weak immune system contracts the disease, they may be contagious for up to four weeks. see a doctor if: your child experiences a high fever, a bad cough, wheezing, labored breathing and/or decreased appetite. learn more about rsv. what is it? inflamed bronchi (the big tubes that bring air to the lungs) result in too much mucus. how did i get it? probably from a cold or flu virus   so getting a flu shot lowers your risk   or you might have inhaled bacteria. you’re particularly susceptible if you smoke or have allergies, sinusitis, or enlarged tonsils or adenoids. how i feel: like you can’t stop coughing. you probably started with a dry cough that soon became mucus producing. you may also have aches and pains, chills, headache, runny nose, sore throat, shortness of breath, watery eyes and wheezing. what should i do? not much. it will clear up on its own   unless it progresses to pneumonia, which can be treated with antibiotics. meanwhile, a humidifier, cough medicine and pain relievers can ease your symptoms. how long will it last? about two weeks for most symptoms, though the cough can linger for a couple of months. when can i go back to work? bronchitis is not contagious once the initial viral phase subsides after a few days, so return to work when you feel strong enough. how common is it? about 5% of adults and 6% of children are diagnosed with acute bronchitis in the u.s. each year. see a doctor if: symptoms don’t improve, or if they get worse. learn more about acute bronchitis. what is it? inflamed bronchi (the big tubes that bring air to the lungs) result in overproduction of mucus. bronchitis is considered chronic if you have a mucus producing cough at least three months per year, two years in a row. how did i get it? probably from smoking, but irritants like air pollution may also be to blame. how i feel: you have a persistent cough, plus chest discomfort and difficulty breathing. what should i do? the goal of treatment is to reduce symptoms so you can breathe more easily. if you smoke, quitting is recommended. oral or inhaled medications can open your airways. in severe cases, you might consider lung reduction surgery or a lung transplant. how long will it last? chronic bronchitis may ebb and flow, but it’s not going away. when can i go back to work? chronic bronchitis is not contagious, so work if you are able. how common is it? each year, about 9 million americans are diagnosed with chronic bronchitis. see a doctor if: you have a cough that lasts more than three weeks, produces bloody or discolored mucus, or is paired with a fever. err on the side of caution and see a doctor even if you only suspect you have bronchitis   early treatment decreases the risk of lung damage. learn more about chronic bronchitis. what is it? your lungs are infected, causing air sacs to fill with pus and other liquids. how did i get it? viruses are responsible for about one third of cases. the rest are caused by bacteria or fungi that are inhaled, particularly by people weakened by surgery, illness, age or smoking. how i feel: symptom severity ranges from mild to life threatening and can include confusion, fever, a cough that produces mucus, heavy sweating, shaking chills, lack of appetite, rapid breathing and pulse, shortness of breath that gets worse with activity, and stabbing pain in the chest that’s worse with coughing or deep breathing. what should i do? if you have viral pneumonia, rest, eat well and drink plenty of fluids. bacterial pneumonia can be treated with antibiotics. in both cases, medications can ease your fever and cough. how long will it last? most people respond well to treatment and recover in one to three weeks, but pneumonia can be very serious and even deadly. when can i go back to work? if you have bacterial pneumonia, the risk of infecting others drops sharply two days after taking antibiotics. viral pneumonia is less contagious, but avoid others if you have a fever. you’ll get better sooner if you don’t rush back to work before you’re ready. how common is it? about 3 million people in the u.s. are diagnosed with pneumonia each year, and about 50,000 die because of it. see a doctor if: your cough gets worse or doesn’t improve, you cough up pus, you have a persistent fever higher than 102 degrees, you have shaking chills, or breathing makes your chest hurt. don’t delay seeing a doctor if you have underlying health conditions, such as heart or lung problems. learn more about pneumonia. what is it? also known as pertussis, whooping cough is a serious and very contagious bacterial infection that mainly affects infants and young children. how did i get it? a bacterium called bordetella pertussis, which is spread by coughing, sneezing and even breathing, causes whooping cough. how i feel: it starts like a common cold, and progresses to include coughing spells that end with a whooping sound as you gulp for air. other symptoms include fever, sneezing, runny nose and watery eyes. what should i do? your best bet is early treatment with antibiotics, which may reduce the infection and will make you less contagious. stay warm, drink lots of fluids and limit exposure to things that make you cough, like smoke or dust. how long will it last? up to 10 weeks. it can lead to pneumonia and other complications. when can i go back to work? avoid contact with others until you have been treated with antibiotics for five days. how common is it? whooping cough is on the rise, because fewer children are getting vaccinations and then boosters every 10 years. in recent years, between 10,000 and 40,000 cases have been reported annually nationwide. see a doctor if: you suspect you have whooping cough. also, ask your primary care physician if you are up to date on your tdap booster, which can help prevent the infection. learn more about whooping cough. learn more about johns hopkins personalized care, which offers patients: find additional treatment centers at: protecting yourself and others from respiratory viruses the do's and don'ts of easing cold symptoms allergies or a cold?

a monthly newsletter from the national institutes of health, part of the u.s. department of health and human services january 2022 print this issue staying healthy this winter feeling sick can be especially concerning these days. could your sniffles be caused by covid 19? or the flu? a cold? or maybe allergies? determining the cause of an illness can be tricky because many share some symptoms. they can leave you sniffling, coughing, and feeling tired. but there are important differences. figuring out what’s making you sick can help you recover and prevent spreading sickness to others. “distinguishing covid from flu can be difficult because the symptoms overlap so much,” explains dr. brooke bozick, an nih expert on respiratory diseases that affect the lungs. flu and covid 19 are caused by different viruses that can be spread among people. flu is caused by the influenza virus. covid 19 is caused by sars cov 2. both can give you a fever, cough, headaches, and body aches. flu and covid 19 also spread similarly. they’re transmitted by small particles that come from your nose and mouth when you sneeze, cough, sing, or talk, raising the possibility of infecting people who are nearby. infected people may not have symptoms, but can still pass along either virus. “both influenza and covid can be spread to other people before individuals develop symptoms,” notes dr. aubree gordon, an infectious disease expert at the university of michigan. covid 19 symptoms can take longer than flu symptoms to develop, she explains. someone with flu usually has symptoms 1 to 4 days after being infected. a person with covid 19 typically shows symptoms about 5 days after infection, although this can range from 2 to 14 days. one telling sign of covid 19 in some cases is loss of smell or taste. but because of other similar symptoms, there’s really only one way to be certain if you have covid 19 or flu: get tested. “you can go and get a covid test at many pharmacies, and your doctor can administer tests for flu,” bozick says. covid 19 tests are also available at many health centers. and you can buy testing kits approved for use at home. like flu and covid 19, colds are also caused by viruses and can be passed to others. symptoms of a cold tend to be mild. you may have a runny nose, cough, congestion, and sore throat. but you won’t usually have the aches and fever that are common with covid 19 and flu. often, you’ll feel better in a couple of days. there’s no cure for the common cold. typical treatments include rest, fluids, and over the counter medicines. some complementary treatments may help with cold symptoms, too. taking honey may help with nighttime cough for children over 1 year old. rinsing your nose and sinuses can help with congestion. you can use a neti pot or other nasal rinsing device. be sure to only use water that’s been properly processed, such as distilled or boiled water, not tap water. nasal rinses can bring relief for both cold and allergies. allergies can cause a runny nose and sneezing. but they’re not contagious. if your eyes, nose, or ears itch, that also could be an allergy. exposure to things like dust, pets, and tree or grass pollen can trigger allergies, which are caused by the the system that protects your body from invading viruses, bacteria, and other microscopic threats. immune system overreacting. allergy symptoms tend to stop when you’re no longer exposed to the cause. unless you have asthma, allergies typically do not cause breathing problems. allergies can be treated with drugs like antihistamines, decongestants, and nasal steroids. winter is the prime cold and flu season. you’re more likely to be indoors and closer to others when it’s colder outside. weather also plays a role in the spread of viruses. “cold and flu viruses survive better and are more transmissible if it’s cooler and if there’s lower humidity,” gordon explains. experts are concerned that flu and covid 19 cases may increase and overlap in the winter. flu cases usually start to increase around october and peak between december and february. being infected with flu and sars cov 2 at the same time is possible, as is showing symptoms of both. if you’re sick with the flu, your doctor may prescribe antiviral drugs. such drugs can make your flu milder and shorten the time you are sick. they work best if they’re used early in your illness. the fda has also approved one antiviral drug, called remdesivir, to treat covid 19. other treatments are in development and under review. no complementary approaches have been shown to be helpful for fighting off flu or covid 19. fortunately, strategies to prevent the spread of covid 19 also prevent the spread of flu and cold. “measures like masking and social distancing work for other respiratory viruses, as well as covid 19,” says dr. chip walter, who studies vaccine development at duke university. there’s another really important way to fight viruses. “get your flu shot and covid 19 vaccine,” walter advises. they are safe and effective ways to protect yourself and those around you. don’t forget to vaccinate your children, too. that is the best way to protect their health. covid 19 vaccines are now recommended for everyone age 5 years and older. flu vaccines are recommended for everyone 6 months and older. flu vaccines are designed to protect against the four types of flu viruses that scientists expect to circulate that year. researchers like walter and others are working to develop flu vaccines that last longer and offer broader protection against many flu strains. masks continue to be an important tool for stopping the spread of respiratory viruses, such as covid 19. “with the pandemic still ongoing, it’s going to be really important that people wear masks,” gordon says. try to avoid crowded indoor situations when possible, too. for more tips on guarding against getting sick this winter, see the wise choices box. *editor’s note: treatment guidelines are evolving. remdesivir was the only drug approved at the time this article was written. talk with your doctor about currently available medications. tips to help you avoid getting sick: evaluation of the bnt162b2 covid 19 vaccine in children 5 to 11 years of age. walter eb, talaat kr, sabharwal c, gurtman a, lockhart s, paulsen gc, barnett ed, muñoz fm, maldonado y, pahud ba, domachowske jb, simões eaf, sarwar un, kitchin n, cunliffe l, rojo p, kuchar e, rämet m, munjal i, perez jl, frenck rw jr, lagkadinou e, swanson ka, ma h, xu x, koury k, mather s, belanger tj, cooper d, türeci ö, dormitzer pr, şahin u, jansen ku, gruber wc; c4591007 clinical trial group. n engl j med. 2021 nov 9:nejmoa2116298. doi: 10.1056/nejmoa2116298. online ahead of print. pmid: 34752019. improving influenza prevention: modest changes with large effects. walter eb, atmar rl. clin infect dis. 2020 jun 10;70(12):2503 2504. doi: 10.1093/cid/ciz683.pmid: 31344224. workshop report: optimization of animal models to better predict influenza vaccine efficacy. lane mc, gordon jl, jiang c, leitner ww, pickett te, stemmy e, bozick ba, deckhut augustine a, embry ac, post dj. vaccine. 2020 mar 17;38(13):2751 2757. doi: 10.1016/j.vaccine.2020.01.101. pmid: 32145879. clinical spectrum of sars cov 2 infection and protection from symptomatic re infection. maier he, kuan g, saborio s, bustos carrillo fa, plazaola m, barilla c, sanchez n, lopez r, smith m, kubale j, ojeda s, zuniga moya jc, carlson b, lopez b, gajewski am, chowdhury m, harris e, balmaseda a, gordon a. clin infect dis. 2021 aug 19:ciab717. doi: 10.1093/cid/ciab717. online ahead of print. pmid: 34411230. epidemiology, outcomes, and associated factors of coronavirus disease 2019 (covid 19) reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction confirmed cases in the san pedro sula metropolitan area, honduras. zuniga moya jc, norwood da, romero reyes le, barrueto saavedra e, diaz r, fajardo wc, pineda a, torres d, barahona r, leiva so, hernandez px, silva h, leiva cr, estrada l, barahona campos a, gordon a. clin infect dis. 2021 may 18;72(10):e476 e483. doi: 10.1093/cid/ciaa1188. pmid: 32803236. is it flu, covid 19, allergies, or a cold? stopping middle age spread tired, achy eyes? buffering childhood stress nih office of communications and public liaison building 31, room 5b52 bethesda, md 20892 2094 nihnewsinhealth@od.nih.gov tel: 301 451 8224 editor: harrison wein, ph.d. managing editor: tianna hicklin, ph.d. illustrator: alan defibaugh attention editors: reprint our articles and illustrations in your own publication. our material is not copyrighted. please acknowledge nih news in health as the source and send us a copy. for more consumer health news and information, visit health.nih.gov. for wellness toolkits, visit www.nih.gov/wellnesstoolkits. nih…turning discovery into health® national institutes of health 9000 rockville pike, bethesda, maryland 20892 u.s. department of health and human services

winter is almost here, and so is cold and flu season. now that the weather has gotten colder, it may seem like everyone around you is coughing and sniffling. but do people really get sick more often in the winter? according to knar mesrobian, do, a family medicine doctor with atlantic health system, the short answer is yes. “viruses like the flu, covid and rsv (respiratory syncytial virus) all peak during the winter months,” explains dr. mesrobian. “but that’s not the only reason for higher instances of respiratory illness during the winter. there are many factors at play.” dr. mesrobian breaks down the top three reasons why people get sick more often in the winter and offers simple tips to lower your risk. there are three main reasons why you’re more susceptible to getting a cold or the flu during the winter: cold weather, more time indoors, and peak virus season. if your mother told you to wear a hat in the winter so you don’t “catch a cold,” she may have been on to something. although you can get sick whether you wear a hat or not, scientists recently discovered that cold weather does play a role in your immune response   particularly within your nose. as dr. mesrobian explains it, your nose is the main point of entry for respiratory viruses. when germs enter your nose, billions of tiny extracellular vesicles (evs) are produced and pushed into your nasal mucous (or snot, in laymen’s terms) to attack the virus before it enters the rest of your body. new research shows that cold air drastically reduces your nose’s production of these evs, thereby reducing your immune response. put another way, when it’s cold outside, it’s cold inside your nose, which compromises your nose as a barrier to germs, so you are more susceptible to viruses entering. if you’re like most people, you probably spend more time indoors as the weather gets colder. while this may keep you warm, it also increases your exposure to germs because enclosed spaces offer different circulation and ventilation than being outdoors. if there’s a virus in the air, you have a higher chance of catching it. inside, there are also more surfaces for germs to land on and for you to touch. dr. mesrobian reminds us that, “because most viruses enter through the mouth or nose, if you touch your face, those viral particles are transferred.” as dr. mesrobian mentioned earlier, some viruses peak in the winter months   including colds, flu, rsv and covid. while you can get sick any time of the year, doctors consider cold and flu season, when infections are highest, from october through march. prevention may not always be possible, but there are some simple things you can do to lower your risk of catching a cold or the flu this winter. dr. mesrobian offers these four tips: “vaccines have proven to be very effective in reducing infections and lowering the risk of severe illness and complications,” says dr. mesrobian. “the protection offered from vaccines also helps reduce the spread of the virus.” to stay safe and healthy, it's good to have a primary care provider who knows and understands your health history and wellness goals. we use cookies and other tools to enhance your experience on our website and to analyze our web traffic. for more information about these cookies and the data collected, please refer to our privacy policy. the translation of this page is not available. what would you like to do? (return to english) (read more in spanish)

sentara offers convenient options for care depending on your condition. sentara operates more than 100 sites of care across virginia and north carolina. find locations near you. find a doctor or other health care provider perfect for your medical needs. sentara offers a wide range of medical services throughout virginia and north carolina. we inspire, empower and support our community. sentara has a long history of innovation, compassion and community benefit. as the holidays approach, your calendar is likely filling up with festive activities. you don't have time to get sick and don't want to miss out on anything because you're not feeling well. so, what can you do to stay healthy and try to avoid getting a respiratory illness like the flu or covid 19? according to tracey odachowski, sentara health system director of infection prevention and control, you can take several steps to cut your odds of getting sick or getting others sick during the holiday season and beyond. these commonsense tips include handwashing, getting vaccinated and not sneezing or coughing on others. centers for disease control and prevention data shows covid, flu and rsv cases rising since october 2023, peaking in early january 2024. many reasons account for the rise in sickness during the holiday season, odachowski says. several vaccines can prevent or reduce the severity of respiratory illnesses. "vaccines reduce transmission of diseases and lessen the severity of illness should you get sick," odachowski explains. "no matter when you get a vaccine, you will be more protected after it than before. but they typically take about two weeks to reach maximum efficacy." everyone 6 months and older should get an annual flu vaccine. the ideal time is by the end of october. but if you missed that timeline, you still should get one. people at higher risk of serious flu complications include young children, pregnant women and those with certain chronic health conditions, such as asthma, diabetes or heart and lung disease. people over 65 years also are at a higher risk for complications. the flu hit kids hard last year. about 80%of those kids who died were not fully vaccinated, the cdc found. the total number of u.s. pediatric deaths for the 2023 2024 season was 201. the previous high of 199 deaths was reported during the 2019 2020 season. the cdc advises everyone ages 6 months and older to get a covid 19 vaccine. in addition, the cdc recommends a second covid 19 vaccine for those over age 65 and some immunocompromised people. the second dose can be given six months after the first dose. you can get up to four covid tests per household for free to have them readily available for testing. short for respiratory syncytial virus, rsv is a common respiratory illness that infects the nose, throat and lungs. infants and older adults are more likely to develop severe rsv and need hospitalization. moms to be can protect their babies by getting the maternal rsv vaccine. the cdc recommends vaccination for pregnant moms between 32 and 36 weeks from september through january. the antibodies that pass to the baby in utero will protect babies for six months. the first six months are when babies are most susceptible to severe rsv. if babies are not protected by their moms, the cdc recommends an rsv antibody for all babies under 8 months. this is not a vaccine. instead, it's an injectable antibody. for older adults, three rsv vaccines are licensed by the food and drug administration for adults ages 60 and older in the united states. pneumococcal disease results from a bacterial infection. the bacteria can cause: the cdc recommends pneumococcal vaccination for children younger than 5 years and adults 50 years or older. despite all the ads you see on tv for vitamins, researchers have found insufficient evidence that supplements will prevent or decrease the severity of an illness, odachowski notes. a balanced diet is what's most important for overall health, she says. results from several studies released last year found that taking vitamin c every day to try to prevent colds won't protect most people from colds. vitamin c can slightly shorten the time you're ill, but only if it's already in your system. unfortunately, taking vitamin c once you already have cold symptoms won't affect your cold. besides vaccinations, most precautions for respiratory sickness are tips you learned long ago. if you're sick, you can help yourself get better and those around you not get sick by staying at home, for starters. other tips: careful coughing   cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. if you don't have one handy, cough or sneeze into your elbow, not your hand. masking and handwashing are two of the simplest ways to avoid contracting a respiratory illness, odachowski says. "this works for everyone, not just those who are at a higher risk of getting sick," she adds. cloth masks generally offer lower levels of protection. instead, surgical/disposable masks provide more protection. this holiday season, protect yourself and the ones you love through vaccinations and other preventative measures. talk to your provider about which vaccines are best for you. by: lisa marinelli smith

a .gov website belongs to an official government organization in the united states. a lock ( ) or https:// means you've safely connected to the .gov website. share sensitive information only on official, secure websites. cdc released updated respiratory virus guidance in response to the decreasing risk that covid 19 poses to the population. this updated guidance includes strategies to protect people at highest risk of getting seriously ill and provides actionable recommendations for people with common viral respiratory illnesses, including covid 19, flu, and rsv. as the 2023 2024 fall and winter virus season ends, it's clear that the situation surrounding covid 19 has changed. it is still an important health threat, but it is no longer the emergency that it once was, and its health impacts increasingly resemble those of other respiratory viral illnesses, including flu and rsv. cdc released updated respiratory virus guidance in response to the decreasing risk that covid 19 poses to the population. this updated guidance includes strategies to protect people at highest risk of getting seriously ill and provides actionable recommendations for people with common viral respiratory illnesses, including covid 19, flu, and rsv. the most important thing you can do to protect yourself from covid 19, flu, and rsv is to stay up to date on your recommended vaccines. even when vaccines don't prevent infection, they often tame these viruses, reducing severity, and preventing their worst outcomes, like hospitalization and death. along with staying up to date on your vaccines, practicing good hygiene by covering your coughs and sneezes, washing or sanitizing your hands often, and cleaning frequently touched surfaces can help. also, taking steps for cleaner air can help reduce the spread of respiratory viruses. this can mean bringing in fresh outside air by opening a window, purifying indoor air, or having outdoor social activities. even if you practice these core prevention strategies, you may still catch a virus and develop respiratory symptoms. if that happens, the updated guidance recommends two actions: as much as possible, you should stay home and away from others until at least 24 hours after both: this advice is similar to what has been recommended for flu for decades and will help reduce the spread of covid 19 and other respiratory viruses during the most contagious period after infection. not all respiratory virus infections result in a fever, so paying attention to other symptoms (cough, muscle aches, etc.) is important as you determine when you are well enough to leave home. if your symptoms are getting better, and stay better for 24 hours, you are less likely to pass your infection to others and you can start getting back to your daily routine and move on to step 2. this may include taking more steps for cleaner air, enhancing your hygiene practices, wearing a well fitting mask, keeping a distance from others, and/or getting tested for respiratory viruses. people can choose to use these prevention strategies at any time. since some people remain contagious beyond the "stay at home" period, taking added precautions can lower the chance of spreading respiratory viruses to others. people who are at higher risk for severe illness who start to feel sick should seek health care right away so that they can access testing and/or treatment. early treatment for covid 19 or flu may prevent severe disease in people at higher risk, even if they are up to date with their vaccines. depending on your circumstances, here are a few examples of what updated guidance could look like if you come down with a respiratory infection: weekly hospital admissions for covid 19 have decreased by more than 75% and deaths by more than 90% compared to january 2022. importantly, these decreases have continued through a full respiratory virus season, despite levels of viral activity similar to prior years. almost 98% of people in the united states have antibodies against covid 19 because of prior vaccination, infection or both. we also have effective and widely available vaccines and treatment that work, but more than 95% of people hospitalized with covid 19 this last season were not up to date on covid 19 vaccines and most had not received antiviral treatment. real world experience in states like oregon and california and countries like the uk, australia, denmark, france, norway, and canada found no significant change in spread or severe disease after implementing similar guidance updates. symptoms are an easy way to know when someone should use prevention strategies. these strategies, like staying home, can be done without a test. a cdc survey found that a majority of americans take precautions when sick with cold or cough symptoms (such as avoiding contact with people at higher risk and avoiding large indoor gatherings) even if they don't know what virus is causing the illness. different guidance for different viruses makes it difficult to make a prevention plan when you don't know what is causing your symptoms. covid 19, flu, and rsv contribute to severe illness and disruptions in our everyday lives. cdc remains committed to protecting everyone's health and will continue to provide information about respiratory virus activity to inform people on what actions they can take to stay healthy. this includes informing people with a range of risk factors that can increase the chance of getting very sick (severe illness). generally, people at higher risk of severe illness from respiratory viruses are older adults, young children, people with compromised immune systems, people with disabilities, and pregnant women. cdc has included additional guidance for these populations to help protect them from severe illness. information on ncird's mission, work, and organizational structure. languages language assistance

a .gov website belongs to an official government organization in the united states. a lock ( ) or https:// means you've safely connected to the .gov website. share sensitive information only on official, secure websites. related topics: there was a problem loading data. please wait and try again. the cdc may not have data for all states, counties, or territories. read more » what it is: a measure of how frequently a wide variety of respiratory symptoms and conditions are diagnosed by emergency department doctors, ranging from the common cold to covid 19, flu, and rsv. why it matters: summarizes the total impact of respiratory illnesses, regardless of which diseases are causing people to get sick. see more data » learn about this measurement » * overall respiratory illness activity is displayed at the state or territory level, local data is unavailable at this time. what it is: a measure of how many people are seeking medical care in emergency departments. why it matters: when levels are high, it may indicate that infections are making people sick enough to require treatment. see more data » learn about this measurement » * emergency department data may cover an entire state or health service area. each health service area includes one or more counties. * data is displayed at the state or territory level. what it is: a measure of how much virus is present in sewage. why it matters: people who are infected often shed virus into wastewater, even if they don’t have symptoms. as a result, high wastewater levels may indicate an increased level of infections even when other measures remain low. see more data » learn about this measurement » * wastewater data is displayed at the state or territory level, local data is unavailable at this time. † flu levels are for influenza a only, which includes avian influenza a(h5). wastewater data can not determine the source of viruses (from humans, animals, or animal products). cdc continues to expect the fall and winter virus season will have a similar or lower peak number of combined hospitalizations from covid 19, influenza, and rsv compared to last year. however, peak hospitalizations from all respiratory viruses remain likely to be much higher than they were before the emergence of covid 19. cdc’s december outlook update uses historical data and covid 19 scenario modeling to assess when peak hospital demand may occur nationally and regionally. additional updates will occur if there are big changes in how covid 19, flu, or rsv are spreading. read the entire 2024 2025 respiratory season outlook  december update. (12/20/2024). there are simple measures you can take to protect yourself and those around you. anticipated trends for covid 19 infections, based on modeling, are displayed at the national and state levels. wastewater (sewage) data specific to sars cov 2, the virus that causes covid 19, are displayed at the national, regional, and state levels. these data can provide an early signal of changes in infection levels. data on covid 19 cases and deaths among residents and staff of nursing homes are displayed at the national and state levels. weekly trends in overall hospital bed occupancy and reporting status. respiratory illnesses affect the lungs and airways. get information on common causes, prevention actions, and current levels of illness in your community. languages language assistance

vita means life. it's also our platform for sharing the stories of biotech's promise to patients and public health. csl consists of csl behring, csl seqirus and csl vifor. learn more by visiting each section. biotechnology leader csl behring offers the broadest range of quality plasma derived and recombinant therapies in our industry. derived from the expression 'securing health for all of us', csl seqirus is one of the world's largest influenza vaccine providers. r&d focuses its expertise on four strategic platforms: plasma protein technology; recombinant technology; cell and gene therapy; and vaccines technology. one of our core values at csl is innovation. we support collaborative innovation through the endowment of awards and grants to researchers around the world. as part of our broader sustainability strategy to build a more sustainable future, we've committed to a 40% reduction in absolute scope 1 and 2 emissions by 2030. along with our sustainability strategy, csl’s community contribution framework helps deliver on our values and support execution of our 2030 strategy. at csl, diversity, equity, and inclusion (dei) is at the core of our mission and who we are. it fuels our innovation day in and day out. whether you are early in your college education or recently completed your degree, it's never too soon to consider csl for your promising future! 5 ways to stay healthy as the winter holidays approach, bringing family togetherness, office parties and some familiar uncertainty. vaccine expert dr. paul offit recently wrote a book called “you bet your life” about the risks on both sides of any medical decision. his bottom line is there’s risk either way, so make an informed choice. at the fork in the road, take the measured risk that’s likely to turn out best. offit’s message feels spot on for this holiday season as influenza and respiratory syncytial virus spikes in the united states and covid 19 continues to loom. looking ahead to gathering with family and friends, do we attempt normalcy or should we take extra precautions, especially when plans involve the elderly and immunocompromised? here are five best practices that could help keep illness at bay during our third pandemic holiday: 1. steer clear of people who are ill and, if the sick person is you, stay home. this can be hard to do, but infection prevention expert dr. michelle barron, of uchealth in colorado, says to use common sense. “if you’re sick, you don’t want to give your illness to grandma and grandpa. at the end of the day, the goal is to still be able to do things and enjoy the holidays. just do it in a way that doesn’t impact others badly,” said barron, who is senior medical director of infection prevention and control for uchealth in aurora. 2. get a flu shot. respiratory viruses, including influenza, surged dramatically in november, causing the u.s. centers for disease control (cdc) to issue an emergency alert to physicians and public health authorities. everyone six months and older should be vaccinated against influenza, according to the cdc. “cumulative influenza associated hospitalization rates for children (age 0 4 years and 5 17 years) and all ages combined are notably higher compared to the same time periods during previous seasons since 2010 2011,” the alert said. it’s difficult to predict flu’s impact this season, but heightened activity is expected through winter in the northern hemisphere. 3. wash your hands and clean surfaces, says the cdc. though covid 19 is transmitted primarily through the air, influenza and respiratory syncytial virus spread through droplets. and when those droplets land on hands and high touch areas   like mobile phones and door knobs, others can pick them up and get infected. 4. get up to date on covid 19 vaccines. booster doses are available and recommended for most, including the immunocompromised. a johns hopkins immunologist recently updated people who have primary immunodeficiencies about how to assess their covid 19 risk. 5. avoid large crowds and take indoor air quality into account. masks remain a personal   and divisive topic   but fresh air might be something everyone can agree on. experts recommend opening windows and using fans and air purifiers with hepa filters to get the air circulating at home. and one aerosol scientist tested various environments, like shopping malls and airports, to estimate air quality and found a wide variance. tight spaces like small grocery stores and airport restrooms were the least ventilated. learn more about offit’s book, “you bet your life,” which includes a shout out to 1901 nobel prize winner emil von behring and chronicles the long road to today’s safety standards for medicines and vaccines. related csl behring’s flu vaccine clinics invited employees and their family members to get protected for influenza season. csl, all rights reserved © 2025 americas asia pacific middle east europe

caring pediatric nurses are available 24/7 to help answer your questions. children’s hospital coloradoanschutz medical campus13123 east 16th avenueaurora, co 80045 looking for a different location? in life threatening emergencies, find the emergency room location nearest you. for non life threatening medical needs when your pediatrician is unavailable, visit one of our urgent care locations. not sure if you need urgent or emergency care? help me decide see a listing of all our children’s hospital colorado locations including inpatient, outpatient, therapy, surgery facilities and more. from bringing home a new baby to building trust with your teen, our pediatric experts share guidance to help you navigate the ups and downs of parenthood. read more in just ask children’s all children should have a chance for a healthy future. donate volunteer give blood this initiative is designed to equip school and community based nurses,... see all events for the latest cutting edge research, innovative collaborations and remarkable discoveries in child health, read stories from across all our areas of study in q: advances and answers in pediatric health. discover more in q: tips and advice to support you through every age and stage of parenting. 2/7/2025 15 min. read as a parent, you never want your kids to get sick. but it happens   and probably more often than you'd like   especially during the fall and winter. this is the time of year when illnesses like the common cold, influenza (flu), respiratory syncytial virus (rsv) and other viruses are widely circulating. add in covid 19, and you’re probably wondering what bug your kid picked up this time. many respiratory illnesses in children have similar symptoms, which means it can be difficult to distinguish between the flu vs. covid 19 vs. colds. but there are some subtle differences between these viruses. children’s hospital colorado pediatric infectious disease specialist samuel dominguez, md, phd, offers guidance on common respiratory illnesses in kids, how to prevent them and what you should do if your child gets sick. the centers for disease control and prevention (cdc) updated its respiratory virus guidance in 2024. the cdc now recommends focusing on five core prevention strategies and adding extra precautions as needed. the core prevention strategies include: additional prevention measures are encouraged during times when respiratory illnesses are circulating in your area, especially for those who are considered high risk. consider taking extra precautions if you were recently exposed to a respiratory virus or are feeling sick. these prevention measures include wearing a mask, avoiding crowded areas and testing if you’re not feeling well or planning to be around high risk individuals. no one likes to be sick. not only does it feel uncomfortable, but it’s also disruptive to work and school schedules. but when you or your child is feeling under the weather, it’s important to stay home so that you can recover   and stop germs from spreading. the cdc recommends that you or your child can return to normal activities when your symptoms are improving and you no longer have a fever without using fever reducing medications for at least 24 hours. consider taking extra precautions for the next five days, as you could still be contagious. even with prevention, it’s likely that your family will catch a virus during cold and flu season, so it’s important to be prepared and recognize the differences between these common illnesses. with the help of our experts, we created a chart for quickly comparing symptoms of covid 19, the flu, rsv, common colds and allergies. note: this chart should only be used as a starting point. there are many different viruses that cause respiratory symptoms in children, and symptoms and treatments can vary from person to person. if your child is sick, talk with their doctor or healthcare provider. varies; typically starts mild uncommon common very common; often a wheezing cough uncommon common uncommon sometimes very common very common very common *less than half of children who are diagnosed with covid 19 will have a fever. even if your child does not have a fever, it is possible that they could have covid 19. if your child is sniffling, coughing or has a fever or sore throat, it’s possible that they could have picked up a respiratory virus. for many healthy kids, these viruses cause a brief period of illness and discomfort before improving. but for very young children or those with compromised immune systems, even a common respiratory illness can be serious. while covid 19 infections are nowhere near their peak of the early days of the pandemic and   fortunately   the newer strains tend to cause less severe illness, the coronavirus is still circulating throughout colorado and around the country. widespread access to safe and effective covid 19 vaccines has improved outcomes for those who catch the virus. but parents should still be aware of coronavirus symptoms, which can range from mild to severe. remember that covid 19 affects people differently, and not everyone will have every symptom. it’s true that most children who get infected with covid 19 fare relatively well. they usually don’t end up in the hospital or experience lasting effects. it’s also true that the vaccines aren't 100% effective at preventing infection. this is because the virus keeps mutating, and the level of protection the vaccines offer changes as the virus mutates. however, dr. dominguez points out other important reasons to get vaccinated. “the data is very clear that the vaccine does prevent you from getting super sick with the virus,” says dr. dominguez. “and if you are around other kids who are high risk or are around grandparents, there are studies that show that you have a decreased risk of transmitting the virus, as well." additionally, research shows that staying up to date on your covid 19 vaccines can help prevent long covid, in which symptoms linger for months after the initial infection, although this is less common in kids. because covid 19 is highly contagious and it can take longer for people to develop symptoms, a covid 19 test can alert you as soon as possible if you have the virus   even if you were infected but don’t have symptoms. “knowing if you have the virus sooner means you can isolate and take other precautions sooner,” says dr. dominguez. “taking a covid test can be very helpful in controlling the spread of the virus.” at home covid 19 antigen tests are widely available and generally considered accurate. these tests provide results in about 10 minutes, which means you can take precautions sooner and prevent others from getting sick. you should use an at home covid 19 test if: tests for the flu and rsv are also available, as is a single test that detects the flu, covid 19 and rsv. testing for rsv alone is less common. your doctor or healthcare provider can recommend the type of tests your child needs based on their symptoms and risk factors. (if you don’t have a pediatrician, you can call our parentsmart healthline.) knowing whether your child has covid 19, the flu, rsv or another virus can help your doctor provide appropriate care. rarely, a child who was infected with covid 19 can develop a condition called multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children, or mis c, which usually occurs 2 to 6 weeks after the infection. mis c is a condition in which different body parts can become inflamed, including the heart, lungs, kidneys, brain, skin, eyes or digestive organs. most experts think that mis c is caused by the body’s immune response to a covid 19 infection. cases of mis c peaked in 2021 and 2022 but have since dropped dramatically. “we're not sure if it’s because of widespread immunity to covid 19 or if the new variants aren’t as likely to cause mis c,” says dr. dominguez. however, parents should still be aware of the symptoms, which include fever, severe abdominal pain, trouble breathing, chest pain and confusion. some patients with mis c can also present with a rash and red eyes. if your child is showing these symptoms, call your doctor. in a life threatening emergency, call 911. the best way to prevent mis c is to take recommended precautions against covid 19. “we do know that the vaccines reduce the risk of developing mis c, as well,” dr. dominguez says. influenza (commonly known as the flu) is a highly contagious respiratory virus that is present year round, but circulates widely in the fall and winter months, or cold and flu season. the flu causes cold like symptoms that often come on suddenly and can range from mild to severe. children under the age of 2, adults over age 65, pregnant and postpartum women, people taking certain medications and those with chronic medical conditions, including lung or heart conditions, can develop severe or life threatening complications from the flu. some of the primary symptoms of the flu overlap with symptoms of covid 19, making it difficult to distinguish between the two illnesses. fortunately, the accessibility of at home covid 19 tests can make it easy to determine if an individual is infected with covid. if an individual is at high risk for severe disease or would qualify for treatment, a flu test may also be recommended. yes, the best way to prevent the flu is for every adult and child over 6 months old to get the influenza vaccine as soon as cold and flu season begins, usually around the beginning of september. “everyone should get a flu shot every year,” says dr. dominguez. “not only does it reduce your chances of getting the flu, but if you do get it, your symptoms will likely be less severe.” the flu shot is also very effective in preventing severe disease, hospitalization and death, dr. dominguez adds. many health insurers, including medicaid and medicare, cover the full cost of the flu shot. but even if you don’t have insurance, you can find low cost or no cost flu vaccines. ask your doctor for more information or find a flu clinic in colorado. respiratory syncytial virus (rsv) is a common, cold like infection that hits most kids before they turn 2. though rsv typically circulates in the winter months, it’s made some unseasonal comebacks in recent years. in the fall and winter of 2022, children’s hospitals around the country saw a surge in rsv, straining emergency rooms and hospitals. while most kids recover quickly from rsv, it can cause serious complications for infants, preemies, and babies and young children with underlying medical conditions. even kids without underlying conditions can get very sick with rsv. seek medical care if your child is showing symptoms of severe rsv, including a worsening cough, difficulty breathing or eating, wheezing or showing signs of extreme fatigue or dehydration. in some cases, rsv can also lead to pneumonia and bronchiolitis, when the small airways in the lungs become inflamed and clogged with mucus. if your child is struggling to breathe, call 911 or go to the emergency room. most children recover quickly from rsv with at home treatment, such as fever reducing medication, nasal suction and plenty of fluids. in severe cases, rsv may require treatment in the hospital, so the child can receive oxygen and intravenous (iv) fluids. to prevent severe rsv, the cdc recommends that infants younger than 8 months old receive the monoclonal antibody shot, beyfortus (nirsevimab), in the fall before respiratory season begins, or within the first week of a baby’s life if they’re born between october and march. beyfortus might also be recommended for toddlers under 18 months old who are at increased risk for severe illness due to rsv. another option is a maternal rsv vaccine, which is administered during the third trimester of pregnancy to protect infants against rsv for up to 6 months. your doctor can recommend the best option for you and your baby. yes, adults and older children can and do get rsv, but they typically don’t get as sick as young children or seniors. dr. dominguez puts it this way: if you or a child in your home has a cold, consider that it might be rsv, and act accordingly. wash your hands, cover your cough, stay home when you’re sick   and don’t kiss any babies or grandparents until you feel better. dr. dominguez also recommends that adults over the age of 60 receive one of the approved rsv vaccines as an added layer of protection against the virus. common colds are normal. in fact, healthy children get about six colds a year. according to the national institutes of health, there are more than 200 different viruses, such as rhinoviruses, that can cause cold symptoms. it can be difficult to tell the difference between these respiratory illnesses. generally, a cold is milder than the flu, and symptoms appear gradually. flu symptoms are usually sudden and severe. with the flu, your child will likely have a high fever, a headache, severe tiredness, achy muscles and chills. for a common cold, they may have a low fever to start, but they won’t have a headache or muscle aches, and they won’t have chills. in very young children, fever may be the only symptom of flu infection. because covid 19 symptoms vary widely and often range from mild to severe, the only way to know for sure if your child has the virus is by taking a covid 19 test. while ear, nose and throat conditions like ear infections, sinus infections and strep throat aren’t respiratory viruses, they’re often the result of illnesses like a cold or the flu. in some cases, these conditions need to be treated by antibiotics. about 85% of children experience at least one ear infection during childhood. some ear infections can resolve without antibiotics. symptoms of ear infections include ear pain, tugging or pulling at the ear and drainage or fluid. when kids have multiple ear infections in a matter of months, it may be time to meet with an ear, nose and throat specialist to discuss ent surgery. the sinuses are the system of nasal cavities in the skull. these cavities are usually empty, but they can become blocked with fluid and germs when you have a viral infection like a common cold. the blockage causes the tissue along these cavities to become inflamed, and that’s when a sinus infection (or sinusitis) can occur. a sinus infection typically resolves on its own with over the counter medications and does not require parents to seek medical care for their child. occasionally, you can get a bacterial infection in your sinuses. the most common sign is when your sinusitis symptoms last more than 10 days. in these cases, call a doctor, as your child may need antibiotics. “it’s important to treat these longer infections with antibiotics because, in rare cases, untreated sinus infections can spread to areas around the sinuses,” says pediatric otolaryngologist sarah gitomer, md. “when this happens, symptoms can include a red, puffy or bulging eye, decreased or painful movement of the eye or vision loss, or severe headaches.” “a sore throat is a common symptom of the flu and a cold, so there’s always a question of how to tell when it’s something more,” says dr. gitomer. “a sore throat with a cough, runny nose or raspy voice indicates that your child likely has a viral infection, not a bacterial infection like strep throat.” if your child is experiencing symptoms of strep throat, including a sore throat that appears quickly, fever or spots on the roof of the mouth or tonsils, call your doctor and tell them you suspect your child may have strep throat so they can be tested. acute flaccid myelitis (afm) is an uncommon but serious neurological condition. one of the causes of afm is a respiratory virus called enterovirus d68, abbreviated as ev d68. afm primarily causes limb weakness and paralysis, as well as loss of muscle tone, but other symptoms can also occur. afm first emerged in 2014, and experts at children’s colorado and the university of colorado school of medicine were the first to link an outbreak of afm to the outbreak of the respiratory virus ev d68. this virus usually circulates every other year between august and october. in rare cases, getting sick with this enterovirus can lead to afm. “although afm is rare, parents should know the symptoms and keep an eye out for them,” says dr. dominguez. “if your child is exhibiting signs of afm, or any signs of paralysis, seek medical attention immediately.” an ev d68 infection can look a lot like the common cold, but some patients also have asthma like symptoms, including shortness of breath and wheezing. some cases can require hospitalization, especially for kids with asthma. if your child has been sick, keep an eye out for symptoms of afm, which tends to occur about one week after their respiratory infection. it’s natural to want to know which respiratory virus made you or your child sick. in some cases, such as if you or a family member is at risk for severe disease, it can be beneficial to seek testing and treatment. but keep in mind that the symptoms of respiratory viruses are similar, testing isn’t always accurate, and most of the time, your child can recover at home without a trip to the doctor's office. the most important thing you can do when your child is sick is to keep them home so they don't get others sick. with rest, hydration and fever reducing medicine, your child will be back to themselves in no time. cleaning supplies, medications and fuel burning appliances can pose serious health risks to kids. learn from children’s hospital colorado experts about how to prevent accidents and injuries at home. get advice from a child psychologist on how to help your child cope after a traumatic event. research helps us find better ways to treat illness and improve child health. our experts answer your questions about research studies and how they work and share the benefits and risks of clinical trials. about children's hospital colorado we see more, treat more and heal more children than any hospital in our seven state region. learn about our mission and more, or search for opportunities to join our team. learn how we work learn how we're addressing community health needs we're a nonprofit that is supported by donors when you give to children's colorado, you're helping us to reimagine children's health through patient care, education, research and advocacy. donate now quick links affiliated with the university of colorado school of medicine children's hospital colorado partners with nrc health to gather star ratings and reviews from patients, residents and family survey data. this provider either practices in a department or specialty that we currently do not survey, or does not have at least 10 ratings in the last 12 months. learn more about patient ratings and reviews. children’s hospital colorado providers are faculty members of the university of colorado school of medicine. our specialists are nationally ranked and globally recognized for delivering the best possible care in pediatrics. some healthcare professionals listed on our website have medical privileges to practice at children’s hospital colorado, but they are community providers. they schedule and bill separately for their services, and are not employees of the hospital.

brain tumor nationally recognized brain tumor destination for patients in the southeast. heart a nationally recognized heart center providing comprehensive heart and vascular health services. neurosciences customized approach to neurology treatment for a wide range of conditions. quickcare same day convenient care right around the corner. oncology our multidisciplinary team provides comprehensive cancer care in a supportive environment. maternity services compassionate and personalized maternity care for you and your baby. primary care our providers are dedicated to providing care that helps you achieve and maintain better health. transplant transplant surgery pioneers for liver, pancreas, kidney and heart care. more services piedmont now same day appointments with primary care, urgent care and quickcare providers. piedmont mychart access your test results, communicate with your provider, request prescription refills, manage your appointments and more. living real change read articles on helpful tips, health news, recipes and more. preparing for your visit pre register for your appointment, get a price estimate and review your pre appointment checklist. patients & visitors view the visitation policies at each of our hospitals and other resources that are available for both our patients and visitors. classes & events view and register online for upcoming community events and classes. pay bill track, manage and pay your piedmont bill. financial assistance we provide financial assistance options for qualifying patients. more resources receive helpful health tips, health news, recipes and more right to your inbox. the leaves are falling, and the sniffles are starting. autumn’s arrival often brings an uptick in colds, but you can take steps to reduce your risk. most colds are transmitted by hand contact, explains daniel m. feckoury, m.d., a piedmont family medicine physician. contrary to popular belief, he says, chillier weather itself isn’t behind a rise in colds this time of year. instead, people are just spending more time in closer quarters giving viruses perfect opportunities to spread. “we’re inside more,” he explains, “and we’re touching more of the same things.” if you do get sick, it’s important to monitor your symptoms and ensure they don’t worsen or indicate another illness, like flu. dr. feckoury says hand hygiene is very important. cold viruses are transmitted as people touch, cough and sneeze, so keeping your hands clean is a key protective measure. always wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water before eating or touching your face and after sneezing, coughing or using the bathroom. antibacterial gels can replace handwashing in a pinch. keep your work surfaces clean, too, he says. if you spend time in busy shared settings, like offices, wipe down everything you touch. once you start displaying cold symptoms, he says, you can usually do nothing else to ward off illness. the virus has to run its course, and your job is to stay hydrated and well rested in the meantime. dr. feckoury adds that while trying supplements such as powder mixes spiked with vitamin c is ok, they usually do little to prevent or treat colds. “there may be some use for it,” he says. “but it’s really about drinking water.” in addition to getting enough water and rest, you can take over the counter medication to relieve symptoms. dr. feckoury also encourages nasal saline irrigation if you’re comfortable with it. irrigation devices, like the neti pot, can reduce congestion and discourage bacteria growth in your sinuses. “a neti pot that flushes the sinuses out gets rid of a lot of that stagnant fluid,” dr. feckoury says. “i’m a huge fan of neti pots.” dr. feckoury says adults usually catch two to three colds each year. while colds are uncomfortable and inconvenient, most are not dangerous. some people, however, are at higher risk for complications from colds and flu, dr. feckoury says. they include: these groups should see a doctor right away, and they need to be tested for the flu. though flu symptoms sometimes mimic colds, they feature a few unique signs. when watching for flu, be on the lookout for: “with a common cold, a fever is actually quite rare,” dr. feckoury says. “with the flu, the fever can be very high.” he adds that anyone who suspects they’ve developed the flu should see a doctor as soon as possible. if you don’t have flu symptoms but find your mucus has changed color (typically from clear to green), you may have developed a secondary bacterial infection, and that requires a visit to your doctor, too. for the most part, though, a run of the mill cold doesn’t pose much of a danger. good hygiene habits can protect you to some extent, but once you’re sick, it’s best to take a few days off and get the rest your body needs. a doctor's visit probably won't be necessary. “if you’re someone who’s not one of those high risk individuals,” dr. feckoury says, “patience is going to be ok.” need to make an appointment with a piedmont physician? save time, book online. schedule with our online booking tool *we have detected that you are using an unsupported or outdated browser. an update is not required, but for best search experience we strongly recommend updating to the latest version of chrome, firefox, safari, or internet explorer 11+ all videos and content are the exclusive property of piedmont healthcare and may not be used by any third parties for any other purposes.

brain tumor nationally recognized brain tumor destination for patients in the southeast. heart a nationally recognized heart center providing comprehensive heart and vascular health services. neurosciences customized approach to neurology treatment for a wide range of conditions. quickcare same day convenient care right around the corner. oncology our multidisciplinary team provides comprehensive cancer care in a supportive environment. maternity services compassionate and personalized maternity care for you and your baby. primary care our providers are dedicated to providing care that helps you achieve and maintain better health. transplant transplant surgery pioneers for liver, pancreas, kidney and heart care. more services piedmont now same day appointments with primary care, urgent care and quickcare providers. piedmont mychart access your test results, communicate with your provider, request prescription refills, manage your appointments and more. living real change read articles on helpful tips, health news, recipes and more. preparing for your visit pre register for your appointment, get a price estimate and review your pre appointment checklist. patients & visitors view the visitation policies at each of our hospitals and other resources that are available for both our patients and visitors. classes & events view and register online for upcoming community events and classes. pay bill track, manage and pay your piedmont bill. financial assistance we provide financial assistance options for qualifying patients. more resources receive helpful health tips, health news, recipes and more right to your inbox. as temperatures drop and cold and flu season approaches, there are 10 effective ways you can help prevent catching the flu and cold this season. 1. get a flu vaccination. check with your physician about getting a flu shot this year. the vaccination is available at doctors’ offices and pharmacies, so after getting the okay from your doctor, get the shot early in the season. 2. wash your hands with soap and warm water. wash your hands afterward every time you shake hands with someone. washing your hands before eating and touching your face is a crucial way to prevent the spread of harmful viruses and bacteria. 3. avoid touching your eyes and mouth. cold and flu germs can easily infect you through your eyes and mouth. if you must touch your face, wash your hands first. 4. get adequate sleep. sleep deprivation can comprise the immune system, making you more susceptible to illness. aim for seven to nine hours each night. 5. work out. not only is working out good for your cardiovascular system and weight management, but staying fit boosts your immunity and helps you manage your stress levels, which is important for staying healthy in flu season. 6. keep hand sanitizer handy for those times when you don’t have access to soap and water. if you are out and about, keep a bottle of alcohol based sanitizer in your bag or pocket to de germ on the go. 7. don’t bite your nails. germs lurk underneath your nails, and biting them is another way to become infected with the cold or flu virus. 8. avoid people who are already sick. if someone is coughing or sneezing, keep your distance. likewise, if you are sick and contagious, rest at home to get better and not spread germs to those you contact. 9. eat a healthy diet. just like working out, eating right can benefit your weight and immune system. get your vital daily nutrients from fruits and vegetables to keep your immunity strong. 10. stay hydrated. drinking fluids   especially water   flushes toxins from your system and keeps you healthy. if you get sick, staying well hydrated is just as important for your recovery. cold or flu weighing you down? you don’t have to wait it out. we are committed to providing you with easy access to immediate care. monday   friday: 7:00 a.m.   8:00 p.m. saturday   sunday: 7:00 a.m.   5:00 p.m. schedule with our online booking tool *we have detected that you are using an unsupported or outdated browser. an update is not required, but for best search experience we strongly recommend updating to the latest version of chrome, firefox, safari, or internet explorer 11+ all videos and content are the exclusive property of piedmont healthcare and may not be used by any third parties for any other purposes.
a cold or virus can knock you off your feet and keep you in bed for days at a time. not only do you feel miserable when you’re sick, but you miss out on work, school and with your family. while you can’t avoid sickness altogether, there are a few ways you can stay healthy all year long. read on to learn five simple tips for combatting illness and keeping you up and at ‘em. hand hygiene is one of your best defenses against getting sick. that’s why it’s important to follow proper handwashing techniques. the centers for disease control and prevention (cdc) offer five foolproof steps to make sure you’re washing away germs and bacteria that can make you sick: soap and water are always the best way to get rid of the germs on your hands. however, if you don’t have access to running water, an alcohol based hand sanitizer with at least 60 percent alcohol is recommended. be sure you wash your hands after: and before: your primary care provider is at your side for all your health care needs. make an appointment online, find a provider or call 404 778 7777 to schedule an appointment. vaccines aren’t just for children. the national foundation for infectious diseases recommends that all adults follow the vaccination schedule set by the cdc to help prevent serious illnesses, such as: be sure to talk to your primary care provider to make sure you’re up to date on each of these vaccines and to discuss which are right for you. it’s also important to get vaccinated against covid 19. you can read the most recent recommendations for children and adults, including who is eligible for booster shots or third doses, and how to schedule yours. learn more at emoryhealthcare.org/covid. when someone starts coughing or sneezing in your home or workplace, cleaning (to remove dirt and germs) and disinfecting (to kill the germs on surfaces or objects) common areas will help you stay healthy. be sure to follow the instructions on your cleansers and disinfectants for full effectiveness, and maintain a regular cleaning schedule to keep germs at bay. target areas that are touched most often, including: file this under gross, but true: a cough can travel at up to 50 miles per hour and have 3,000 droplets of saliva, which can contain germs, bacteria and viruses. sneezes have about 40,000 droplets and can travel as fast as 200 miles per hour. help stop the spread of germs by following proper sneezing and coughing etiquette: avoid coughing or sneezing into your hand.