RSV, HMV, RV, EV… no, these aren't brands. They are viruses
Words Dr Alexis Nelson
It's now mid-October and it's the start of what would normally be cold and flu virus season.
However, this year is going to be different. After a year of lockdown and a tentative return to daily life in 2021, Dr. Alexis breaks down the respiratory viruses to be on the look out for and how they differ to COVID 19.
On record, October to February are the months where doctors tell you to look out for the flu jab and make sure you get one.
According to Global Influenza Strategy, there were up to an estimated 650,000 deaths worldwide from Influenza in 2019. So now with COVID 19, many health experts are predicting that this winter season could be worse. But there's no room to be fearful. There's lots of information out there, so we decided to keep it simple so you know when to rest and when to get checked out.
Below is a guide of the other viruses out there, what you might experience and when you should go to the doctors.
First, let's break down what a virus actually is. A virus is essentially a small protein or a small piece of RNA (think DNA but smaller) that's in a capsule. This virus needs a host, so it has developed all sorts of ways to travel though the air and through water droplets.
What you may not know is that a lot of the symptoms you have are actually due to your immune system trying to fight back. So until we find a cure for viruses, it's always best to support your body until it overcomes!
Human Metapneumovirus
Symptoms:
Nasal congestion
Cough
Fever
Rhinovirus
Symptoms:
Cough
Sore throat
Runny nose
Influenza A and B
Symptoms:
Myalgia (joint and muscle pain)
Fever
Fatigue
Enterovirus
Symptoms:
Diarrhoea and vomiting
Nausea
COVID-19
Symptoms:
Fever
Cough
Loss of taste and smell
Prolonged cough
Diarrhoea and vomiting
When you have one of these viruses here's what you need to do:
Rest!
Your body needs all its energy to fight the illness.
Drink water
Your body already loses anywhere between 500mls to 1L of water a day through sweat, saliva and normal body functions. It’s important to keep your fluids topped up.
Painkillers
If your body is in pain - for example your joints - take paracetamol regularly. Follow the dosage according to your weight and never take more than advised.
Remember, it is important to maintain good hand hygiene throughout the illness. If you have COVID 19, follow the government guidelines.
You need to seek medical attention when you are unable to keep up oral intake, your symptoms are unmanageable at home, you are short of breath on exertion or you have a cough that lasts longer than 2 weeks.