Three respiratory illnesses – COVID-19, the flu, and RSV – are on the rise in New Hampshire, according to the CDC. Emergency-level visits for these illnesses have increased significantly, indicating that infections may be making people sick enough to require treatment.
Wastewater activity levels show high levels of COVID and the flu, but low levels of RSV in the state. The CDC explains that this could indicate an increased level of infections even when other measures remain low. High wastewater levels can also signal the presence of viruses shed by infected individuals into wastewater.
The situation is not unique to New Hampshire; most areas have seen an increase in COVID-19 activity, with flu and RSV activity remaining elevated across the country. The CDC predicts that peak hospitalizations from respiratory viruses will be much higher than before COVID-19 emerged.
It can be challenging to distinguish symptoms among these illnesses. Here’s a brief overview:
– Norovirus causes vomiting, diarrhea, and stomach pain for 1-3 days.
– The common cold leads to runny nose, congestion, coughing, sneezing, sore throat, headaches, and body aches.
– The flu is characterized by fever, chills, cough, sore throat, runny nose, body aches, and fatigue.
– COVID-19 causes fever, chills, cough, shortness of breath, loss of smell or taste, fatigue, and more.
– RSV leads to runny nose, congestion, wheezing, fever, and loss of appetite.
To protect yourself from getting sick:
– Wash your hands frequently with soap.
– Clean surfaces after using the bathroom, eating, or preparing food.
– Use hot water and detergent for clothing contaminated with vomit or feces.
– Regularly clean high-touch areas like doorknobs and light switches.
– Wear a mask in crowded areas if you’re not sick but want to protect yourself.
Note: While COVID-19 vaccines are available, there is no vaccine for norovirus or the common cold.
Source: https://patch.com/new-hampshire/concord-nh/these-3-illnesses-are-spiking-new-hampshire-cdc-says