As the summer heat arrives, so too does a new round of viral infections ready to spread throughout the warmest time of the year. Any place where groups of people gather together can be a potential vector for viruses to spread from person to person. Many illnesses lead to similar symptoms inside the body, making it difficult for people to know what is making them sick and how to take care of themselves. Follow this guide to learn what viruses are going around right now in adults, how to differentiate between each virus, and how to stay healthy all summer long.
Common Viruses Circulating Right Now
Every season has its own collection of viruses that become more prominent during certain months than others. Knowing what sicknesses are going around can help you stay safe and enjoy your daily life. As of now, these are the most common viruses going around in New York City:
- Common Cold – Even in the summer, the common cold is still the most common infection you can have. Cold symptoms tend to be mild and come on gradually over the course of a few days.
- Flu (Influenza) – The flu is another virus commonly associated with colder months despite being prevalent all year long. Symptoms often overlap with those of the cold, but the flu is more intense and comes on faster than a cold.
- Norovirus – Norovirus and other stomach bugs are highly contagious and can cause nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea.
- COVID-19 – While the peaks of the coronavirus pandemic may be in the past, multiple variants of COVID are still out in the world. Many people will only experience mild symptoms due to COVID-19, but others can suffer much more serious problems if infected.
How to Tell the Difference Between These Viruses
The mildest versions of these viruses can result in similar symptoms – a cough, runny nose, a headache, or sore throat. The best way to figure out which illness is afflicting you is to understand the particular symptoms that come with each virus, especially as they become more severe, and track your status as the sickness progresses. Here are the more extreme symptoms connected to each virus:
- Cold – Chills, fever over 100 degrees, shortness of breath, vomiting or diarrhea
- Flu – Headache, muscle pain, fever, wheezing
- Norovirus – Upset stomach, headache, fever
- COVID-19 – Headache, fatigue, brain fog, fever, wheezing, shortness of breath
If you are unsure about your illness, don’t hesitate to get advice or treatment from a medical professional. You can do this by scheduling a virtual visit or going to your local urgent care center.
Prevention: How to Stay Healthy
Here are some ways to help keep yourself healthy and minimize the threat of any viruses:
- Get plenty of rest and sleep
- Stay at home if you feel under the weather
- Keep yourself hydrated
- Maintain healthy hygiene habits, such as washing your hands and avoiding touching your face
- Get the latest vaccinations for flu and COVID-19
- Wear masks in crowded areas
- Take stock of your body to see how you’re feeling
When to See a Doctor
It’s important to remember that you can do everything possible to protect yourself from viruses and still get sick from time to time. For most people in reasonable health, most minor infections will fade away after a week or so. If you’re symptoms persist for longer than that, become more intense, or you are at high risk for complications, then you should contact a doctor as soon as possible to develop a plan for treatment. If you are seeking medical attention for any issues, visit ModernMD for excellent patient services and a supportive experience.
