Virus season is here. Experts believe sickness ramps up during the autumn and winter because the cold weather keeps us inside, allowing more viruses to circulate and become more contagious. For you and your family’s health and safety, it’s important to stay informed about the potential health challenges ahead. Knowledge is your first line of defense against these illnesses.

This year, health experts and agencies are closely monitoring several respiratory viruses that are on their radar, including flu, COVID-19, RSV, and the bacterial infection, strep. These are concerning illnesses due to the quick nature they can spread and the ability of symptoms to worsen and cause a greater threat to your health. However, the CDC reminds us that for the first time in United States history, vaccines for all three major respiratory viruses — COVID-19, flu, and RSV — are now available to help protect you and your family.

What You Need to Know

Any Lab Test Now® is here to keep you informed and help you navigate virus season. Here’s a breakdown of the bugs we will all encounter this virus season — a season that typically spans autumn through early spring.

1. Influenza (Flu)

Every year, the flu is a concern due to its rapid spread and potential severity. The World Health Organization (WHO) has highlighted that influenza continues to be a significant health threat worldwide, resulting in millions of cases annually. Given the unpredictable nature of influenza strains, getting an annual flu vaccine remains the most recommended preventive measure.

Symptoms:

  • Fever
  • Cough.
  • Sore throat.
  • Runny or stuffy nose.
  • Muscle or body aches.
  • Headaches.
  • Fatigue (tiredness)

What You Should Do: If you haven’t done so already, consider getting the flu vaccine. Make it a practice to wash your hands frequently, maintain personal hygiene, and if you’re feeling unwell, it’s best to stay home and rest.

2. COVID-19

Though considerable strides have been made in understanding and addressing the COVID-19 pandemic, the virus hasn’t been eradicated, and variants continue to mutate. Caused by the SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus, it usually spreads between people in close contact.

According to the CDC, monitoring variants and the efficacy of vaccines remains a priority. Continued vaccination, mask-wearing in crowded places, and maintaining hygiene standards are still essential in managing the spread.

Symptoms:

The World Health Organization says people may experience different symptoms from COVID-19. Symptoms usually begin 5 to 6 days after exposure and last 1 to 14 days.

The most common symptoms are:

  • Fever
  • Chills
  • Sore throat

What You Should Do: Stay updated with the latest guidelines from health organizations. If you haven’t been vaccinated or need a booster shot, consult your healthcare provider.

3. Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV)

RSV might be lesser known, but it’s a significant concern, especially for infants and older adults. A report from the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health has expressed concerns about potential RSV outbreaks, emphasizing the importance of awareness and preventive measures. The CDC reminds everyone that vaccines are available to protect older adults from severe RSV. Monoclonal antibody products are available to protect infants and young children from severe RSV.

The Mayo Clinic advises that you look out for signs and symptoms of respiratory syncytial virus infection that most commonly appear about 4 to 6 days after exposure to the virus. In adults and older children, RSV usually causes mild cold-like signs and symptoms.

Symptoms:

  • Congested or runny nose
  • Dry cough
  • Low-grade fever
  • Sore throat
  • Sneezing
  • Headache

What You Should Do: Awareness is crucial. Recognize the symptoms, which can often resemble the common cold, and seek medical advice if symptoms persist or become severe.

4. Strep Throat

Caused by the streptococcal bacteria, strep throat is highly contagious. It’s not typically included in the respiratory virus category, but given its prevalence during the colder months, it’s worth noting. According to the Cleveland Clinic, strep throat predominantly affects children between the ages of 5 and 15. However, siblings, parents, teachers, and other individuals who interact closely with children of this age group are susceptible.

Symptoms:

  • Sore throat that starts suddenly
  • Quick onset fever
  • Chills
  • Headache
  • Loss of appetite
  • Abdominal pain
  • Nausea and vomiting

What You Should Do: Maintain good hygiene practices. If you or someone close to you displays symptoms like a sore throat, swollen glands, or difficulty swallowing, it’s advisable to seek medical attention.

Any Lab Test Now® is Here to Help

Many diseases co-circulating have symptom overlap; diagnosis without testing can be challenging. Any Lab Test Now® provides lab testing that gives you results when you’re feeling sick.

COVID/FLU/RSV AND STREP RAPID ANTIGEN – Our rapid antigen test identifies the most common types of respiratory viruses (COVID-19, influenza A and/or influenza B, or RSV) as well as the bacteria for strep throat (group A Streptococcus).

A simple nasal swab sample is used to look for antigens, which are surface proteins and other substances that are unique to any of the respiratory viruses (COVID-19, influenza, RSV) for identification. Strep can similarly be identified by a throat swab used for the same kind of antigen test.

Results from this type of test can be made available in 10 to 15 minutes for each of the tests. Understanding the results of these tests can assist your healthcare professional. If detected early, this can guide them towards possible treatment.

Any Lab Test Now® is Your Partner in Health

We want to help you and your family stay healthy by providing answers. At Any Lab Test Now®, we provide lab tests that give you tangible results. Call now to schedule an appointment at a location near you.