The CDC reported for the week of Feb.1 that over 30% of lab tests for flu were positive and this trend appears to be going upwards. Here in Michigan flu levels remain high according to Michigan.gov, not too surprising given that flu vaccination rates are nearly 10 percent lower this year compared with last year. For the week ending Feb, 1, influenza-like illnesses were up 7.9 percent with Influenza A in particular increasing; many emergency rooms in Michigan report being slammed.
Here we have some useful advice from Dr. Muna Beeai, staff physician with Teladoc Health, the largest telehealth provider in the US, on how telehealth can help you navigate colds, flu, COVID-19 and other viruses this season and hopefully avoid the doctor’s office or ER.
What are some of the viruses that are affecting Michiganders right now?
We are seeing a number of respiratory viruses, including the common cold, influenza, COVID-19. These are the typical common viruses seen this time of the year.
What are the main symptoms of the ‘flu?
The flu, or influenza, tends to have a sudden acute start, and symptoms are severe at the onset, such as body aches, headache, and a fever. Loss of appetite, fatigue and weakness can occur a day or two later. Sore throat and nasal congestion can also occur. While not everyone will experience all these symptoms, it’s important to understand the differences between the flu and other common viruses at this time of year.
Are these symptoms different to COVID-19 symptoms?
COVID-19 symptoms are very similar to influenza, which is what makes it difficult to differentiate them. However, with COVID-19 other symptoms may also occur at the same time and start early, such as abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. My experience is that the fever tends to be slightly higher with COVID-19, and headaches as well as sore throat tend to be more severe. This obviously does not include all people with the infection. The different strains that we see of COVID-19 can cause different presentation, both in severity and in prevalence of symptoms. The symptoms seen early in the COVID-19 pandemic, such as loss of smell and loss of taste, are still seen occasionally, but not as frequently today. However, the presence of the above symptoms in addition to loss of taste and smell, is still pretty consistent with the diagnoses of COVID-19 and can differentiate it from the regular influenza.
What about other viruses like norovirus?
Norovirus is another common virus, although unlike influenza and COVID-19, it is not a respiratory virus but a gastrointestinal infection. It is often seen in more vulnerable populations, such as young children and the elderly. Fever and body aches can occur, but the predominant symptoms are often nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and severe weakness.
Transmission is most commonly through contamination of food or directly from person to person. Norovirus is not necessarily a winter virus, and in fact it’s more common to be seen in other seasons of the year. The infection can spread rapidly, especially if consuming raw seafood such as oysters.
Is there anything we can do to prevent these illnesses?
There is a lot that can be done to prevent the spread of these infections, such as frequent handwashing for at least 20 seconds, avoiding droplet spread by coughing into your arm or elbow, disinfecting surfaces often such as door handles and kitchen counters, and considering wearing a mask if you are vulnerable to infections. These infections often spread throughout the whole family when one person is sick, so avoid contact as much as possible. At times, it is highly advisable to stay home from school or work not only to get better but also avoid further spreading the infection. Take precautions when traveling, as the chances of being exposed are much higher when people are “squeezed” into a small area. I carry disinfectant wipes with me to wipe off the table or the handles when going to the bathroom for instance.
It is also very important that you are staying as healthy as possible by getting enough sleep and hydrating well daily. Exercise and eating a well-balanced diet helps keep our immune systems up. Supplements such as vitamin C and zinc have become popular and can be beneficial especially in people who may not be eating enough fruits and vegetables daily that contain these elements.
Can you talk about some of the treatments?
Treatment is usually supportive care; bedrest and proper hydration, which means drinking different fluids, not just water. I tell patients to aim for at least 64 to 80 oz of different fluids daily. When feeling sick, it’s common to not eat well and deplete our bodies’ sources of energy, so certain drinks like juices, soups and herbal teas as well as supplements like Pedialyte and Gatorade are highly recommended. Symptomatic management also includes over-the-counter medications, cold medicines with Tylenol or NSAIDs, within reasonable dose following instructions on the package, and cough expectorants are very useful to help with airway congestion. And time!
How can Teladoc Health help families navigate these illnesses?
Teladoc Health has physicians and nurse practitioners readily available. These medical providers can order tests and prescribe medication to get you through the worst of your illness, so there’s no need to sit in a doctor’s office while you are feeling sick. With the recent freezing weather and heavy snowfalls, that can definitely make life easier. Teladoc Health includes access to care with a single-entry point providing a full spectrum of both virtual and in-person healthcare. Services include wellness and prevention, acute care, mental health support, referrals and more.
Are there other health conditions that Teladoc Health could help to manage?
Yes, many! Teladoc Health offers a wide range of whole-health services and wellness care to help you reach your health goals from nutrition, weight management and health coaching, to specific program goals like tobacco cessation. For people with cardiometabolic conditions such as diabetes or high blood pressure, Teladoc Health can provide many resources including health coaches. For example, members enrolled in diabetes management get personalized tools and coaching support to help them track their blood sugar, develop healthy lifestyle habits and improve glycemic control. Mental healthcare is another important service and includes clinical assessments to evaluate symptoms, personalized care plans, clinical therapy by licensed therapists or board-certified psychiatrists, live mental health coaching with certified coaching and crisis management for immediate interventions with crisis counselors. Specialty care, such as dermatology, nutrition and back and joint care is also available through Teladoc Health. This unified experience helps people receive the dynamic care they need in one seamless, integrated experience.
How can people access Teladoc Health?
As the largest telehealth provider in the US, one in four Americans have access to Teladoc Health services through their employer or health plan. Those who aren’t eligible for Teladoc Health through insurance acn still access the provider’s services at a flat rate per visit, without surprising fees or costs. Go to www.teladochealth.com for more information.