Seems like people may have been passing along more than gifts and good tidings over the holiday season. Ohio health officials say that hospitalizations because of influenza have increased by 116%, and medical officials are also seeing the spread of norovirus across the United States. Norovirus causes predominantly nausea, vomiting, and some diarrhea; it is also highly contagious. Flu can be more serious with body aches, fever, cough, and other respiratory problems.
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It’s cold and flu season, and most of us will encounter a virus at some point. So, how does our immune system work to keep us healthy? According to Michaela Gack, PhD, Scientific Director of the Cleveland Clinic Florida Research and Innovation Center, once we fight off a virus, our immune system does its best to protect us from a second infection. “Whenever we have a second infection, these antibodies can be produced and thereby protect us but there are some limitations,” said Dr. Gack. “It only works if it’s the same virus or very similar virus.”
Doctors urging people to get vaccinated for whooping cough as cases rise around the United States.
With more cases of the West Nile virus being reported here in the US, some people may be wondering how it spreads and what can be done to stop it. Dr. Cardona said that in most cases, a person who gets infected with the West Nile virus will not show any symptoms. However, those who do may get a fever, headache, body aches, vomiting, diarrhea, or a rash. In rare instances, West Nile can be deadly. Dr. Cardona said, as of right now, there is no specific medication to treat it nor any vaccination available.
The Putnam County Health Department says that a bat has tested positive for rabies within the county. The bat was tested after a resident from Union Township reported an incident with their dog.
If you’re traveling this summer, you’ll want to read up on mosquito transmitted diseases in the areas you plan to visit. According to Emily Speranza, PhD, researcher with Cleveland Clinic, diseases carried by mosquitoes can be dangerous. Travel destinations near the equator are hot spots for mosquitoes that carry viruses like dengue, Zika and chikungunya. That includes the Caribbean and South America. There are also northern mosquitoes that carry West Nile virus, the most common mosquito-borne disease in the United States. Most people recover from West Nile, but about one in 150 cases are serious and sometimes fatal, according to the CDC.