Currently, across the globe, we have vastly shifted back to our pre-pandemic ways. With public spaces occupied, frequent travel, and the re-opening of offices and schools, life appears to be back to normal.
However, COVID-19 is far from gone. It still looms and continues to evolve. With the winters upon us, infection rates are likely to spike.
While social restrictions and the adoption of hygiene practices helped to keep infection rates low, this might not be the case this year. Cases of the flu are already seeing a rise. Similarly, COVID-19, especially among those with waning immunity, will also notice a spike.
Differences Between COVID-19 and The Flu
To begin with, both SARS-CoV-2 and the influenza virus result in respiratory infections. Due to respiratory involvement, they are also spread similarly through respiratory droplets. Their symptoms after infection, such as a cough, fever, body aches, and runny nose, are also pretty much similar.
COVID-19 and influenza result in severe infection among the elderly and immunocompromised. As a protective mechanism from a severe viral infection, measures such as hand hygiene and wearing masks in public spaces should be adopted. Both viruses have their respective vaccines, which also help with protection from severe infections among this group.
A noticeable difference among the symptoms reported with COVID-19 was a significant loss of taste and alteration of smell. Following infection, it can take up to 14 days to display such signs of COVID-19 disease. However, for the influenza virus, symptoms appear within four to five days after exposure, which makes the infectivity period, where an individual is spreading the virus, longer for COVID-19 than the influenza virus.
COVID-19 has undergone several mutations since its first outbreak. This has resulted in a more efficient way for SARS-CoV-2 to spread. The viral spread As a result, the been noted even before symptoms appear. Additionally, many who were asymptomatic were also spreading the virus.
Both COVID-19 and influenza can result in respiratory failure and multiple organ failure. For those with chronic medical conditions, being infected by either virus can worsen their current medical state. One notable difference among complications is that COVID-19 causes blood clots within the arterial system of the lungs, brain, extremities, or heart.
Treating both viral infections involves supportive care, fluids, and possibly oxygen. Those with mild symptoms recover with some rest at home. The medications used to treat both viral infections differ. Influenza is managed with frequently used drugs, oseltamivir phosphate, peramivir, or zanamivir, which is commonly given within 48 hours of symptom onset. Currently, the FDA has approved for use of remdesivir and baricitinib in moderate to severe cases of COVID-19.
How Does The Winter Season Increase Susceptibility to Respiratory Infections?
Studies have indicated that a seasonal decrease in temperature does increase both the incidence and severity of respiratory infections. Two of the possible causes for this include vasoconstriction within the respiratory mucosa and a reduction in immunosuppressive effects with a decrease in temperature.
Since influenza and other respiratory infections, such as the respiratory syncytial virus, have been around for quite some time now, it has been easier to study their seasonal variability. For instance, both these viruses have peaked incidences between December to March in the Northern hemisphere countries. Additionally, seasonal viruses are observed to thrive better in cooler temperatures.
COVID-19 has been around for a shorter duration, which makes conclusions on its seasonality a little difficult at this stage. Additionally, this is the first year, when all restrictions have been lifted. This means the following winter season will help to understand seasonal variations of COVID-19 if there are any.
Preliminary studies have, however, shown that SARS-CoV-2 can thrive better in lower temperatures and high humidity. This is because these conditions facilitate the slowing down of viral processes, such as viral breakdown, resulting in a long phase of infectivity.
To confirm seasonal variation, patterns will have to be observed over time. The past two years showed surges in cases even during summer months. However, constant viral mutation and a relatively unvaccinated population were exposed to the outbreak. With more vaccinations and better protective measures in place, changes in viral spread may be noted.
Boosting Your Immunity For The Winters
While the flu season ideally peaks between December to February, several US states are already seeing an increase in their flu cases, as noted by the CDC. Similarly, COVID-19 immuno-evasive variants are also causing spikes in reported COVID-19 cases.
Now would be a great time as any to consider using protective measures and taking steps to boost your immunity for the winters.
● The first would be taking the flu shot. While most have received all the doses for the COVID-19 vaccines, booster shots are now available. If you are immunocompromised, these vaccines help prevent severe infections.
● Consider using protective measures like wearing a mask and maintaining hand hygiene. Avoid closed and crowded spaces whenever you can.
● Leading an active lifestyle helps to boost your immune system. Exercising improves circulation throughout the body, which is also a crucial aspect of fighting infections.
● Ensure you are resting well at night. Sleep helps to fight illnesses and also helps to recover and repair any wear or tear your body undergoes, especially if you are infected. Sleep reduces stress during the day as well, a known risk factor for lowering immunity.
● Your diet should include plenty of fluids, healthy veggies, and fruits. These are essentially natural sources of antioxidants and immune boosters. Add garlic, turmeric, cinnamon, and pepper to food and beverages. These spices have immunity-enhancing properties.
● If possible, get some sunlight. Vitamin D is not only good for your bones, but it also assists and has immune-boosting qualities. Additionally, sunlight helps to improve mood, which is also known to have seasonal variations.
● Finally, if you have any concerns about your immunity or have questions about your vaccination status, consider consulting with your healthcare provider.
Conclusion
The COVID-19 pandemic has posed new struggles for our health and how we tackle emerging infections in the winter season. This season ahead may cause some uncertainty concerning our exposure to viral infections. However, if we are prepared and take the right precautions, we limit the chances of being affected by seasonal viral infections.