North Little Rock e-Newsletter Provided by Diane Whitbey, City Clerk and Treasurer
December 2022
Cold, Flu or COVID-19? Take steps to keep yourself and others safe Found at nsc.org (National Safety Council)
Flu season is always a risky time, when we can unintentionally pass a cold or the flu between ourselves and those around us. This flu season, with the added risks of COVID-19, safety is more important that ever. To protect against viruses this flu season, you must be able to spot the signs and symptoms of a typical cold, the annual flu and COVID-19, and take steps to keep yourself and others healthy. The flu season in the U.S. typically ranges from November to April. While it is a myth that cold temperatures during these months cause colds, it is true that cold weather keeps people indoors, making transmission and exposure to viruses more likely. Here are some tips to help you limit exposure to colds, the flu and COVID-19: Practice social distancing Wear a mask indoors while in close contact with others When feasible, limit the number of people in enclosed spaces Regularly clean and wipe down shared surfaces such as countertops, keyboards and phones Avoid touching your mouth, nose and eyes, and wash hands thoroughly and often Get the COVID-19 vaccination and booster as well as a flu shot, if possible Eat healthy foods to strengthen you immune system Exercise moderately to maintain a healthy immune system Ask your doctor about vitamin supplements to help support your immune system Drink plenty of water to stay hydrated Get plenty of rest Try to avoid people who are sick, and stay home if you feel sick. When at work, ask about steps to limit exposure in the workplace. (When in public places, be aware of your surroundings and those who are present. Coughs and sneezes could be symptoms of seasonal allergies...or could be symptoms of a virus.) Spot the symptoms While you might be familiar with symptoms of a cold or the flu, it’s crucial to know the difference between these illnesses and COVID-19. Cold symptoms: Sore throat Cough, chest discomfort
Mild fatigue Runny nose Fever and headache are rare Symptoms may be gradual Flu Symptoms High fever 102-104 degrees Fahrenheit Headache Extreme fatigue Dry cough and sore throat Runny or stuffy nose Muscle or body aches Nausea, vomiting and diarrhea Symptoms show up abruptly COVID-19 symptoms Fever or chills Cough Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing Fatigue Headache New loss of taste or smell Sore throat Muscle or body aches Congestion or runny, stuffy nose Nausea, vomiting and diarrhea Symptoms may appear 2-14 days after exposure to the virus. Some of these overlapping symptoms can be confusing, but it’s important to keep in mind that each person’s experience with a cold, the flu or COVID-19 may be different. Symptoms may be more severe or, in some COVID-19 cases, there may be no symptoms at all. According to the CDC, due to the similarity of some of these symptoms, testing is key to determining whether or not you are positive for one or more than one of these illnesses. Once you know what is causing your symptoms, talk to your doctor about treatment options and take steps to stop the spread. Continued on page 5...
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