Those who believe they are sheltered because “they have already had the flu” must be careful: there are other forms of winter ailments around no less annoying.
They give very similar symptoms, but if one has already had the seasonal flu he may think he is now sheltered.
But it is not the same viruses that are putting many people to bed at the beginning of this year.
On the one hand there are those who have spent or are going through days of hell with constant nausea, vomiting and, perhaps, even intestinal disorders, and, on the other hand, there are those who are forced at home, if not in bed, by sore throat, lowering of the voice, sometimes accompanied by fever.
It looks like influence, but it’s not
The culprits are instead other viruses, such as noroviruses, adenoviruses and coronaviruses, all capable of inducing forms practically indistinguishable from a flu or a cold, attacking the gastrointestinal system the former, and the upper respiratory tract the others.
Although even these infections are able to stimulate the production of antibodies that, to some degree, could also protect us from the real flu, we do not sing victory too soon.
Even in these cases, experts advise rest and those drugs, such as non-steroidal anti-inflammatories, that keep symptoms at bay.
Joycelyn Elders is the author and creator of EmpowerEssence, a health and wellness blog. Elders is a respected public health advocate and pediatrician dedicated to promoting general health and well-being.
The blog covers a wide range of topics related to health and wellness, with articles organized into several categories.