Officials find first instance of West Nile virus in Illinois

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Public health officials are highlighting the importance of taking action to "Fight the Bite" during National Mosquito Control Awareness Week, which runs from June 18-24.

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Photo: Mohamed Nuzrath/Pixabay

by Mark Richardson
Illinois News Connection

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CHICAGO - The Illinois Department of Public Health said the first positive test for West Nile virus in 2025 has been detected in Winnebago County near Rockford.

Health officials warned people in the infected area and elsewhere to take precautions to avoid the mosquito-borne disease, which is expected to spread across the state. Last year, Illinois reported 69 cases of West Nile, with 13 reported human deaths.

Sameer Vohra, director of the Illinois Department of Public Health, said evidence of the disease usually emerges this time of year.

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Most people who are bitten by infected mosquitoes do not contract the disease.

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"In Illinois, we typically see the first environmental positive test for West Nile in mid- to late May," Vohra explained. "Mosquitoes typically emerge in the spring and are active until the first hard frost of the year."

Vohra noted West Nile virus is an endemic disease in Illinois, meaning it is commonly found in the state. Public health officials are highlighting the importance of taking action to "Fight the Bite" during National Mosquito Control Awareness Week, which runs from June 18-24.

Vohra pointed out most people who are bitten by infected mosquitoes do not contract the disease but one in five will show symptoms ranging from mild discomfort to a serious and possibly fatal illness.

"Right now, there's no treatment for West Nile virus," Vohra emphasized. "But supportive care is really important, especially if you're developing symptoms or you're that one of 150 people that can develop severe illness."

Public health officials have advised Illinoisians to wear long sleeves and pants outdoors, use Environmental Protection Agency-approved insect repellent and stay indoors during peak mosquito hours at dawn and dusk. They also recommend trying to keep mosquitoes from breeding.

"One way to do that is to dump any standing water," Vohra advised. "Examples of that include flowerpots, children's toys, pet bowls, bird baths, buckets, used tires, abandoned swimming pools, any place where you can get standing water."

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Tagged: West Nile Virus detected in Illinois, Insect

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What you need to know about Tuberculosis: Symptoms, Spread and Safety Tips

by Matt Sheehan
OSF Healthcare

PEORIA - A Tuberculosis (TB) outbreak in Kansas City, Kansas, has people on edge, with not much public knowledge about the disease or how to prevent it.

The Kansas Department of Health & Environment reported as of January 31, 67 people were infected in the latest outbreak. Two people died and roughly half have finished treatment and are considered cured.

What is Tuberculosis?

Dr. Sharjeel Ahmad
OSF Healthcare

“TB is referred to as ‘the great mimicker,’ says Sharjeel Ahmad, MD, a staff physician of infectious disease with OSF HealthCare, meaning the signs and symptoms are like many other viruses and bacterial infections people get.

“Tuberculosis is a very contagious bacterial infection,” Dr. Ahmad says. “It’s caused by a bacterium called Mycobacterium tuberculosis. It is spread when people cough, sneeze or spit. So, if you cough, spit or sneeze, you generate tiny particles. When someone else inhales that, you can get infected by TB.”

While active TB disease cases are rare, Dr. Ahmad says it's likely that one in four people worldwide have been exposed to this bacterium. In Peoria, Illinois, OSF HealthCare Saint Francis Medical Center treated six TB patients in 2024. The bacteria can be transmitted easily, with the infectious dose being a single live bacterium sufficient to infect people. The infection is transmitted airborne, through droplets and aerosol.

Tuberculosis signs and symptoms

“Warning signs include, but are not limited to, unexplained fever, night sweats and unintentional weight loss,” Dr. Ahmad says. “The infection is spread through inhaling, so the lungs are the primary site for infection”

Lung symptoms include a chronic cough that doesn’t go away, along with vague chest aches and pains. You may have phlegm, which could sometimes have blood in it.

What you should know:

• Tuberculosis outbreak was reported in Kansas City, Kansas
• The disease is not common in the United States
• There is a vaccine, but its efficacy is questionable
• Symptoms can be unexplained fevers, night sweats, and weight loss
• The disease is spread airborne through respiratory droplets

“The Vampire Effect”

Dr. Ahmad says, "Before the Industrial Revolution, folklore often associated tuberculosis with vampires. When one member of a family died from the disease, the other infected members would lose their health slowly. People believed this was caused by the original person with TB draining the life from the other family members".

"It can be deadly if it's left untreated. It was colloquially referred to as 'the consumption,' way back when because it consumes the body, and the body can get overwhelmed by it."

Why do most people not get the TB vaccine?

There is a vaccine for TB, and 2021 marked 100 years it has been around. It's made from a weakened strain of bacteria, Dr. Ahmad says. It's called Bacille Calmette-Guérin (BCG). The rates of protection against tuberculosis infection vary widely.

"It offers protection from getting TB of the brain/meningitis, especially in kids. It also has some protection against TB outside the lungs," Dr. Ahmad says. "There are some factors like genetics and where the patient is, which means it is not 100% protective. Estimates of protective effect vary between 20-70% for protection against TB disease.”

The TB vaccine can also interfere with a particular skin screening test for TB if the vaccination was given recently.

“Since the disease is so rare” Dr. Ahmad adds. We've opted over the years to not mess up our ability to detect known cases," he says.

Who is most at risk?

The youngest and oldest populations are both at high-risk for TB, along with those who have been around an infected person.

"This is a disease of overcrowding and poor hygiene," Dr. Ahmad says. "It's been around in humans forever. It's transmitted from person to person via the respiratory route."

People with a weakened immune system are also at risk of developing the disease if they are exposed to it. This could include people with diabetes or HIV. Patients who take medications that suppress the immune system – including patients with autoimmune diseases, transplants, and cancer patients are also more at risk. Patients with prior history of lung disease/damage are also at risk.

Dr. Ahmad adds that homeless shelters, correctional facilities and those with substance use disorder are also at-risk for becoming infected with TB.

How TB is treated in the hospital

Dr. Ahmad says care teams use "airborne precautions," including rooms with special ventilation systems in the hospital. TB patients are kept in these "negative pressure rooms" away from others to prevent the spread of infection. The entire care team wears personal protective equipment, including gowns, gloves and N95 masks, while in the room with the patient.

The medication regimen for TB patients is intense. Traditionally, four different antibiotics will be used for the first two months. "Once we have the antibiotic susceptibility results, and everything looks good, we can drop the patient down to just two antibiotics until we reach six months’ duration of treatment for lung TB," Dr. Ahmad says. If TB spreads outside the lungs, treatment can be even longer.

While therapy can be initiated at the hospital, the patient does not have to stay in the hospital for the whole duration of treatment. Once a care plan has been formulated, it is coordinated with the local health department to ensure there are no gaps in care during the transition, the patient continues to have access to the medication, and they do not pose a public health risk to others. The aim is to limit the patient's interaction with others inside and outside the hospital until they are deemed non-infectious, meaning they cannot transmit the infection. The hospital infection control/prevention team and county health department also remain vigilant, ensuring any potential exposures are traced and screened.

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Protecting cherished pets from highly pathogenic avian influenza: A guide for pet owners

Pets, like cats and dogs, are not immune from contracting Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza, commonly called the Bird Flu. Veterinarians are recommending viligence, keeping a close watch over pets when outside the home to avoid contracting the fatal disease.

Annette Meyer/Pixabay

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SNS - As the threat of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) looms over both avian and domestic populations, pet owners face an urgent challenge: protecting their beloved companions from a virus that can turn a playful afternoon into a perilous health crisis. HPAI, primarily affecting birds, poses significant risks to pets, particularly those that may come into contact with infected avian species. Understanding the nature of this virus and its transmission is crucial for ensuring the safety and well-being of pets.

HPAI is highly contagious, spreading rapidly among birds and leading to severe illness or death. The virus is shed through the droppings and saliva of infected birds, making close contact with these animals or their waste a potential hazard for pets. While birds such as chickens and ducks are at the highest risk, other pets, including cats and dogs, are not entirely immune to the virus.

Chickens and ducks have the highest risk of contracting Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza.

Photo: Erik Karits/Pixabay

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One of the most effective ways to safeguard pets from HPAI is through diligent biosecurity measures. Pet owners should clean and disinfect areas where their pets spend time, particularly if they have access to outdoor spaces. Limiting contact with wild birds is essential, as these creatures can shed the virus through their droppings and saliva. Additionally, preventing pets from scavenging raw bird remains can further reduce the risk of exposure. By creating a controlled environment, pet owners can significantly diminish the chances of their animals contracting the virus.

Monitoring pets for any signs of illness is another critical step in protecting them from HPAI. Symptoms such as coughing, sneezing, lethargy, and difficulty breathing can indicate a potential infection. If a pet exhibits any of these signs, it is vital to consult a veterinarian promptly. Early diagnosis and treatment can make a significant difference in the outcome for affected animals. Pet owners should remain vigilant, especially during times when HPAI outbreaks are reported in their area.

“Unfortunately, all dead animal carcasses have the potential to transmit HPAI. Waterbirds are the most affected species and they have the potential to transmit the virus without showing clinical signs, but a huge variety of wild and domestic bird and mammal species have died from HPAI,” says Stephany Lewis, a professor of zoological medicine at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign and director of the University of Illinois Wildlife Medical Clinic. “It is recommended to always keep cats indoors. Cats, dogs and other pets that do spend some time outdoors should remain leashed and closely monitored to keep them away from wildlife and poultry.”

In the event of suspected exposure to HPAI, immediate action is necessary. Quarantining the affected pet can help prevent the virus from spreading to other animals or humans. Pet owners should also practice thorough hand hygiene after handling their pets to avoid any potential transmission. By staying informed and proactive, pet owners can play a crucial role in protecting their companions from the risks associated with Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza, ensuring their health and happiness in an uncertain environment.

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Infected pets may exhibit a range of symptoms, from flu-like signs to severe respiratory issues. Symptoms can include coughing, sneezing, lethargy, and difficulty breathing.

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Lewis said pets may become infected with HPAI if they consume dead infected birds, eat raw meat from infected birds, or drink unpasteurized milk from infected cows. “Some raw pet foods have been linked to HPAI infection and deaths in house cats. Other routes of transmission, such as inhalation or ingestion of aerosolized secretions or feces from infected birds, are also possible but have not yet been confirmed,” she explained in an interview with the University of Illinois News Bureau. “In humans, most HPAI infections have occurred from unprotected direct contact with infected animals — usually poultry or cattle — or surfaces contaminated with feces or respiratory secretions from infected animals. The virus can enter through a person’s eyes, nose, mouth or via inhalation.”

She added that there have not been any reported infections from ingestion of properly cooked poultry or pasteurized milk but pointed out that improper handling of raw poultry products or ingestion of undercooked meat or unpasteurized milk could result in infection in humans as well as pets.

Infected pets may exhibit a range of symptoms, from flu-like signs to severe respiratory issues. Symptoms can include coughing, sneezing, lethargy, and difficulty breathing. In severe cases, HPAI can lead to death, underscoring the importance of vigilance among pet owners.

To mitigate the risks associated with HPAI, biosecurity measures are essential. This involves cleaning and disinfecting pet areas, limiting contact with wild birds, and preventing pets from consuming raw bird remains. Pet owners are advised to supervise any interactions between their pets and birds, ensuring that contact is brief and monitored.

There appears to be a range of susceptibility to this current strain of H5N1 among different species. Besides waterbirds, the next most frequently seen wild birds with HPAI-related morbidity and mortality are crows and raptors, but any bird can become sick with avian influenza.

Lewis said clinical signs in birds observed most frequently are cloudy eyes, a symptom of corneal edema, and neurologic signs like tremors, weakness, incoordination, inability to stand, and seizures. Other vague, non-specific signs of illness can occur, or the animal may die suddenly without observed clinical signs.

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Veterinarians can provide expert guidance on treatment options and care for pets affected by HPAI. Their knowledge is invaluable in navigating the complexities of this viral threat.

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The symptoms of avian influenza in any species can mimic those of many other diseases, so there’s no way to know for sure an animal has avian influenza without laboratory diagnostics. Wild carnivores, such as foxes, bobcats and other wild felines, skunks, fishers, mink and even marine mammals such as seals have all been documented to get sick and die from avian influenza.

If a pet shows signs of illness, it is crucial for owners to act swiftly. Early diagnosis and treatment can significantly improve outcomes for infected animals. Pet owners should consult their veterinarians immediately if they suspect their pet has contracted HPAI.

In the event of exposure to HPAI, pet owners should implement quarantine measures to prevent the potential spread of the virus. Isolating the affected pet and practicing thorough hand hygiene after handling them can help reduce the risk of transmission to other animals or humans.

Veterinarians can provide expert guidance on treatment options and care for pets affected by HPAI. Their knowledge is invaluable in navigating the complexities of this viral threat.

Animal doctors recommend staying informed and start implementing preventive measures to protect pets from the risks associated with HPAI. By following recommended guidelines above and remaining vigilant, pet owners can help ensure the health and well-being of their cherished companions. Proactive measures and prompt responses to potential threats can make a significant difference in safeguarding pets against this serious viral infection.

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Another pandemic? hMPV may be spreading in China, here’s why we don't need to worry about it

by Allen Cheng
Monash University

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Five years after the first news of COVID, recent reports of an obscure respiratory virus in China may understandably raise concerns.

Chinese authorities first issued warnings about human metapneumovirus (hMPV) in 2023, but media reports indicate cases may be increasing again during China’s winter season.

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Photo: Luisella Planeta/from Pixabay

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For most people, hMPV will cause symptoms similar to a cold or the flu. In rare cases, hMPV can lead to severe infections. But it isn’t likely to cause the next pandemic.

What is hMPV?

hMPV was first discovered in 2001 by scientists from the Netherlands in a group of children where tests for other known respiratory viruses were negative.

But it was probably around long before that. Testing of samples from the 1950s demonstrated antibodies against this virus, suggesting infections have been common for at least several decades. Studies since have found hMPV in almost all regions in the world.

Australian data prior to the COVID pandemic found hMPV to be the third most common virus detected in adults and children with respiratory infections. In adults, the two most common were influenza and RSV (respiratory syncytial virus), while in children they were RSV and parainfluenza.

Like influenza, hMPV is a more significant illness for younger and older people.

Studies suggest most children are exposed early in life, with the majority of children by age five having antibodies indicating prior infection. In general, this reduces the severity of subsequent infections for older children and adults.

In young children, hMPV most commonly causes infections of the upper respiratory tract, with symptoms including runny nose, sore throat, fever as well as ear infections. These symptoms usually resolve over a few days to a week in children, and 1–2 weeks in adults.

Although most infections with hMPV are relatively mild, it can cause more severe disease in people with underlying medical conditions, such as heart disease. Complications can include pneumonia, with shortness of breath, fever and wheezing. hMPV can also worsen pre-existing lung diseases such as asthma or emphysema. Additionally, infection can be serious in people with weakened immune systems, particularly those who have had bone marrow or lung transplants.

But the generally mild nature of the illness, the widespread detection of antibodies reflecting broad population exposure and immunity, combined with a lack of any known major pandemics in the past due to hMPV, suggests there’s no cause for alarm.

Are there any vaccines or treatments?

It is presumed that hMPV is transmitted by contact with respiratory secretions, either through the air or on contaminated surfaces. Therefore, personal hygiene measures and avoiding close contact with other people while unwell should reduce the risk of transmission.

The virus is a distant cousin of RSV for which immunisation products have recently become available, including vaccines and monoclonal antibodies. This has led to the hope that similar products may be developed for hMPV, and Moderna has recently started trials into a mRNA hMPV vaccine.

There are no treatments that have been clearly demonstrated to be effective. But for severely unwell patients certain antivirals may offer some benefit.

Why are we hearing so many reports of respiratory viruses now?

Since the COVID pandemic, the pattern of many respiratory infections has changed. For example, in Australia, influenza seasons have started earlier (peaking in June–July rather than August–September).

Many countries, including Australia, are reporting an increased number of cases of whooping cough (pertussis).

In China, there have been reports of increased cases of mycoplasma, a bacterial cause of pneumonia, as well as influenza and hMPV.

There are many factors that may have impacted the epidemiology of respiratory pathogens. These include the interruption to respiratory virus transmission due to public health measures taken during the COVID pandemic, environmental factors such as climate change, and for some diseases, post-pandemic changes in vaccine coverage. It may also be the usual variation we see with respiratory infections – for example, pertussis outbreaks are known to occur every 3–4 years.

For hMPV in Australia, we don’t yet have stable surveillance systems to form a good picture of what a “usual” hMPV season looks like. So with international reports of outbreaks, it will be important to monitor the available data for hMPV and other respiratory viruses to inform local public health policy.

Allen Cheng, Professor of Infectious Diseases, Monash University

This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article.

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hMPV: It has been around for a while and most of us don't have to really worry

Photo: Juliia Abramova/PEXELS

Infants and toddlers are at the greatest risk of suffering from an hMPV infection, a seasonal virus in the news identified more than two decades ago. While generally harsh the first time, symptoms are usually mild with subsequent reinfections.

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(SNS) - A recent outbreak of hMPV in China in the current news cycle around the world because the China government is taking the rapid spread seriously, taking a preventive stance, asking citizens to wash their hands frequently, masking up, and pushing early testing.

Is there a reason to worry?

According to the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA), "In adults of all ages, HMPV is a common infection, and, although often asymptomatic, it can result in serious infection that requires hospitalization."

Exactly who is at high risk of suffering from complications

• Young Children: Infants and toddlers are especially vulnerable to serious respiratory conditions, such as bronchiolitis and pneumonia.
• Older Adults: Individuals aged 65 or above, as well as those with chronic health concerns such as asthma or COPD, are more likely to have complications.
• Pregnant Women: HMPV during pregnancy can result in respiratory issues, which may endanger both the mother and infants' health.
• Immunocompromised Individuals: Those with weakened immune systems, whether due to medical conditions or treatments like chemotherapy, are at a higher risk of experiencing severe symptoms.

What is hMPV?

hMPV was first discovered in 2001 by scientists from the Netherlands in a group of children where tests for other known respiratory viruses were negative. It is in the same category of viral infections as the Pneumoviridae family and respiratory syncytial virus, or RSV.

It is believed the virus originated in birds before adapting to infect humans. Genetic studies indicate it likely circulated among humans for decades before it was identified by scientists.

According to the CDC, hMPV is a virus that can cause upper and lower respiratory infections. Because we spend more time indoors during colder months, hMPV is more likely to circulate during the winter and spring months when other similar diseases, such as RSV and the flu, are prevalent.

The American Lung Association says that hMPV is most commonly spread from person to person through close contact with someone who is infected. Shaking hands, hugging or kissing as well as coming in contact with viral material from coughing and sneezing or touching objects such as toys or doorknobs are the usual methods of infection.

Resembling other respiratory illnesses, diagnosis and treatment can be assessed via three methods. There is a PCR test, much like the now standard COVID-19 test, available for doctors. The hMPV is a molecular test that detects the virus' genetic material with high accuracy and is regarded as the gold standard for diagnosis. Doctors can also use a Rapid Antigen Test. While providing faster results, they are less sensitive in detecting the virus compared to PCR tests.

The final method is the more evasive Bronchoscopy, which looks for changes in the lung tissue. A bronchoscopy is a standard procedure that allows a doctor to examine the inside of the lungs, trachea, and bronchi using a thin, lighted tube called a bronchoscope. The procedure is commonly used to diagnose and treat a variety of lung conditions.

hMPV usually causes symptoms similar to the common cold that lasts roughly 2-5 days and goes away. Most children who get infected with hMPV are age 5 or younger. According to Cleveland Clinic, you can get HMPV again, but symptoms are usually mild after your first infection. Severe symptoms and complications affect a small number of children (5-16%) who may develop a lower respiratory tract infection such as pneumonia. The majority of the infections occurred in children under the age of 14,

Once infected, patients will develop varying levels of immunity to subsequent exposures according to Cleveland Clinic. "You can get HMPV again, but symptoms are usually mild after your first infection."

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What da funk? A stinky body can be a sign of a health issue

by Tim Ditman
OSF Healthcare

DANVILLE - Death, taxes and body odor.

They’re things we can all expect in life, no matter how clean you are. But health care providers want you to know when body odor is a sign of a more serious health problem.

B.O. basics

Luis Garcia, MD, an OSF HealthCare pediatrician, says sweat and bacteria are the main culprits behind body odor. Warmth and moisture in parts of the body (like your armpits and feet), plus going through puberty and general poor hygiene, can make the smell worse.

“Specifically in the armpits and genital area, there are glands called apocrine glands. They are high in protein and fat,” Dr. Garcia explains. “Bacteria that live with us will break those substances, and that’s what could cause odors.”

Your urine can even smell foul, Dr. Garcia adds.

Warning signs

Dr. Garcia says if you notice a change in your body odor, especially if a smell comes on suddenly or if the stench gets worse, it’s worth investigating. He says it may just be a product of what you eat and drink. Dehydration, supplements, or eating spicy, garlicy or onion-rich food can lead to body odor.

Image: Mohamed Hassan/Pixabay

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But, body odor changes could also be a sign of infection, metabolic issues, liver disease, kidney disease or gum disease. And in women (mostly adults), odor changes in the urine or genital area could even be a sign of cervical cancer. Putrid-smelling urine or a fish-like smell from the genital area are signs women should watch for, Dr. Garcia says.

“Fruity or sweet odors,” should also be looked into, Dr. Garcia adds. “It might be an indication of serious conditions like diabetes or metabolic disease.”

If your body odor comes with serious symptoms, like bleeding or a fever, call 9-1-1 and get to the emergency department. But for most other cases, a visit to your primary care provider or an urgent care is a good first step.

Key takeaways:

• Some body odor is natural. But if you notice a change, it may be a sign of a bigger problem like an infection, organ issues, diabetes or even cancer.
• If your odor comes with serious symptoms like bleeding, call 9-1-1.  Otherwise, make an appointment with a health care provider.
• Aside from general hygiene, steps to reduce body odor include: have good air flow in your home, change out of damp clothes quickly, eat less spicy food and shave body hair.

Prevention

Good hygiene – like showering, brushing and flossing your teeth and using deodorant – goes a long way to prevent body odor. But Dr. Garcia has some lesser-known tips for parents and others to keep in mind:

• Maintain good air flow in your home. This prevents a warm and moist environment that can lead to smells.
• Have plenty of clothes handy, especially if your child is active.
• “Make sure they change clothes [when needed]. Use a new set of clothes after sweating or exercising,” Dr. Garcia says.
• Lightweight, moisture-wicking fabrics like nylon and polyester are good for working out.
• Change other habits to see if you notice a change. Eat less spicy food, or switch your deodorant or toothpaste. Also, stress can trigger sweating. So take steps to reduce stress, such as deep breathing, meditation or seeing a mental health professional.
• Consider shaving body hair, particularly your armpits and genital area. Hair can trap sweat and bacteria.

If you take these steps and body odor persists, you may be able to rule out everyday stink as the cause and decide the time is right to see a health care provider.

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Myth busting hygene, common health misconceptions you should ignore

You should modify your diet when sick to avoid trigger foods, like spicy or greasy foods, suggests Dr. Awad Alyami, a pediatrician at OSF HealthCare.

Photo: Nhung Tran/Pixabay

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by Tim Ditman
OSF Healthcare

DANVILLE - From health care providers to websites to advice passed down through generations, there are a lot of ways to get health care information, especially tips for minor ailments you can treat at home.

Awad Alyami, MD, a pediatrician at OSF HealthCare, breaks down some common myths.

Myth: There’s a one-size-fits-all pill for common illnesses.

Fact: It depends on whether it’s a viral infection (like influenza, the common cold or coronavirus) or a bacterial infection (like pneumonia, strep throat or food-borne illnesses like salmonella).

“For the most part, with bacterial infections you need to see a health care provider. You’re probably going to need an antibiotic,” Dr. Alyami says. “Most viral infections just run their course, and you focus on the symptoms. If you have a fever, you take fever medication. If you have pain, you take pain medication. If kids are six years or older and have a cough, they can use over-the-counter cough medication.”

Dr. Alyami points out that you can take those medications to help with bacterial infection symptoms, too. But you need an antibiotic, too, to get better.

Myth: Feed a cold and starve a fever.

Dr. Awad Alyami

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Fact: You should modify your diet when sick to avoid trigger foods, like spicy or greasy foods. But reducing the amount you eat and drink won’t make you better sooner. In fact, Dr. Alyami says hydration is critical.

“When kids have infections and a fever, one of the most common reasons they end up in the hospital is dehydration,” Dr. Alyami says. “When kids are sick, they lose fluids from their body and need hydration.”

So, drink plenty of water and eat nutritious foods as your body can tolerate.

Myth: I can go back to work or school as soon as I start to feel better.

Fact: Dr. Alyami says you should be fever-free (body temperature less than 100.4 degrees) for 24 hours with improving symptoms.

When you go back out, practice good habits like thorough handwashing and avoiding coughing or sneezing into the open air.

Myth: If I don’t look or feel dirty, I don’t need to shower or bathe.

Fact: Dr. Alyami says there’s no “catch all” advice for how often to wash off. Some people will shower or bathe daily. Others will do so every other day or less frequently. Dr. Alyami advises you to shower or bathe when you feel you need to or after you’ve been in a dirty or sweaty environment, like after playing sports or a hike in the woods. People with skin conditions should also clean themselves with care.

“For people with eczema or atopic dermatitis, I recommend daily showers,” Dr. Alyami says. “But they need to be quick because the more exposure to water we have, the more we dehydrate the skin. So, showers should not exceed 15 minutes, and you should apply moisturizer right away afterward.”

Myth: When I shower, bathe or wash my hands, really hot water is best to kill germs.

Fact: Really hot showers can feel good, but they may burn your skin. Dr. Alyami recommends setting your home’s water heater at 120 degrees or less. Then, when you use the shower or sink, warm, but not hot water is best.

Dr. Alyami adds that a cold shower after a sweaty summer activity is OK because it can reduce the chance of heat rash. But frequent cold showers can irritate your skin.

Myth: Q-tips are meant for cleaning your ear.

Fact: “The ear is a self-cleaning oven. Most everything inside the ear will come out on its own,” Dr. Alyami says. “When we put anything inside the ear, we are pushing everything from the outside to the inside, especially earwax. It makes it harder for the ear to clean itself.”

Using Q-tips and similar devices can lead to injuries to the ear canal or eardrum, Dr. Alyami adds. Instead, during your shower or bath, gently clean and dry the outside of your ears. If your ears look or feel off (pain or itchiness, for example), see a provider.

“We can clean you safely in the office,” Dr. Alyami says.

Myth: For cuts and scrapes, apply antibiotic ointment like Neosporin until it heals.

Fact: You can apply the ointment once after cleaning the wound and then again after the wound is healed. But doing so often can lead to contact dermatitis, a bad skin reaction.

Myth: The “five second rule” is OK for eating food that’s fallen on the floor.

Fact: Dr. Alyami puts this one to rest once and for all: Don’t do it. Always eat off a sanitary surface.

He even says that research has shown that bacteria from the floor can attach to food in as little as less than one second. Eating dirty food can lead to vomiting and stomach illnesses.

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Now is the time to protect yourself from the flu and COVID-19

NAPSI - While there’s no distinct COVID-19 season like there is for the flu, it’s been shown that COVID-19 can peak during the winter months. To help fight respiratory illnesses, it’s recommended you get a flu vaccination, as well as the updated COVID-19 vaccine.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), people six months and older, with rare exception, should get the updated annual flu vaccine, ideally by the end of October. The CDC also recommends that everyone ages six months and older should get the updated 2024–2025 COVID-19 vaccine, unless otherwise noted, to help restore and enhance protection against the currently circulating virus variants.

It’s especially important to protect certain populations. This includes those at increased risk of complications from severe flu or COVID-19 illness, such as adults 65 and older, people with certain immunocompromising or chronic medical conditions, infants, children younger than two and pregnant women.

“Preventive vaccinations are the best way to protect yourself and your family from seasonal illnesses,” said Dr. Sree Chaguturu, executive vice president and chief medical officer at CVS Health. “Access to preventive vaccinations is critical to keeping communities healthy.”

According to Dr. Chaguturu, it’s helpful to understand the science behind vaccines so people feel informed and safe getting vaccinated.

Myth #1: You should wait until flu season peaks to get vaccinated.

According to the CDC, the timing of flu season is difficult to predict and can vary in different parts of the country and from season to season. It’s important to get vaccinated before flu season peaks or outbreaks occur in your area since it takes about two weeks for your body to build up protection after getting vaccinated.

Myth #2: You can’t receive other vaccinations with the flu shot.

The CDC says patients can get a COVID-19 vaccine at the same time as the flu vaccine and other eligible vaccines. At CVS Pharmacy, patients can schedule multiple vaccinations in one appointment.

Myth #3: You don’t need updated vaccinations for the flu.

Getting the flu shot every year is essential because the body’s protection from the vaccine declines over time. Also, flu viruses vary yearly, so receiving the latest vaccine formulation provides optimal protection.

Flu shot appointments (for up to four people in one appointment) can be scheduled at CVS Pharmacy or MinuteClinic by visiting CVS.com or the CVS Pharmacy app.

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Back-to-school illnesses, kids need their immunizations

by Matt Sheehan
OSF Healthcare

A return to school comes with a return to activities.

But no matter if it’s fall sports, extracurricular activities, or just hanging out with friends, there comes the increase spread of viruses, according to Doug Kasper, MD, an infectious disease specialist with OSF HealthCare.

Photo provided

Dr. Doug Kasper

“Not only are children, but the family unit as a whole is starting to do much more. They’re going to be exposed to each other much more than they have been over the next few months,” Dr. Kasper says.

The three main viruses remain the same as the past few years: Influenza (flu), COVID-19 and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV). But others will arise as well, including adenovirus, rhinovirus/enterovirus (common cold) and more.

When viruses tend to peak

“Influenza in Central Illinois starts to appear around November, and peaks in January,” Dr. Kasper says. “RSV, particularly in young children, starts to show up in September or October. COVID-19 has been a bit more seasonal each year, but we start to predict peaks in October. What you’ll notice is that all of those will start to overlap.”

How vaccinations play a role

As millions of kids are returning to school, Dr. Kasper says it’s time to start scheduling checkups with their pediatrician and discussing back-to-school vaccinations.

“Vaccination now has more of an effect of protecting the individual so they can remain in their activities, school or job as long as possible,” Dr. Kasper says. “We know in most situations there is more than one person in the household and more than one child at home. It's also helping decrease spread within the family unit when these things are brought home."

The flu vaccine, Dr. Kasper says, is recommended for anyone 6 months or older. Whereas the RSV vaccine is only available to certain people.

"RSV is most severe in our younger populations, ages 2 or younger, or in those 60 and older. While vaccination is only offered in select age groups, including pregnant women, there is still benefit to the family unit for the family to make sure those who can be vaccinated against RSV do get those at the appropriate time,” Dr. Kasper says.

The COVID-19 pandemic may have come and gone, but the recommendation for yearly vaccination is starting to resemble the same strategy as the flu vaccine.

"COVID-19 guidance will be a little different,” Dr. Kasper adds. “We're expecting an updated vaccine that will come out in the fall, probably October. We'll have unique recommendations for different age groups or those with medical conditions. But I'd expect the recommendation of one additional COVID-19 vaccine or booster for the fall into winter season.”

Respiratory virus symptoms

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) lists a dozen symptoms you may potentially experience if you become sick with one of the abovementioned viruses.

• Fever
• Chills
• Fatigue (tiredness)
• Cough
• Runny or stuffy nose
• Decrease in appetite
• Sore throat
• Vomiting
• New loss of taste or smell
• Headache, muscle or body aches
• Diarrhea
• Weakness

If you have trouble breathing or chest pain, seek emergency medical care immediately.

The CDC’s current recommendation is to stay home and away from others until at least 24 hours after you are fever-free, and your symptoms are improving. Remember to wash your hands and improve airflow by opening windows and bringing in fresh outside air, purifying indoor air or spending time outdoors. Make sure to routinely change your central heating, ventilation and air conditioning system filters every few months.

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