Slowing the spread of holiday season viruses

It’s that time of year to spread cheer and goodwill. Unfortunately, it’s also the time of year to spread viruses. According to Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the United States is in “epidemic” mode for respiratory health as cold and flu season amps up.

“We are in a much better place now thanks to our collective natural and vaccine-acquired immunity. While that is encouraging, there are still subsets of our population that remain particularly vulnerable,” said Carlton Abner, MS, KCU associate provost for Campus Health and Wellness. “When we take individual precautions, we are not only protecting them. We are also protecting ourselves by playing a personal role in minimizing disruptions due to illness.”

There are some easy preventative measures we can take to help stop the spread of common viruses such as respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) and the influenza virus (flu). Although it is not mandated, you can still consider wearing an N95 mask while in public. Handwashing for at least 20 seconds has also been proven as an effective method to reduce your chances of getting sick. It’s also recommended to have ventilation if you are gathering in a large group – even if it’s cold outside, try to open a window and stay spaced apart from others.

“By continuing to engage in admittedly unglamorous, but tried and true practices, that time and time again prove to be effective, we can reduce the spread of viruses,” said Abner.

Even if you feel well, you can still be asymptomatic for any virus. We can protect others from COVID-19 by taking two at home tests 48 hours apart. This cadence of testing when you believe you have been exposed can provide reassurance that you are not going to accidently infect others at the family dinner.

“If you’ve been exposed to COVID-19, it’s best to get tested. You can order free at-home COVID tests here. Fever and cough also indicate the need to take precautions,” explained Abner.

So, what if you have symptoms or a positive test? Don’t go to the holiday event! Stay home and rest or seek medical attention. Expect to have the flu for five to seven days. COVID-19 can be infectious from six to 10 days. RSV can last from three to eight days, and is dangerous to infants and people with compromised immune systems.

“The elderly, very young, and immunocompromised continue to shoulder the bulk of the risk. All three of these groups will very likely be joining our holiday gatherings so it is still vitality important that we each continue to be vigilant and play our role in protecting others from exposure to illness,” Abner said.

Learn more about simple steps to navigate viruses by clicking here.