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Flu Season Hits California, US. What Are Symptoms? How To Tell It's Not Another Virus

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How Long Is The Flu Contagious? How Long Are You Contagious With COVID Or RSV?

Flu: symptoms and how long it is contagious

Influenza, or the flu, is a contagious respiratory virus. It can be a severe illness that affects the nose, throat and sometimes lungs.

Symptoms of influenza are sore throat, cough, congestion, headaches and body aches. Fever is also a common symptom, although the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said not everyone with the flu will have a fever.

Those infected with the flu are most contagious during the first three days, the CDC said. In some cases, however, people can spread the flu even before experiencing symptoms or up to five to seven days after they appear. Young people and those with weaker immune systems can experience symptoms for a longer period.

The flu can spread through tiny droplets when patients sneeze, cough or talk. People can also come in contact with the flu by touching a surface with the virus on it, although that is less common.

The CDC recommends frequent hand-washing, other basic hygiene practices and annual vaccinations to fight the ailment.

Norovirus: symptoms and how long it is contagious

The U.S. Is experiencing one of its worst norovirus season in a long time. Cases for the 2024-2025 season are reaching highs that surpass the range that has been typical since 2012.

Norovirus is a contagious stomach bug that the CDC says causes vomiting and diarrhea.

The sickness lasts for one to three days, but people can still spread the virus a few days after becoming ill. Those infected can be contagious for up to two weeks, or longer in some cases.

Virus's are ramping up this winter season: Influenza A, COVID-19, RSV and the Norovirus cases have struck many states.

Symptoms usually develop starting at 12 to 48 hours after exposure to the virus. Along with vomiting and diarrhea, symptoms include nausea, headache and body pains. Norovirus can often lead to dehydration.

Direct contact, eating contaminated food and touching contaminated surfaces are ways the virus spreads.

The CDC recommends staying home for two days after symptoms stop. Preventive steps include cooking food thoroughly, disinfecting areas and frequent hand-washing.

RSV: symptoms and how long it is contagious

Respiratory syncytial virus, or RSV, is another respiratory illness.

The CDC said the symptoms of RSV are similar to those of the flu or COVID. They include a cough, congestion, sneezing, fever and loss of appetite. Symptoms typically show up within four to six days after infection, the CDC said.

The agency said the illness usually goes away on its own and normally can be handled with over-the-counter medication.

RSV is usually contagious for three to eight days. A patient also may be contagious a day or two before experiencing symptoms, the CDC said. Infants and those with weakened immune systems, however, can pass on RSV for up to four weeks or longer.

The illness can spread through direct contact, touching a contaminated surface, or a cough or sneeze.

Elderly people, infants and those with underlying health conditions or weak immune systems may face higher risk, as RSV is the leading cause of infant hospitalization, the CDC said.

COVID: symptoms and how long it is contagious

COVID is familiar to most, having started about five years ago and caused a pandemic, killing millions around the world.

The symptoms can range from mild to severe and are similar to those of the flu, with the additions of a loss of taste or smell and sometimes diarrhea or vomiting. Symptoms may come two to 14 days after exposure.

The main difference between COVID and the flu is that they are caused by different viruses. Nucleic acid amplification tests can help distinguish between the two types of respiratory illnesses.

Doctors recommend staying home and isolating for five days after testing positive for COVID.

This article originally appeared on NorthJersey.Com: Flu symptoms and how long it's contagious along with other diseases

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