Kyle Hunt
Winter brings with it holiday cheer, family gatherings and, unfortunately, nasty infections. If you want to stay healthy this year, learn what bugs are floating around and take some advice from medical professionals accredited by a Utah medical assisting college.
There are more than 200 viruses that cause colds, so it’s likely that you’ll catch a different cold each time. The cold virus can survive on various surfaces for up to 24 hours before being introduced to a host, so it’s important that you disinfect often, wash your hands thoroughly and avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth after touching other surfaces.
This extremely contagious stomach bug can cause fever, vomiting and intense abdominal discomfort. It’s best to avoid individuals who are sick and quarantine yourself if you catch it. Doctors, nurses and medical assistants certified by a Utah medical assisting college prescribe drinking plenty of fluids if you catch this bug to stay hydrated.
RSV is more common among children. Symptoms of RSV match those of a common cold, but in some cases it can worsen and trigger bronchitis. RSV can be treated like a common cold, though a doctor should be seen immediately if your child experiences fast or labored breathing.
Ear infections are commonly caused by contagious cold viruses, though are not contagious themselves. They can pop up literally overnight and cause pain and fever. Doctors recommend taking acetaminophen or ibuprofen to reduce fever and sooth pain.
Like the common cold, the flu virus is extremely contagious and can survive on various surfaces before infecting a host. To prevent infection or serious complications due to infection, it is important that you get a flu shot each fall. Flu clinics are commonly set up at hospitals, local Utah businesses or medical assisting colleges with student volunteers.
AmeriTech College specializes in health care education in the medical, dental, fitness, and nursing fields.
