It's sick season. Here's how to protect yourself from norovirus, COVID-19, influenza, and RSV.

(AP) — It seems that almost no one is immune to some kind of illness during the winter, whether it's the flu, COVID-19, norovirus, or a common cold.

Although many of the germs that cause this dire situation can circulate year-round, flu and cold activity spikes in winter because we spend more time indoors and the cold, dry air Scientists think it may be to weaken our defenses.

But it's helpful to know what these bugs are and how they spread. Although it may be difficult to get through this season completely unscathed, there are some things you can do to protect yourself from these respiratory and stomach viruses.

How do I know if I have a cold, flu, or COVID-19?

Some symptoms are difficult to distinguish from illness, especially for respiratory viruses. There is no doubt about the rest.

• Norovirus is a foodborne illness that is spread through water and contaminated surfaces and can cause vomiting, diarrhea, nausea, and abdominal pain for about 1 to 3 days.
• The common cold is caused by several viruses and can cause a runny nose, stuffy nose, cough, sneezing, sore throat, headache, body aches, or low-grade fever within a week.
• Influenza is caused by an ever-changing influenza virus that causes fever, chills, cough, sore throat, runny nose, body aches, headache, and fatigue. Flu symptoms tend to appear sooner than cold symptoms and can last from a few days to two weeks.
• COVID-19 can cause fever, chills, cough, shortness of breath, sore throat, stuffy nose, loss of smell or taste, fatigue, pain, headache, nausea, and vomiting for several days. .
• RSV can cause a runny nose, stuffy nose, cough, sneezing, wheezing, fever, and loss of appetite for 1 to 2 weeks.

One way to protect yourself from all viruses: Wash your hands.

Seriously. Wash your hands thoroughly and frequently with soap. — Important for reducing the spread of norovirus, colds, flu, and COVID-19.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, this is especially true after using the bathroom and after eating or preparing food.

Do not speed past. While rubbing, count slowly to 20.

If soap and water are not available, try a hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol. However, this alone is not enough to eradicate norovirus.

Cleaning surfaces can wipe out viruses

If you are infected with norovirus, you should immediately clean surfaces that came into contact with contaminated food or body fluids. The CDC recommends disinfecting items using a chlorine bleach solution or one of the products listed on the Environmental Protection Agency website.

Remember to wash clothing that has come in contact with vomit or feces using hot water and detergent. Next, wash your hands. Also.

When it comes to colds and flu, it's best to regularly clean frequently touched surfaces. Think doorknobs, light switches, countertops, favorite toys, and cell phones.

Use a household cleaner containing soap or detergent, followed by a disinfectant. The CDC has more tips on how to clean.

COVID-19 typically spreads through the air through droplets and particles, and the CDC says the risk of transmitting the virus from contaminated surfaces is low.

Keeping your hands away from your face can prevent the virus from entering your body.

The virus can be spread by talking, coughing, and sneezing, so cover your mouth with a tissue if you feel a tickle in your throat or nose. Next, wash your hands. Also.

Also, consider wearing an N95 mask or medical-grade mask in crowded areas to protect yourself from respiratory viruses, even if you are not sick.

Don't touch your face. If you get bacteria or viruses (respiratory viruses or norovirus) on your unwashed hands and touch your face, eyes, or nose, it can get into your mucous membranes, and voila! I'll get sick.

Consider vaccines (if available)

In addition to the latest coronavirus disease (COVID-19) vaccines, annual flu shots are also available for people 6 months of age and older. If you are over 60 years old or pregnant, we recommend getting the RSV vaccine.

However, there are no vaccines for norovirus or the common cold.

Another way to maintain your defenses against viruses: Rest.

If you're sleep deprived, stressed, or dehydrated, your immune system may not function as well as it should. So if you can help it, don't let it fall to the ground. rest. sleep. drink water

Stay home if you are sick

If you get sick, a rapid test can help determine whether you have COVID-19 or the flu. It is important to find out if you need any of the medications that will help prevent serious illness. In other words, Paxlobid is used for coronavirus infection, and Tamiflu is used for influenza.

Above all, if you have symptoms, please stay home to avoid transmitting the disease to others.

To treat a cold, flu, or COVID-19, rest and stay hydrated. You can take painkillers to lower your fever and relieve body aches. Humidifiers can also be effective for symptoms.

There are no medicines that are effective against norovirus. Instead, you should stay as hydrated as possible with water and other liquids. Get help if you are dehydrated, have a dry mouth or throat, are not urinating well, or feel dizzy when you stand up.

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Associated Press Medical Writer Carla K. Johnson contributed to this report.

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The Associated Press Health and Science Department receives support from the Howard Hughes Medical Institute's Science Education Media Group and the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation. AP is solely responsible for all content.