Back-to-School Health: Your Guide to Common Fall Viruses
It's that time of year again – back to school for anyone with kids in their life and those final weeks of soaking up summer sunshine for the rest of us. It's a bittersweet season, but there's still plenty of fun to be had.
Unfortunately, this transitional time also brings a familiar surge in back-to-school and summer travel illnesses. The good news? While there are no magic treatments to make these bugs disappear overnight (and yes, that "Z-pack" you're hoping for won't help with viral infections), there are plenty of ways to ease your symptoms and even shorten the duration of some illnesses.
Here are the most common viruses making the rounds right now and how to handle them effectively:
COVID-19: Our Not-So-New Friend
By now, many of us have been fortunate enough to reach a point where COVID feels more like a mild cold. The current circulating variants are causing typical cold-like symptoms, but with one notable difference – they're bringing more severe sore throats than we've seen with previous variants.
What actually helps: Treat it like any cold with nasal saline rinses, Tylenol and Motrin for aches and fever, and Mucinex if your mucus feels thick and hard to cough up. For those stubborn sore throats, Chloraseptic spray or lozenges can work wonders.
Enterovirus: The Misnamed "Stomach Flu"
Despite its nickname, this isn't actually a flu at all – it's just a fancy name for the bug that makes you feel absolutely miserable with vomiting and diarrhea. Some enteroviruses can also cause cold-like symptoms.
The key here is the basics: Focus on the basics – hydration, fever management, and rest. Your Apios provider can help with nausea medication and determine if you need to be seen in person.
Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease (Coxsackievirus)
This one strikes fear into the hearts of parents everywhere, probably because of its dramatic name. But here's the truth – it's really no more dangerous than any other common virus. It causes a whole-body rash with lesions on the palms, soles, and inside the mouth, which can certainly be painful.
How to manage it: Keep everyone hydrated, even when they don't want to eat or drink. Popsicles and cold drinks are your best allies here. Remember, this virus is very contagious until the lesions start healing over, and yes, adults can catch it too (though it's less common). Handwashing is absolutely crucial.
Looking Ahead to Fall
As the seasons change, we'll welcome back our old friends: rhinovirus, RSV, and possibly new COVID variants. Here's what's always worth remembering:
Antibiotics won't help with ANY of these viral infections
Symptoms can last a week or more, regardless of which virus you're dealing with
Green mucus is not a sign of bacterial infection (despite what you might have heard)
Good supportive care starts at home with hydration, nutritious foods, fever and pain management, and staying in touch with your Apios physician
The bottom line? While we can't always prevent seasonal illnesses, we can take meaningful steps to reduce their impact. COVID-19 and flu vaccines remain highly effective at preventing severe outcomes and deaths, particularly for vulnerable populations. Getting your fall vaccinations is one of the most impactful ways to protect both yourself and your community.
As always, our Apios providers are a text away to answer any of your health concerns.
By Dr. Courtney Hutchins, Chief Medical Officer and Co-Founder of Apios Health
