Amir El-Khalili, doctor of family medicine for UChicago Medicine AdventHealth in Hinsdale, said several viruses are prevalent right now. Rest and sufficient hydration will promote recovery for most. (photo provided)
What's important to know about seasonal viruses?
The new year has brought with it a rise in winter maladies.
Family physician Amir El-Khalili, who practices at the Hinsdale office of UChicago Medicine AdventHealth Medical Group Primary Care, said he actually detected the emergence of virus season last fall.
"Probably back in October we started seeing a lot of pneumonia cases, especially in kids," he related.
That early wave has now given way to several other virus varieties such as norovirus, which causes acute gastroenteritis - an inflammation of the stomach lining - and leads to vomiting and diarrhea.
"It was previously known as stomach flu, and we're seeing more of that," said El-Khalili, who advised sufferers to get plenty of rest and stay hydrated. "I tell patients to drink sugar-free Gatorade or Pedialyte, or a mixture of half water, half apple juice that kids may like better."
Most people feel better within one to three days, but they can still spread the virus for a few days after. And he cautioned not to take the condition lightly lest it leads to other problems.
"I did have one patient that developed pancreatitis," El-Khalili reported.
Respiratory viruses have also been making the rounds, with one strain in particular blamed for a number of cases.
"It's a very wet virus - people get a lot of nasal congestion, runny noses - and that can become bronchilitis if not treated early," he warned.
Incidences of RSV, or respiratory syncytial virus, also are seeing an uptick. This contagious virus infects the respiratory tract and is the leading cause of hospitalization in infants according to the Centers for Disease Control. El-Khalili recommends infants and elderly people get the RSV immunization.
"Get your vaccines," he said.
That's a good way to protect oneself from the seasonal flu, as well, he counseled.
"We're seeing patients that are febrile with body aches and chills," El-Khalili said of this year's strain. "There's really not a good treatment for it. I can prescribe Tamiflu, but that can sometimes cause nausea and vomiting, so I usually reserve it for young kids and the elderly with severe cases."
He recommends ibuprofen for fever and Flonase for congestion, especially if one is prone to sinus infections. Or just get the vaccine, he underscored.
"It's not going to prevent you from getting the flu, but it will decrease the symptoms' severity," El-Khalili said.
Simply refusing to go out is not a failsafe method to prevent illness.
"People who stay home still get sick, and people out with those who are sick may not themselves get sick," he explained. "There is a luck component to this."
Those with existing health conditions such as diabetes, heart disease or obesity should take extra precautions like wearing a mask when out with others.
"There are things that put you at an increased risk for delayed healing," he said.
The tried-and-true practice of good hygiene is El-Khalili's top tip for staying healthy.
"Everyone should always wash their hands before they eat out or after using the bathroom," he said.
