February 11, 2025 | Black & Kletz Allergy
Four viral infections are surging in the country this year. Three of them are respiratory viruses and one is a gastrointestinal infection.
Influenza (“flu”) usually tends to peak in the Winter. The Centers for Disease Control’s (CDC) statistics reveal that more than 30% of the lab tests were positive for the flu in January of this year and the numbers are climbing. 16 deaths related to influenza were reported, bringing the total to 47 deaths so far this season.
Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) numbers peaked in January of this year and are slowly dropping in case numbers.
COVID-19 cases have not peaked yet as they did in the previous years but there could be an upsurge in the coming weeks.
Norovirus, which causes gastrointestinal infections, circulates all year round, with an uptick in the number of cases during the Winters.
The symptoms of all the 3 respiratory viral infections mentioned above are usually similar. In order to diagnose an infection with each of the viruses, laboratory tests are needed to confirm the diagnosis. The viruses usually begin as upper respiratory infections with symptoms such as nasal congestion, runny nose, itchy eyes, sore throat, and/or cough. As the infection progresses, people may also experience fever, achiness, fatigue, headache, and/or shortness of breath. Norovirus infections, in addition to the upper respiratory symptoms listed above, may cause nausea, vomiting, and/or diarrhea.
Though one can have more than one infection at the same time, it is very unlikely to have all 4 viruses. Most cases tend to be mild and only require symptomatic treatment. Anti-viral medications, to be optimally effective, need to be started in the first few days after the onset of symptoms.
RSV infections usually peak in the months of December and January every year. Almost all children are affected with respiratory syncytial virus in the first 5 years of life. Although most cases are mild and only cause cold-like symptoms for a few days, it should be noted that RSV infections can be severe and dangerous in infancy, the elderly, as well as in immunocompromised individuals.
The stomach and intestines are typically inflamed by norovirus infections. When this occurs, people tend to say they have the “stomach flu.” It is highly contagious and can survive on surfaces for a long period of time, as in days or weeks. Outbreaks of norovirus are quite common in cruise ships and other crowded places such as college dormitories and nursing homes. Drinking contaminated water, eating contaminated food, being in close contact with a person who has a norovirus infection, and touching one’s hand to one’s mouth after the hand has been in contact with a contaminated object or surface are common ways in which an individual may get a norovirus infection. As a result of being infected with norovirus, it is not unusual for individuals to become dehydrated which can occur rapidly. In such individuals, rapid oral or intravenous (IV) rehydration is often necessary.
Vaccinations are available for influenza, RSV and COVID-19. It should be stated that vaccines are not perfect. Immunized individuals can and do get infected with the virus that they have been immunized against. The benefit of the vaccination is that the symptoms associated with the virus tend to be less severe and less likely to lead to serious complications. In addition to protecting the individual, vaccines also reduce the chances of the infections spreading to others, thus benefiting the community at large. It occurs when a sufficient percentage of the population has become immune to an infection, whether by vaccination or previous infection. This is known as herd immunity.
The board certified allergy doctors at Black & Kletz Allergy have expertise in diagnosing and treating many types of viral and bacterial infections, as well as all types of allergic conditions, asthma, and immune problems. We are board certified to treat both pediatric and adult patients and our allergists have been doing so in the Washington, DC, Northern Virginia, and Maryland metropolitan area for more than 50 years. Black & Kletz Allergy has offices in Washington, DC, McLean, VA (Tysons Corner, VA), and Manassas, VA. All 3 of our offices have on-site parking. For further convenience, our Washington, DC and McLean, VA offices are Metro accessible. Our McLean office location offers a complementary shuttle that runs between our office and the Spring Hill metro station on the silver line. For an appointment, please call our office or alternatively, you can click Request an Appointment and we will respond within 24 hours by the next business day. If you suffer from recurrent viral or bacterial infections, environmental allergies, sinus-related symptoms, asthma, eczema (i.e., atopic dermatitis), hives (i.e., urticaria), generalized itching (i.e., pruritus), swelling episodes (i.e., angioedema), insect sting allergies, food allergies, medication allergies, and/or immune disorders, we are here to help you sort out your allergies and find a way to combat and control your symptoms so that you can enjoy a better quality of life. Black & Kletz Allergy is dedicated to providing the highest quality allergy care in a comfortable, considerate, and professional environment.
