With summer officially starting on June 21, many are packing their bags and planning trips but it’s also a time to stay informed about health risks, especially with the rise of a new COVID-19 variant and dengue cases in the U.S.
COVID-19 variant, NB.1.8.1
The latest COVID-19 variant, NB.1.8.1, is spreading Dr. Stephen Feagins, a public health expert, says its symptoms can be mistaken for seasonal allergies or a summer cold. COVID symptoms including sore throat, runny nose, fatigue, or muscle aches. Unlike allergies, this variant can also cause fever, breathing trouble, or even a loss of taste or smell.
Be aware of emergency warning signs for COVID 19:
- Trouble breathing
- Persistent pain or pressure in the chest
- New confusion
- Inability to wake or stay awake
- Depending on skin tone, lips, nail beds and skin may appear pale, gray, or blue.
If someone is showing any of these signs, seek medical attention.
Dengue
Dengue a mosquito-borne virus is on the rise. Dengue outbreaks have been declared in Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Florida has reported local transmission this year, and Texas, California, and Arizona have also seen cases.
Dengue symptoms include a high fever, pain behind the eyes, nausea, rash, and severe body aches. Most recover in a week, but about 1 in 20 can develop severe complications like internal bleeding or shock.
About 1 in 20 people who get sick with dengue will develop severe dengue. Severe dengue can result in shock, internal bleeding, and death. Warning signs are symptoms that indicate a person may be at higher risk for developing severe dengue. Immediately go to a local clinic or emergency room if you or a family member has any of the following warning signs:
- Belly pain or tenderness
- Vomiting (at least 3 times in 24 hours)
- Bleeding from the nose or gums
- Vomiting blood, or blood in the stool
- Feeling extremely tired or restless
Since fever is a symptom of COVID and Dengue be ready to do regular temperature checks to track fever patterns. Try using an easy-to-use, accurate thermometer like the Exergen Temporal Artery Thermometer to ensure that temperature measurements are reliable and precise.
So whether vacationing locally or heading to tropical destinations, travelers should take precautions including wearing mosquito repellent, staying hydrated, and not ignore flu-like symptoms. A little awareness goes a long way in keeping summer safe and enjoyable. This is the first installment of a series on how to stay healthy this summer. Next up, how to stay healthy while on vacation.
Sources,
EXERGEN P/N 850463, REV 1