Winter is here,and so are the illnesses that come with it. Colds,the flu,whooping cough,and the stomach bug are all in full swing,creating a perfect storm for health concerns. Alexis Smithers, an advanced practice provider at legacy-GoHealth Urgent Care, explains why this season is particularly challenging. “In the winter, it makes sense. We’re inside, we’re spending time together, we’re close to other people,” she said. “There’s not great ventilation. And so I think that that’s just a big contributor to it.”
One of the most concerning viruses this winter is Norovirus, which is surging across the US. According to the CDC, there were 128 outbreaks in the seven-day period ending January 2nd—the highest number for this time of year as 2012. Smithers emphasizes that Norovirus is a resilient virus, capable of surviving on surfaces for multiple days. She recommends rigorous hand washing and disinfecting high-touch areas to prevent its spread. “Like in the bathroom, particularly with Norovirus, keep the doorknobs, the faucet, wipe those down with an antiseptic wipe, silverware, soap and water or get it through the dishwasher,” she advised. “Basically shared surfaces that are high touch,we got to keep up on cleaning those.”
the resurgence of these illnesses may also be linked to pandemic fatigue, a term defined by the WHO as feeling demotivated about following recommended practices to protect ourselves and others from viruses. Smithers warns that as people re-engage in social activities and neglect hygiene practices, we may see a higher rate of virus transmission. “Maybe even more so now, having realized how vital that was in their life before and how much they enjoyed getting out there and spending time with others,” she said.
Adding to the concern is the rise in whooping cough cases. In Oregon alone, over 800 cases have been reported, with one confirmed death. For more details on this outbreak, read more here.
To help you stay informed and protected, here’s a summary of key points:
| illness | Key Facts | Prevention Tips |
|——————–|——————————————————————————|————————————————————————————-|
| Norovirus | 128 outbreaks reported in early January, highest as 2012. | Wash hands frequently, disinfect high-touch surfaces, use antiseptic wipes.|
| Whooping Cough | Over 800 cases reported in oregon, one death confirmed. | Ensure vaccinations are up to date,practice good hygiene,avoid close contact. |
| Pandemic Fatigue | WHO defines it as demotivation to follow protective practices. | Stay vigilant with hygiene, take breaks to recharge, and stay informed. |
As we navigate this challenging season, it’s crucial to stay proactive. Simple measures like hand washing, disinfecting surfaces, and staying informed can make a meaningful difference. Let’s work together to slow the spread of these winter illnesses and keep our communities healthy.
Table of Contents
Winter brings not just cold weather but also a surge in seasonal illnesses, including Norovirus, Whooping Cough, and the growing challenge of pandemic fatigue. With a rise in reported outbreaks and cases across the U.S., it’s more important then ever to understand these health threats and take proactive measures. In this exclusive interview, Senior Editor Jane Carter from World Today News sits down with Dr. Alexis Smithers, an advanced practice provider at Legacy-GoHealth Urgent Care, to discuss the current landscape of winter illnesses and effective prevention strategies.
Norovirus: A Persistent Winter Threat
Jane Carter: Dr. Smithers, let’s start with Norovirus. The CDC reports 128 outbreaks in early January, the highest sence 2012. why is this virus so prevalent during winter, and what makes it particularly challenging to contain?
Dr. Smithers: Norovirus thrives in winter as people tend to stay indoors in close quarters, which facilitates its spread. This virus is highly contagious and can survive on surfaces for days. It spreads through direct contact, contaminated food or water, and even airborne particles from vomit. Rigorous hygiene practices, like frequent hand washing and disinfecting high-touch surfaces, are essential to curb its transmission. I also recommend using antiseptic wipes in shared spaces, especially bathrooms and kitchens.
Whooping Cough: Rising Cases and Prevention
Jane Carter: Moving on to Whooping Cough, Oregon has reported over 800 cases, with one confirmed death.What’s driving this resurgence, and how can people protect themselves?
Dr. Smithers: Whooping Cough, or pertussis, is highly contagious and particularly hazardous for infants and vulnerable populations. The resurgence is partly due to waning immunity and lower vaccination rates in some communities. The best prevention is ensuring vaccinations are up to date, not just for children but also for adults. Practicing good hygiene and avoiding close contact with those showing symptoms are also critical.If you suspect exposure, seek medical attention promptly.
Pandemic Fatigue: A Barrier to Health Safety
Jane Carter: The WHO has defined pandemic fatigue as a demotivation to follow protective practices.How does this phenomenon impact the spread of winter illnesses, and what can people do to overcome it?
Dr. Smithers: Pandemic fatigue is a real challenge. After years of heightened vigilance, many people are tired of following strict hygiene and distancing protocols. Tho,this fatigue can lead to complacency,increasing the risk of virus transmission. It’s critically important to stay vigilant—keep up with hand washing, disinfecting surfaces, and staying informed about local health advisories. Taking breaks to recharge mentally and emotionally can also help maintain motivation. Remember, small, consistent actions can make a big difference in staying healthy.
Conclusion: Staying proactive this Winter
Jane Carter: Dr. Smithers, as we wrap up, what’s your final advice for our readers to stay healthy this winter?
Dr. Smithers: Stay proactive and informed. Simple measures like hand washing,disinfecting high-touch areas,and keeping vaccinations up to date can significantly reduce the risk of illness. Be mindful of pandemic fatigue—take care of your mental health while staying vigilant about hygiene. Let’s work together to protect ourselves and our communities during this challenging season.
