11/22/2024
It’s that time of year…time for runny noses, coughs, and fevers. Right now in our area we have a pertussis/whooping cough outbreak, RSV, and Influenza A.
In Washington, we’ve had over 1,000 cases of whooping cough this year. As a comparison, we had around 50 by this time last year. The symptoms of whooping cough looks a bit different in older kids and adults and often does not have the hallmark whoop. A fever, followed by a runny nose, and then a cough developing and lasting several weeks could be whooping cough. This is most dangerous for infants which aren’t fully protected, even when fully vaccinated.
A persistent cough can also be from RSV. RSV can be very serious for infants, especially premature ones. This can often start out looking very similar to whooping cough but typically doesn’t have the coughing fits like whooping cough.
And then we have good 'ol influenza/flu. The flu can be with or without GI symptoms (like vomiting). It usually starts with a pretty decently high fever and has cold symptoms along with body aches and fatigue.
It's time to load up on that Vitamin D, zinc, elderberry, Vitamin C, and Vitamin A!
You can find some of the supplements that Dr. Brandy suggests here: