The Austin Illness Formerly Known as "The Ick"
Howdy, partners! You feeling a bit under the weather? Like you wrestled a rogue tumbleweed and lost? If you're in Austin and rocking a symphony of sniffles and sneezes, you're not alone. There's something nasty slithering around town, and we're here to crack the code on what it might be.
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| What Illness Is Going Around Austin Right Now |
The Usual Suspects:
- The Flu-VID Tango: Documented cases of both influenza and COVID-19 are on the rise. It's like a reunion of our least favorite party guests, and they brought bad breath.
- Mystery Meat March: There have also been reports of a Cyclospora outbreak, a delightful parasite you can catch by ingesting, well, let's just say not-so-delightful things. Thanks, contaminated produce!
So, How Do We Know What We've Got?
The short answer? A medical professional. They have fancy tools and can tell the difference between a bad case of the Mondays and a full-blown bug. But, if you're the self-diagnosing type (we've all been there), here's a cheat sheet:
QuickTip: Re-reading helps retention.
- Flu: Fever, chills, body aches, that hacking cough that makes you sound like a dying walrus.
- COVID-19: Fever, cough, shortness of breath, fatigue, loss of taste or smell. Can also come with a delightful side of "feeling generally awful."
- Cyclospora: Diarrhea, the kind that makes you question all your life choices. Upset stomach, cramps, and fatigue can also join the party.
Remember, this ain't an exact science. If you're feeling rough, don't play doctor at home. Head to a clinic and get yourself checked out.
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Avoiding the Ick: Your Guide to Staying Healthy-ish
Look, nobody wants to be patient zero in a new plague. Here's how to dodge the ick and keep your insides happy:
QuickTip: Let each idea sink in before moving on.
- Wash your hands like Lady Macbeth after a bad play. Seriously, soap and water are your best friends.
- Say "no" to questionable produce. Unless you enjoy a side of microscopic freeloaders with your salad, stick to fruits and veggies you can trust.
- Get your flu shot and COVID booster. It's not a forcefield, but it can definitely help.
- Sneeze into your elbow, not your neighbor's face. It's basic courtesy, folks.
Frequently Asked Questions: How to Avoid the Austin Ick
- How to wash my hands properly? Lather with soap for at least 20 seconds, getting under your nails and between your fingers.
- How do I know if produce is safe? Wash all fruits and veggies thoroughly, especially leafy greens. If something looks funky, don't eat it!
- Where can I get a flu shot or COVID booster? Talk to your doctor or check with local pharmacies and clinics.
- What if I think I have the ick? See a doctor! Don't be a hero, get the treatment you need.
- Is there a cure for the ick? For the flu and COVID, not really, but there are treatments that can help you feel better faster. Cyclospora requires antibiotics.
Stay healthy, Austin! And remember, laughter is the best medicine (unless you have the ick, then it's probably antibiotics).
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