The Austin Illness Formerly Known as "Ugh, I Feel Awful"
Hey there, fellow Austinites! Are you dodging sneezes like they're rogue scooters, and mainlining hand sanitizer like it's the new hip kombucha? You're not alone. A mystery sickness (well, mysterious to hypochondriacs like myself) seems to be sweeping through the city faster than a breakfast taco disappears at a bachelorette party.
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| What Sickness Is Going Around Austin |
What in the world is going around?
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Doctors are throwing around terms like "COVID-19 resurgence" and "flu season surprise party," but let's be honest, those sound about as exciting as waiting in line at the DMV. Here's the lowdown, in layman's terms (because let's face it, half those medical terms sound like spells from Harry Potter):
- It's probably one of the big three: COVID-19, influenza (the flu for short, for those who haven't gotten their Hogwarts acceptance letter yet), and RSV (a respiratory syncytial virus, not to be confused with your uncle Steve's RSV – recreational shrimping vessel).
- Summer lovin' ain't helping: Apparently, these viruses don't care that it's pool weather. Thanks, germs.
So, how do you know you're not just hungover from that three-steppin' marathon on Sixth Street?
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Great question! Here's a handy dandy guide (because apparently adults still need this):
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- The "Ugh, I definitely shouldn't have shared that microphone" edition: Fever, chills, cough, sore throat, and that general feeling of "why me?" This could be COVID-19, flu, or RSV.
- The "Can't. Stop. Sneezing. Help." edition: Runny or stuffy nose, sneezing, watery eyes, and maybe a low-grade fever. This is likely the common cold, your friendly neighborhood nuisance.
But Doc, what if I'm actually, you know, sick?
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Don't panic! Here's the boring-but-important-advice part:
- Stay home, couch potato: Isolate yourself to avoid spreading the fun to your fellow Austinites.
- Hydrate like a champ: Water, broth, Gatorade – whatever keeps you from turning into a raisin.
- Over-the-counter magic: Pain relievers and decongestants can be your best friends.
- Hit up a doctor (virtually or in person): They can help diagnose and recommend the best course of treatment.
Tip: Look for small cues in wording.
How To
Stay Healthy in This Crazy World:- Wash those hands! Like, seriously, people.
- Avoid close contact with sick folks. This includes that overly-friendly neighbor who insists on giving hugs.
- Get some sleep! Rest is your body's superhero serum.
- Don't forget the flu shot! It's not too late to protect yourself.
- Laugh it off (but not literally, germs spread that way): A positive attitude can work wonders (and distract you from your sniffles).
So there you have it, folks. Stay safe, stay healthy, and remember, sometimes a little laughter is the best medicine (except for actual medicine, which is also pretty great). Now go forth and conquer this illness... or at least survive it with a decent sense of humor.
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