4Earth Farms of Commerce, California, is recalling multiple brands of Organic Vegetable Medley, Conventional Vegetable Medley, and Organic Whole Carrots because it may be contaminated with Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli (E. coli) O121:H19.
E. coli O121:H19 is a bacterium that can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections in young children, elderly people, and those with a weakened immune system. Some infections can cause severe bloody diarrhea conditions, such as a hemolytic uremic syndrome, or the development of high blood pressure, chronic kidney disease, and neurologic problems. Symptoms include severe stomach cramps, diarrhea, fever, nausea, and/or vomiting. The incubation period for E. coli O121:H19 in humans can range from 24 hours to as much as ten days. The average incubation period is 3 to 4 days.
The recall was initiated after 4Earth Farms was notified by Grimmway Farms, Inc. that carrots used in the Vegetable Medleys and Whole Organic Carrots may have been contaminated with E. coli O121:H19.
No illnesses have been reported to 4Earth Farms to date.
4Earth Farms is voluntarily issuing this recall out of an abundance of caution and based on information received from Grimmway Farms Inc., regarding the possible contamination of its product. All 4Earth Farms items impacted by this announcement have been expired for more than 3 weeks.
The recalled product should no longer be available for purchase but may be in consumers’ refrigerators or freezers. If consumers still have recalled products in your home, do not eat or use them, throw them away, and clean and sanitize surfaces they touched. Consumers concerned about an illness should contact a medical professional.
The Organic and Conventional Vegetable Medleys, and Organic Whole Carrots subject to recall by 4Earth Farms were distributed to the following states: NH, FL, CA, PA, MN, IL, and CO, through both retail stores and distributors.
Product can be identified with Best by dates of September 7, 2024 through November 02, 2024:
Item Description
Brand
Distributed to
Organic Broccoli Medley Wild Harvest 6x12oz
Wild Harvest
Albert’s Organics
Organic Broccoli Medley MKS Bag 6x12oz
Marketside
Walmart
Broccoli Medley MKS Bag 4x32oz
Marketside
Broccoli Medley MKS Bag 6x12oz
Marketside
Broccoli Stir Fry Medley MKS 6x12oz
Marketside
Organic Broccoli Medley 4Earth Bag 6x12oz
4Earth Farms
O.K. Produce
Organic Broccoli Medley Wild Harvest 6x12oz
Wild Harvest
UNFI
Organic Carrots 48x1lb
Grimmway
Kennedy Produce
Broccoli Medley 4Earth Bag 6x12oz
4Earth Farms
Sprouts Farmers Market
This recall is being made with the knowledge of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.
Consumers who may still have product with Best by dates of September 7, 2024 through November 02, 2024 are urged to discard the product.
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Add more fiber to your diet. Maybe you’ve heard that advice before. But do you know why dietary fiber is so good for your health?
Fiber is found mainly in plant foods such as fruits, vegetables, whole grains and members of the bean family called legumes. Fiber may be best known for its ability to prevent or relieve constipation. But foods with fiber can have other good effects as well. They can help you stay at a healthy weight and lower the risk of diabetes, heart disease and some types of cancer.
Choosing tasty foods that provide fiber isn’t hard. Find out how much dietary fiber you need, which foods have it, and how to add them to meals and snacks.
What is dietary fiber?
Dietary fiber is a nutrient known as a carbohydrate. Fiber includes the parts of plant foods that the body can’t digest or absorb. This makes it different from nutrients such as fats, proteins, and other carbohydrates including starches and sugars. The body breaks down these nutrients and absorbs them. Instead, fiber passes somewhat intact through the stomach, small intestine and colon and out of the body.
There are two main types of fiber:
Soluble fiber. This type of fiber dissolves in water. It forms a gel-like material in the stomach that slows down digestion. It can help lower cholesterol and blood sugar. Soluble fiber is found in oats, peas, beans, apples, bananas, avocados, citrus fruits, carrots, barley and psyllium.
Insoluble fiber. This type of fiber doesn’t dissolve in water. It supports the movement of material through the digestive system and adds bulk to stool. So it can be helpful for people who have constipation or don’t regularly pass stool. Some good sources of insoluble fiber are whole-wheat flour, wheat bran, nuts, beans, and vegetables such as cauliflower, green beans and potatoes.
Most high-fiber plant foods contain both soluble and insoluble fiber. The amount of each type of fiber varies with the type of plant, such as whether it’s a fruit, vegetable or whole grain. But you can get both types of fiber by eating a variety of fiber-rich foods.
How much fiber do you need?
The National Academy of Medicine gives the following daily fiber recommendations for adults:
21 grams for women older than age 50.
25 grams for women age 50 or younger.
30 grams for men older than age 50.
38 grams for men age 50 or younger.
Benefits of a high-fiber diet
A high-fiber diet may support good health in a number of ways.
High fiber and less chance of constipation
Dietary fiber increases the weight and size of stool and softens it. In general, bulky stool is easier to pass, and this lowers the chance of constipation. If you have loose, watery stools, fiber may help make them solid. That’s because fiber absorbs water and adds bulk to stool.
Bowel health and fiber
A high-fiber diet may lower the risk of swollen veins in the anus and lower rectum called hemorrhoids. Eating plenty of fiber also may help lower the risk of a condition called diverticulitis that involves small, inflamed pouches in the colon wall. A high-fiber diet is linked with a lower risk of colorectal cancer as well. Some fiber also serves as food for “good” bacteria in the gut. It’s known as fermented fiber. It may play a role in lowering the risk of diseases of the colon.
High fiber and lower cholesterol levels
Soluble fiber found in beans, oats, flaxseed and oat bran may keep the body from absorbing some of the cholesterol in other foods. As a result, that may lower low-density lipoprotein, also called “bad,” cholesterol levels in the blood. High-fiber foods may have other effects on heart health, such as lowering blood pressure and lessening swelling in the body called inflammation.
Blood sugar levels and fiber
In people with diabetes, fiber may slow the absorption of sugar and help improve blood sugar levels. That’s especially true of soluble fiber. A healthy diet that includes both soluble and insoluble fiber also may lower the risk of type 2 diabetes.
Healthy weight and fiber
High-fiber foods tend to be more filling than low-fiber foods. So you’re likely to eat less and stay satisfied longer. High-fiber foods also tend to take longer to eat and to be less energy dense than low-fiber foods. That means they have fewer calories for the same volume of food.
High-fiber diet and lifespan
Getting more fiber is linked with a lower risk of dying of any health condition, including heart disease.
Your best fiber choices
Nutritious foods that can help you get more daily fiber include:
Whole-grains such as barley, bulgur, brown rice, and whole-wheat bread or pasta.
Fruits.
Vegetables.
Beans, peas and other legumes.
Nuts and seeds.
Refined or processed foods usually are lower in fiber. The grain-refining process removes the outer coat, called bran, from the grain. That lowers the amount of fiber and other nutrients in the grain.
Examples of refined grains include white bread, pasta and cereals that aren’t made with whole grains. Also, removing the skin from fruit or the pulp from fruit juice lowers fiber. Enriched foods have some of the B vitamins and iron added back after processing, but not the fiber.
Fiber supplements and fortified foods
In general, whole foods are better for you than fiber supplements. Fiber supplements don’t provide the variety of fiber, vitamins, minerals and other healthful nutrients that whole foods do.
Your healthcare professional may recommend a fiber supplement if diet changes don’t add enough fiber to your diet or if you have certain health conditions. These include conditions that affect the intestines such as constipation, diarrhea and irritable bowel syndrome. Check with your healthcare professional before taking fiber supplements. These supplements include psyllium (Metamucil, Konsyl, others), methylcellulose (Citrucel) and calcium polycarbophil (FiberCon).
Another way to get more fiber is to eat food products that have fiber added to them by foodmakers. Some added fiber comes from plant sources such as bran, husks or roots that have been processed. Other types of added fiber are made in a lab. Added fiber ingredients that you might see on food labels include chicory root, cellulose and pectin. Some people say they get gas after eating foods with added fiber.
Tips for fitting in more fiber
Need ideas for adding more fiber to your meals and snacks? Try these suggestions:
Jump-start your day. For breakfast, choose a breakfast cereal with 5 grams or more of fiber a serving. Opt for cereals with whole grain, bran or fiber in the name. Or add a few tablespoons of wheat bran that hasn’t been processed to your favorite cereal. Top your cereal with sliced bananas, berries or other fruit.
Switch to whole grains. Each day, make sure that at least half of the grains you eat are whole grains. Choose breads with at least 2 grams of fiber per serving. On the label, whole wheat, whole-wheat flour or another whole grain should be first in the ingredient list. Try other whole grains, too, such as brown rice, wild rice, buckwheat, whole-wheat pasta and quinoa.
Bulk up baked goods. Substitute whole-grain flour for half or all of the white flour when baking. Try adding crushed bran cereal, wheat bran or uncooked oatmeal to muffins, cakes and cookies.
Learn to like legumes. Beans and members of the bean family such as peas and lentils are excellent sources of fiber. Add kidney beans to canned soup or a green salad. Or make nachos with black beans, lots of fresh veggies, whole-wheat tortilla chips and salsa.
Eat fruit and vegetables. They’re rich in fiber as well as vitamins and minerals. Try to eat five or more servings daily. You can have fresh, frozen or canned fruits and vegetables. If you eat canned fruits, choose those that are canned in 100% fruit juice instead of syrup. If you eat canned vegetables, make sure they’re low in sodium.
Make snacks count. Whole fruits, raw vegetables, low-fat popcorn without salt and whole-grain crackers are all healthy choices. A handful of nuts or dried fruits that don’t have added sugar also can be a healthy, high-fiber snack. Just be aware that crackers, nuts and dried fruits are high in calories.
High-fiber foods are good for your health. But adding too much fiber too quickly can lead to gas, bloating and cramping. Add fiber to your diet slowly over a few weeks. This lets natural bacteria in your digestive system adjust to the change.
Also, drink plenty of water. Fiber works best when it absorbs water. This makes your stool soft, bulky and easier to pass.
When to not eat a high-fiber diet
In some situations, your healthcare professional may ask you to eat less fiber. This may ease the symptoms of a condition or help the digestive tract heal from a treatment.
After certain surgeries
If you get surgery that involves the intestines or stomach, your healthcare professional may recommend a lower fiber diet afterward for a time. This lets your digestive system heal.
When symptoms of some conditions flare up
Conditions such as Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis inflame parts of the digestive tract. When symptoms flare up, you may need to eat less fiber. Your healthcare professional also may ask you to eat less fiber during a bout of diverticulitis. But once the symptoms of these conditions get better, it’s often important to slowly add fiber back into your diet. Talk with your healthcare professional first.
After developing narrowed intestines
Conditions such as Crohn’s disease can cause parts of the intestines to become narrowed over time. These narrowed areas are called strictures. If you have strictures, you may need to follow a low-fiber diet. This keeps the intestines from becoming blocked.
During radiation therapy
This cancer treatment can cause diarrhea and narrowing of the intestines as side effects. That’s especially true if the radiation is targeted at the stomach area or the pelvic area. Eating less fiber may ease symptoms.
Living with gastroparesis
With this condition, the stomach empties slowly after eating. High-fiber foods may make gastroparesis symptoms worse.
Preparing for a colonoscopy
A colonoscopy is an exam used to look for changes in the large intestine and rectum. Before the exam, you’ll likely need to follow a low-fiber diet for several days. This helps clean the large intestine while you prepare for your colonoscopy. In turn, this helps your healthcare professional see inside your large intestine more clearly during the colonoscopy.
Make a plan with your healthcare team
Check with a healthcare professional, nurse or dietitian before you make big changes to your diet. This is especially important if you have health conditions or specific symptoms. Healthcare professionals can provide advice tailored to your needs. They also can ensure that any diet changes are safe and right for your situation.
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Nov. 28, 2024
Fiber: The carb that helps you manage diabetes. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. https://www.cdc.gov/diabetes/healthy-eating/fiber-helps-diabetes.html. Accessed June 24, 2024.
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2020-2025 Dietary Guidelines for Americans. U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and U.S. Department of Agriculture. https://www.dietaryguidelines.gov. Accessed June 25, 2024.
8 ways to focus on fiber. American Heart Association. https://www.heart.org/en/healthy-living/healthy-eating/cooking-skills/meal-planning/8-ways-to-focus-on-fiber. Accessed June 25, 2024.
Kwon YJ, et al. Association between dietary fiber intake and all-cause and cardiovascular mortality in middle aged and elderly adults with chronic kidney disease. Frontiers in Nutrition. 2022; doi:10.3389/fnut.2022.863391.
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Khanna S (expert opinion). Mayo Clinic. July 9, 2024.
A quartet of U.S. Senators from both sides of the aisle have introduced new legislation aimed at helping healthcare organizations weather the onslaught of ransomware and other cyberattacks.
WHY IT MATTERS The new bill, The Health Care Cybersecurity and Resiliency Act of 2024, was introduced by HELP Committee ranking member Dr. Bill Cassidy, R-La., along with Sens. Mark Warner, D-Va., John Cornyn, R-Texas, and Maggie Hassan, D-N.H.
“This bipartisan legislation ensures health institutions can safeguard Americans’ health data against increasing cyber threats,” said Cassidy in a press statement.
All of those senators are members of a healthcare cybersecurity working group that was formed on Capitol Hill a year ago, and the provisions of this legislation arise from their discussions there.
Among other requirements, the Cybersecurity and Resiliency Act would offer grants to healthcare organizations to help them shore up their ability to prevent and respond to cyberattacks, in addition to funding training to help foster cybersecurity best practices.
In particular, the grants would be targeted at underserved communities, to help rural health clinics and other providers improve basic cyber hygiene, boost resilience and improve coordination with federal agencies.
The bill also calls for better coordination between the Department of Health and Human Services and the Homeland Security department’s Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency to better respond to healthcare’s cybersecurity needs.
On the policy front, the act would call for updates and modernization to existing regulations governing HIPAA covered entities – requiring them and their business associates to adhere to certain baseline standards and “use modern, up-to-date cybersecurity practices – and it would require the U.S. Secretary of Health and Human Services to create and implement a cybersecurity incident response plan.
THE LARGER TREND Cassidy, Warner, Cornyn and Hassan convened the Senate Health Care Cybersecurity Working Group in November 2023 in response to the “disturbing rise in cyberattacks” on healthcare organizations, as Cassidy said at the time, noting that a then record 89 million Americans had seen their health information breached in 2023 – twice as many as the year before.
“Cyberattacks on our healthcare systems and organizations not only threaten personal and sensitive information, but can have life-and-death consequences with even the briefest period of interruption,” said Warner. “I’m proud to introduce this bipartisan legislation that strengthens our cybersecurity and better protects patients.”
Meanwhile, other legislation has been proposed in response to the cybersecurity crisis. Earlier this fall, Warner, along with Sen. Ron Wyden, D-Ore., unveiled a separate Finance Committee bill, the Health Infrastructure Security and Accountability Act, which would also increase funding to rural and underserved hospitals to help them meet certain mandated cybersecurity protocols.
ON THE RECORD “Cyberattacks in the healthcare sector can have a wide range of devastating consequences, from exposing private medical information to disrupting care in ERs – and it can be particularly difficult for medical providers in rural communities with fewer resources to prevent and respond to these attacks,” said Hassan in a statement. “Our bipartisan working group came together to develop this legislation based on the most pressing needs for medical providers and patients, and I urge my colleagues to support it.”
“In an increasingly digital world, it is essential that Americans’ healthcare data is protected,” added Cornyn. “This commonsense legislation would modernize our healthcare institutions’ cybersecurity practices, increase agency coordination, and provide tools for rural providers to prevent and respond to cyberattacks.”
Mike Miliard is executive editor of Healthcare IT News Email the writer: mike.miliard@himssmedia.com Healthcare IT News is a HIMSS publication.
I am in my late 40s, married for 20 years with two teenagers, and I feel trapped. For several years I have known that I no longer love my husband. On the surface we cooperate well as parents, and get on most of the time. However, over the years we have had bitter arguments and things have been said that have left me feeling drained of love for him. There is no abuse, mainly just complacency and criticism, and a deep feeling that I am not living my life the way I need to; I feel stifled, “hemmed in” and unable to be fully myself.
I have tried to raise my feelings with my husband but he refuses to take them seriously and has vetoed couples counselling. In a few years’ time, our children may have left home and the thought of it being just the two of us fills me with dread. The voice in my head telling me to leave is getting louder, but I feel completely stuck.
If I ended the marriage, everyone would be devastated, and it would be my fault. I have never spoken to my parents/siblings about my situation as I can’t bear to add to their stresses, nor do I feel able to talk to friends. My husband would be angry if he knew I’d been discussing our marriage with others. I briefly saw a counsellor this year, whom I explained everything to, but rather than feeling better for voicing my thoughts and being listened to, I felt overwhelmingly guilty and depressed, and stopped going.
I don’t want to still be here with the same thoughts in five years. Five years ago, I didn’t want to still be here … and yet I am. I am so frustrated with myself for being so passive. But how can I move forward and live the life I want to live without causing immense hurt to everyone I love?
I wonder if a different question might be: “How can I live my life without causing myself immense hurt?” Because: what about you? The only people you are responsible for are your children (up to a point) and yourself. Where did you learn that everything is your fault? If your marriage fails, you both have to take responsibility for your own parts in it.
I went to psychotherapist, author of Five Arguments All Couples (Need to) Have and former divorce lawyer Joanna Harrison, who picked up a theme in your letter: “You really seem to struggle to take up space. It’s telling that you can’t bear to add to your family’s stresses. So there’s this feeling that if you address what’s going on for you then there will be no room for anything else.” We wondered where you learned this? You have a right to your own feelings and to have people listen to you.
You also seem to be really worried about discussing things with others – so you were brave to write to me. Does talking about things makes it more real? Also, if you’re not used to taking up room, having a therapy session can seem almost too intense. Could I tempt you to try again with a different therapist who could help you with this?
Harrison wanted you to think about “what divorce or separation means to you” – because with some people it’s such a powerful cultural no-no they feel shame even contemplating it. But being in a very unhappy marriage isn’t a great example to children and isn’t fair to anyone – a good-as-possible divorce/separation teaches children that you don’t have to stay in situations that long-term aren’t working.
I always think couples should try therapy first – because if they do then split up they tend to have healthier separations. But if your husband won’t go there’s not much you can do about this.
“Also,” said Harrison, “when couples separate it’s normal to be really worried about what people will think, but you may have to bear that people will have different responses.” If you’re happier, will this matter?
I get many letters from women in their mid-40s onwards suddenly thinking, “What about me?”. This can come after a lifetime of looking after others. Harrison said: “Something is developing in you that is positive. You’re looking at this situation and realising it’s not good for you or your health.”
Make the next steps small and doable. Find a therapist who can work with you to help you understand you are worthy of “taking up room” talking about your own issues, and can make you feel safe to do so. All therapy sessions are confidential so no one needs know what you talk about. Work out if anything is salvageable in your marriage; if not, you will need to change something. Remember: the person who is always keeping the peace never gets any peace for themselves.
Every week, Annalisa Barbieri addresses a personal problem sent in by a reader. If you would like advice from Annalisa, please send your problem to ask.annalisa@theguardian.com. Annalisa regrets she cannot enter into personal correspondence. Submissions are subject to our terms and conditions.
Comments on this piece are premoderated to ensure the discussion remains on the topics raised by the article. Please be aware that there may be a short delay in comments appearing on the site.
But over the years, the former congressman’s views have often aligned with those of his potential boss, Robert F. Kennedy Jr. — particularly on vaccine safety.
The American College of Radiology announced that it launched an AI quality registry that will monitor the real-world performance of AI-powered imaging algorithms in clinical settings.
A large language model called TrialGPT was good at matching patients with clinical trials in early experiments, according to a study published in Nature Communications.
A case study in NEJM AI found that combining responses from several large language models (LLMs) could improve the accuracy of differential diagnoses compared with responses from one platform alone.
However, bias in AI models can negatively affect clinical outcomes and worsen healthcare disparities, according to a study in PLOS Digital Health.
Mount Sinai Health System in New York City announced that it launched a center for studying AI and human health, which will house about 40 principal investigators and 250 graduate students, postdoc fellows, computer scientists, and support staff.
Abridge announced a new partnership with a research lab at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center in Boston to evaluate the company’s AI-generated patient visit summaries.
Nvidia plans to increase the physical presence of AI in health systems by developing more AI-enabled robots and devices. (Business Insider)
Michael DePeau-Wilson is a reporter on MedPage Today’s enterprise & investigative team. He covers psychiatry, long covid, and infectious diseases, among other relevant U.S. clinical news. Follow
Preparing a safe and delicious salad for Thanksgiving involves following safe food handling practices to minimize the risk of foodborne illness. Here’s how you can do that.
Wash Your Hands: Start by washing your hands thoroughly with soap and water before handling any food.
Choose Fresh Ingredients: Use fresh and high-quality vegetables for your salad. If incorporating fruits, choose ripe but firm ones. Look for any signs of spoilage and avoid using those.
Clean and Sanitize: Make sure all utensils, chopping boards, and surfaces are thoroughly cleaned and sanitized before use. If possible, use separate chopping boards for raw meats and vegetables.
Wash Produce: Rinse all fresh produce under cold running water. Even items with skins or rinds that you don’t eat should be washed, as cutting into them can transfer bacteria from the outer surface to the inner flesh.
Handle Meats Safely: If adding cooked meats like turkey or bacon, ensure they are cooked to the right temperatures (at least 165°F for turkey) and cooled quickly if used later. Keep them stored separately until the time of assembly to avoid contamination.
Care with Dressings: If making a homemade dressing, particularly those involving raw eggs (like Caesar dressing), consider using pasteurized eggs or replace them with safer alternatives. Otherwise, ensure any jarred dressing is stored according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
Cool Ingredients: Ensure any hot ingredients like roasted vegetables or grains are cooled completely before adding them to the salad. This prevents the growth of bacteria.
Mix Just Before Serving: To maintain crispness and avoid sogginess, assemble and dress the salad just before serving. Store ingredients separately if preparing in advance.
Store Safely: Keep the prepared salad refrigerated until serving and avoid leaving it out for more than 2 hours at room temperature.
By following these practices, you’ll prepare a salad that is not only delicious but also safe for everyone to enjoy during Thanksgiving.
When Hurricane Helene struck in late September, it flooded the largest IV fluid factory in the United States. The Baxter International facility in western North Carolina had been producing 1.5 million IV bags a day, 60 percent of the nation’s supply. The company immediately began rationing its products, and the shortage sent ripples through the health-care industry.
IV saline and fluids with carbohydrates are used regularly in hospitals and other clinical settings, both for hydration and to deliver medications. The shortage has left facilities scrambling to figure out the best use of the IV fluid bags they have.
But some hospital administrators see an opportunity in the IV fluid shortage to question standard practices. “There has been increasing literature over the last 10 to 20 years that indicates maybe you don’t need to use as much,” said Sam Elgawly, chief of resource stewardship at Inova, a health system in the D.C. area. “And this accelerated our sort of innovation and testing of that idea.”
Elgawly said he’s keeping one question front of mind: “How often are we actually giving it more than we need to, where we just keep it going because a patient’s in the hospital?”
He told KFF Health News that across the system IV fluid usage has dropped 55 percent since early October.
Hospitals such as those in the Inova system are using different ways to conserve, including giving some medications intravenously but without a dedicated IV fluid bag, known as “pushing” the medication.
“You don’t even need a bag at all. You just give the medication without the bag,” he said.
Simpler conservation measures could become common after the shortage abates, said Vince Green, chief medical officer for Pipeline Health, a small hospital system in the Los Angeles area that serves mainly people on Medicare and Medicaid. Green said medical staffers are encouraging patients to drink Gatorade or water instead of defaulting to IVs for hydration.
And medical staff make sure to use up the entire bag before starting another.
“If they come in with IV fluids that the paramedics have started, let’s continue it. If it saves half a bag of fluids, so be it, but it adds up over time,” Green said.
The North Carolina factory has reopened and is producing some IV fluid products, but it’s not up to prehurricane production levels. Some hospital administrators are anticipating dealing with the shortage through the end of the year.
This article is not available for syndication due to republishing restrictions. If you have questions about the availability of this or other content for republication, please contact NewsWeb@kff.org.
COVID-19, cold, allergies and the flu: What are the differences?
COVID-19, the common cold, seasonal allergies and the flu have many similar symptoms. Find out about some of the important differences between these illnesses.
Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) can cause many of the same symptoms as the common cold, seasonal allergies and the flu. So how can you tell if you have COVID-19?
It may help to learn about the differences in symptoms that these illnesses cause. Also, find out how these illnesses spread, are treated and can be prevented.
The only way to find out for sure if you have COVID-19 is to get tested right away. If you have symptoms of the disease, you can use a COVID-19 test kit at home. Or contact your healthcare professional. Describe how you feel and ask how you should get tested.
What is COVID-19, how does it spread and how is it treated?
COVID-19 is a respiratory disease that spreads from person to person. It’s caused by an infection with the virus SARS-CoV-2. The virus usually spreads between people who are in close contact. It passes through droplets released when an infected person breathes, coughs, sneezes, talks or sings. These droplets can land in the mouth or nose of someone nearby or be breathed in. The virus also can spread if you touch a surface or object with the virus on it and then touch your mouth, nose or eyes. But this risk is low.
The most common symptoms of COVID-19 have changed over time. Currently, they are runny or stuffy nose, headache, and sore throat. But there are many other possible symptoms, such as fever, a cough and tiredness. Many people with COVID-19 have mild illness. But the disease can cause serious illness and complications. For some people, it can be life-threatening.
Treatment for mild illness includes resting at home. Medicines such as acetaminophen (Tylenol, others) or ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin IB, others) can ease fever and discomfort. In the United States, the Food and Drug Administration has approved a few medicines to treat COVID-19. Researchers are testing a variety of possible treatments. No cure is available for COVID-19. Medicines called antibiotics that clear up infections from bacteria don’t work against viral infections such as COVID-19.
What’s the difference between COVID-19 and the common cold?
Both COVID-19 and the common cold are caused by viruses. COVID-19 is caused by SARS-CoV-2. The common cold most often is caused by rhinoviruses. All of these viruses spread in similar ways and cause many of the same symptoms. But there are a few differences.
Symptom check: Is it COVID-19 or a cold?
Symptom
COVID-19
Cold
Headache
Usually
Rarely
Cough
Sometimes (dry)
Sometimes
Muscle aches
Sometimes
Never
Tiredness
Usually
Never
Sneezing
Sometimes
Sometimes
Sore throat
Usually
Usually
Runny or stuffy nose
Usually
Usually
Fever
Sometimes
Rarely
Diarrhea
Sometimes
Usually
Nausea or vomiting
Sometimes
Sometimes
Shortness of breath or trouble breathing
Sometimes
Never
New loss of taste or smell
Sometimes (early — often without a runny or stuffy nose)
Never
COVID-19 symptoms usually start 2 to 14 days after exposure to SARS-CoV-2. But symptoms of a common cold usually appear 1 to 3 days after exposure to a cold-causing virus.
There’s no cure for the common cold. Treatment may include pain relievers and cold remedies available without a prescription, such as decongestants. Unlike COVID-19, a cold is usually harmless. Most people get better from a common cold in 3 to 10 days. But some colds may last as long as two weeks.
What’s the difference between COVID-19 and seasonal allergies?
Unlike COVID-19, seasonal allergies aren’t caused by a virus. Seasonal allergies are immune system responses triggered by exposure to allergens, such as seasonal tree or grass pollens.
COVID-19 and seasonal allergies can cause many of the same symptoms. But there are some differences.
Symptom check: Is it COVID-19 or seasonal allergies?
Symptom
COVID-19
Allergy
Headache
Usually
Rarely
Cough
Sometimes (dry)
Sometimes
Fever
Sometimes
Never
Muscle aches
Sometimes
Never
Tiredness
Usually
Sometimes
Itchy nose, eyes, mouth or inner ear
Sometimes
Usually
Sneezing
Sometimes
Usually
Sore throat
Usually
Sometimes
Runny or stuffy nose
Usually
Usually
Pink eye, also called conjunctivitis
Sometimes
Sometimes
Nausea or vomiting
Sometimes
Never
Diarrhea
Sometimes
Never
Shortness of breath or trouble breathing
Sometimes
Sometimes
New loss of taste or smell
Sometimes (early — often without a runny or stuffy nose)
Sometimes
COVID-19 can cause shortness of breath or trouble breathing. But seasonal allergies usually don’t cause these symptoms. That’s unless you have a breathing-related condition such as asthma that can be triggered by pollen exposure.
Treatment of seasonal allergies may include:
Medicines called antihistamines that block a chemical made by the immune system during an allergic reaction.
Medicines called decongestants that can ease nasal and sinus congestion for a short time.
Nasal steroid sprays that prevent and relieve stuffiness.
Staying away from allergens that trigger your symptoms whenever possible.
Seasonal allergies may last for weeks.
What’s the difference between COVID-19 and the flu?
COVID-19 and the flu are both respiratory diseases that spread from person to person. They’re also both caused by viruses. COVID-19 is caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus. The flu is caused by influenza A, B and C viruses. All of these viruses spread in similar ways.
COVID-19 and the flu cause many of the same symptoms, but there are some differences. The diseases also can cause no symptoms or cause mild or severe symptoms. Because the symptoms can overlap, testing may be done to see if you have COVID-19 or the flu. You also can have both diseases at the same time.
Symptom check: Is it COVID-19 or the flu?
Symptom
COVID-19
Flu
Headache
Usually
Usually
Cough
Sometimes (dry)
Usually
Muscle aches
Sometimes
Usually
Tiredness
Usually
Usually
Sneezing
Sometimes
Sometimes
Sore throat
Usually
Usually
Runny or stuffy nose
Usually
Usually
Fever
Sometimes
Usually
Nausea or vomiting
Sometimes
Sometimes (more common in children)
Diarrhea
Sometimes
Sometimes (more common in children)
Shortness of breath or trouble breathing
Sometimes
Sometimes
New loss of taste or smell
Sometimes (early — often without a runny or stuffy nose)
Rarely
COVID-19 symptoms usually start 2 to 14 days after exposure to SARS-CoV-2. Flu symptoms usually appear about 1 to 4 days after exposure to an influenza virus.
COVID-19 can cause more-serious illnesses in some people than can the flu. Also, COVID-19 can cause different complications from those of the flu.
Medicines called antivirals can help the body fight off viruses. A few have been approved to treat COVID-19, and others are approved to treat the flu.
How can you lower your risk of COVID-19, a cold and the flu?
If you are at a higher risk of serious illness from COVID-19 or the flu, talk to your healthcare professional about how best to protect yourself. Know what to do if you get sick so you can quickly start treatment.
You can lower your risk of infection with viruses that cause COVID-19, the flu, or colds by following some standard safety measures.
Get vaccinated
Get a yearly flu vaccine and stay up to date with the COVID-19 vaccine. The COVID-19 vaccine can lower the risk of death or serious illness caused by COVID-19. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends a COVID-19 vaccine for everyone age 6 months and older.
Getting a yearly flu vaccine lowers your risk of the flu. It can be given as a shot or as a nasal spray. The flu vaccine also lowers the chance you’ll have a serious case of flu. It also lowers the risk of serious complications.
Wash your hands often and follow good hand hygiene
Use soap and water and scrub for at least 20 seconds. Or use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol.
Wash your hands well and often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water aren’t available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol. Make sure friends and family that you’re around regularly, especially kids, know the importance of hand-washing.
Cover your mouth and nose with the inside of your elbow or a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Throw away the used tissue. Wash your hands right away.
Try not to touch your eyes, nose, and mouth.
Regularly clean and disinfect high-touch surfaces
Regularly clean often-touched surfaces to prevent spread of infection from touching a surface with the virus on it and then your face. Examples of high-touch surfaces include doorknobs, light switches, electronics, and counters.
Be cautious in indoor public spaces
Try to keep distance between yourself and others when you’re in these spaces. This is especially important if you have a higher risk of serious illness. Some people with COVID-19 can spread the COVID-19 virus to others even if they don’t have symptoms. They might not know that they have COVID-19.
Stay away from crowded indoor spaces and indoor places that have poor airflow. Respiratory viruses spread more easily in crowded indoor spaces, especially ones that have poor airflow. If you need to be in these spaces, it can help to wear a mask and improve the airflow.
To lower your chance of catching the virus that causes COVID-19, keep indoor air moving. That means open windows if possible. Turn on fans to direct air out of windows. If you can’t open windows, consider using air filters. And turn on exhaust fans in your bathroom and kitchen. You also might consider a portable air cleaner.
Wearing a facemask
The CDC recommends that people wear a mask in indoor public spaces if you’re in an area with a high number of people with COVID-19 in the hospital. They suggest wearing the most protective mask possible that you’ll wear regularly, that fits well and is comfortable.
The CDC suggests that people who are diagnosed with flu or suspect they have flu consider wearing a facemask around others. This means wearing a facemask around members of your household and when you go for medical care. People who are not ill and choose to wear a mask can get the best protection by wearing a mask every time they are in public and at home when around others.
Limit contact during illness
Stay away from anyone who is sick. Try not to have close contact with anyone who seems ill or has symptoms.
If you have symptoms of COVID-19, test for the infection. Or test five days after you came in contact with the virus.
If you’re sick, stay home and away from others, including pets, if possible. Don’t use public transportation, taxis, and ride-hailing services if you’re sick. Don’t share dishes, glasses, towels, bedding, and other household items if you’re sick.
How can you prevent allergies?
The best way to prevent seasonal allergies is to stay away from your known triggers. If you’re allergic to pollen, stay inside with windows and doors closed when there’s a lot of pollen in the air.
Wearing a face mask also might provide some protection against seasonal allergies. Masks can prevent you from breathing in some larger pollen particles. But smaller pollen particles can get through a disposable face mask. It’s important to wash a reusable mask after each use since a mask might carry pollen particles.
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Nov. 27, 2024
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Siriraj Piyamaharajkarun Hospital in Thailand has incorporated AI and computational technologies into its recently launched pathology information system.
WHAT IT’S ABOUT
The PIS at the 300-bed SiPH, a hospital unit under the Faculty of Medicine of Siriraj Hospital, integrates laboratory workflows, imaging scanning systems, and centralised data processing.
Previously, SiPH, which opened in 2012, did not have its own pathology laboratory. “[We] instead sent samples to the Pathology Department at Siriraj Hospital,” shared Dr Pornsuk Cheunsuchon, director of SiPH’s Digital Pathology Center.
In planning this system in late 2021, AI was a major consideration. The PIS, which went live earlier in March, features speech-to-text and smart forms to simplify data entry. Another AI, powered by IBM processing technology, analyses high-resolution slide images, streamlining the identification of potential cancerous tissues – this AI is currently applied to suspected prostate cancer cases.
The PIS is also powered by IBM’s data storage and security solutions.
WHY IT MATTERS
“Speed and accuracy of work have increased,” Dr Cheunsuchon told Healthcare IT News when asked about the AI implementation. The PIS, he noted, “introduced significant automation to various aspects of workflow,” including documentation and identification of high-risk cases. The system can also automatically order additional tests and provide alerts for major findings.
“For example, speech-to-text technology has reduced typing errors, while AI assists in prostate cancer case screening by helping pathologists prioritise preliminary results,” Dr Cheunsuchon said.
“The system enables automatic ordering of additional tests and filters cases to provide alerts for significant findings, thereby reducing manual workload and streamlining the overall diagnostic process,” he added.
SiPH’s AI-driven pathology service has now served over 14,000 test orders. The hospital continues to upgrade and enhance the system, including user interface and experience. SiPH plans to further expand “integrated, automated AI-powered diagnostics” to accurately detect more cancer cases.
THE LARGER TREND
In digital pathology, another Asian hospital, Samsung Medical Center from South Korea, might have the most comprehensive system in the world thus far. Last year, it became the first hospital in the world to reach Stage 7 of the HIMSS Digital Imaging Adoption Model. Among the features of its integrated digital pathology system is 5G network connectivity, which reportedly helped greatly reduce test consultation times.