By Karen L. Kier, Pharmacist for ONU Healthwise

Let it Go was written for Disney’s Frozen.  The original song was performed by Idina Menzel, but a shorter version was recorded by Demi Lovato for radio. The original Frozen film was inspired by the Hans Christian Andersen’s fairy tale The Snow Queen.  

Even though we have had some freezing days over the weeks, the weather is not dampening the spread of infections. 

Ohio is one of many states experiencing a quad-demic.  These four viral infections are COVID-19, influenza (flu), respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) and norovirus.  COVID-19, flu, and RSV are all respiratory viruses, but norovirus is a gut virus. 

When talking about prevention of these viral conditions, washing hands and good hygiene are important measures to stop the spread.  Using cleaners such as bleach on surfaces can be another great way to prevent the disease. It is important to know that hand sanitizers are not very effective when controlling or killing norovirus.  

The best practice is to wash your hands frequently with warm or hot water and soap for at least 20 seconds. The soap needs to touch all parts of the hand and bubble up and get foamy.  The bubbles lift the germs off the skin, so they can wash down the drain.  

What does 20 seconds look like?  You could sing the happy birthday song two times or you could sing the chorus to Sweet Caroline by Neil Diamond, Love Shack by the B-52’s, or the original Let It Go by Menzel to meet your 20 seconds. Try it!

While wearing a mask will not prevent norovirus spread, it can reduce the risk of getting the respiratory viruses such as flu, COVID-19 and RSV.  Contrary to misinformation spread about wearing facial masks, a 2024 comprehensive review published in Clinical Microbiology Reviews determined masks to have a significant impact on reducing the spread of viral respiratory germs.  

The scientists evaluated over 400 published medical studies looking at disease spread and face masks. The evidence was overwhelming for the benefit of masks. The negative components related to discomfort in wearing a mask, the environmental waste of disposable masks and the difficulty face masks can have for hearing-impaired individuals. 

In addition to these measures, food can be a great benefit not only in helping to prevent infections, but in helping relieve some symptoms once an infection has set in. Food and spices can reduce inflammation caused by viruses such as the common cold, the flu and COVID-19. Foods containing polyphenols and antioxidants can be good medicine. 

Spices such as ginger, turmeric, cayenne and cinnamon can help when you are sick. Ginger has anti-inflammatory properties and can help with nausea. Turmeric, cayenne, and cinnamon are good for reducing congestion and drain sinuses. Curcumin, the active ingredient in turmeric, may have the ability to inhibit the replication of the virus itself.  

Another category to help with viral prevention and treatment are fermented foods, which contain probiotics to keep the gut strong and to fight inflammation.  The gut has been found to be a significant component of keeping your immune system strong and active.  

Fermented foods can include kimchi, yogurt, kefir, miso, pickles, sauerkraut, apple cider vinegar, sourdough bread and aged cheeses such as cheddar, parmesan and swiss. Horseradish is good for opening up sinus cavities.  

Researchers at Johns Hopkins found broccoli and other dark leafy greens can help shorten symptoms from viruses. Studies were mostly with the common cold virus, but it was believed to be helpful with COVID-19 symptoms. 

Trying natural methods can be helpful, but do not forget your healthcare professionals are always here when you need some relief!