This fall, New Yorkers seem to be experiencing a lot of hacking and coughing in places like subway cars and offices.
According to official sources, respiratory disease activity remains relatively low citywide, but a recent surge from a specific virus is still making its presence known.
Dr. Andrew Handel, a pediatric infection expert at Stony Brook Children’s Hospital, noted, “[It] may explain ongoing upper respiratory tract symptoms.”
There’s a fast-spreading Covid-19 variant known as Stratus, which is causing a persistent dry cough. Officially labeled as XFG, it outpaced its predecessor, Nimbus (Nb.1.8.1), in September. This variant is now the dominate strain across the United States.
Dr. Shira Madad, NYC’s public hospital chief bioprepared officer, mentioned that “Covid-19 wastewater virus activity levels are currently high,” indicating continued community transmission.
On a brighter note, there is some encouraging news. According to Madad, “Covid-19 hospitalizations are still rising, but they have been decreasing since their peak in late September, and test positivity rates have also dropped across the state.”
However, research indicates that even mild Covid-19 cases can lead to long-lasting symptoms, sometimes more than those from flu or cold, which might leave many New Yorkers still feeling unwell weeks after infection.
Although there’s no evidence that Stratus causes more severe illness than earlier variants, its mutations allow it to evade immunity from vaccines and past infections, making it quite contagious. Symptoms often include a hoarse voice and a harsh cough, leading some to confuse it with seasonal allergies.
Interestingly, Handel pointed out that “the levels of pollen are not particularly high this year,” suggesting that allergies may not be the culprit this time.
It’s worth noting that October tends to kick off the “respiratory season,” as various viruses like influenza and RSV start to circulate. Handel also mentioned that Stony Brook University Hospital is seeing many patients with rhinovirus and enterovirus, but these can be tough to distinguish with routine tests.
He explained that rhinovirus is a common cause of cold-like symptoms, often contributing to runny noses and coughs.
How long will this cough confusion last?
Research suggests that most healthy adults experience a viral cough that resolves within 10-14 days, though about one in four people might find themselves dealing with a lingering cough for weeks or even months.
Two primary factors contribute to this irritation: mucus draining into the throat and inflammation caused by the virus, which leads to heightened sensitivity in the airways.
Dr. Benjamin Abela, the chairman of emergency care at Mount Sinai Health System, remarked that prolonged hacking coughs can be quite frustrating, affecting both sleep and overall wellness. He noted that over-the-counter cough medicines and nighttime humidifiers could be beneficial.
And the basics are important to remember. Handel suggested that while there’s no foolproof way to eliminate symptoms, rest and light exercise can significantly aid recovery. He noticed that those who take walks tend to improve more quickly than those who remain sedentary.
Mixing honey in warm drinks can also help ease cough severity and frequency.
For additional recovery support, staying hydrated can help prevent dehydration and loosen mucus, while saline nasal sprays can alleviate nasal inflammation.
If a cough persists, especially if accompanied by fever or yellow-green mucus, Abela advised seeing a doctor, as it could indicate a secondary bacterial infection needing antibiotics.
