Common Illnesses During Fall and Winter

The cold months are upon us, and along with it comes the cold and flu season. Physicians Premier, your ER in Cibolo, often see a lot of patients at this time of the year.

During this time, you do your best to keep your family healthy, but despite your best efforts, a family member may still become ill.

It’s essential to keep well during the holidays, most especially for those who are at risk – people with a compromised immune system, the elderly, and children. Below are some of the most common illnesses families fall prey to during the colder months, and here’s how you can tell their symptoms apart.

1. Common cold

This is a viral infection with symptoms such as sore throat, nasal congestion, a low-grade fever, and headache. The common cold is caused by different kinds of viruses and can happen anytime during the year, but occur more frequently during the colder months. Most cold cases peak around day three to five but symptoms normally improve in about a week.

2. Flu

This illness may typically be mistaken for a common cold, but flu is typically accompanied with cough, a high fever, headache, body aches and pains, as well as a sore throat. Fever normally lasts for up for five days. The best way to protect your family from the flu is to get an annual flu vaccination.

3. Bronchiolitis

A common viral respiratory infection with symptoms like cough, nasal congestion, wheezing, and a low-grade fever. Bronchiolitis is often caused by a particular virus called RSV. The symptoms can also resemble a common cold before it progresses into a more serious condition, which is accompanied by difficulty breathing, wheezing, and dehydration.

4. Norovirus

This is a very infectious stomach bug. Also known as the winter vomiting bug, norovirus includes symptoms like diarrhea and vomiting. The symptoms typically last for a few days. If you are ill with norovirus, it’s essential to keep yourself hydrated.

5. Strep throat

This illness presents as a headache, sore throat, and stomachache. Others also experience vomiting and high fever. Strep throat is typically seen in children, and can be easily treated with antibiotics.

It’s essential to practice good hygiene, no matter the time of the year. Washing your hands often, avoiding contact with other people if you are ill, and coughing into a tissue are some of the ways you can help prevent the spread of infection. If you are sick during the colder months, your immune system will normally do its job to make you feel better without medical intervention. If, however, you are not getting better or are getting worse, feel free to come to us at Physicians Premier, your Cibolo, TX Emergency Room.