Winter's Most Dreaded Illnesses: How to Spot and Avoid Them Scores of Americans get sick this time of year. Here's what to know about what you might be suffering from.
Every winter, sicknesses like the common cold, strep throat, pneumonia, bronchitis and the flu strike millions of Americans, causing them to spend days in bed, miss work and—in some cases—be hospitalized.
Although there's no magic pill to avoid getting sick, knowing how to spot and treat seasonal illnesses, and adopting a few strategies for staying well, can help prevent a trip to the doctor.
The common cold (AKA rhinovirus) afflicts scores of adults and kids each year, causing them to suffer from a runny or stuffy nose, sore throat, cough and congestion. Symptoms usually last seven to 10 days. If they linger longer, you should see your doctor.
Additional symptoms: A persistent cough associated with a cold can last up to three weeks.
Treatments: The best course of action is to treat the symptoms. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like aspirin and acetaminophen can relieve aches and pains. Taking decongestants and cough suppressants can also help, especially at night to make it easier to rest.
How to avoid catching a cold: First, stay away from people with colds! Then remember to wash your hands frequently and dry them with a clean towel. Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands.
Commonly known as "strep," this is a bacterial infection that can make your throat feel sore and scratchy. The classical clinical diagnosis involves a temperature of 101 degrees or higher, swollen lymph nodes in the neck and red tonsils that may have white patches on them. If you suspect you have strep or symptoms persist, see your doctor.
Additional symptoms: You usually don't have a cough with strep throat, but your sore throat can make swallowing painful and may cause you to lose your appetite.
Treatments: Antibiotics are the first line of treatment and should be taken for 10 days, even if symptoms diminish. With treatment, strep will usually go away after a week.
How to avoid catching strep throat: Strep is highly contagious and spread through person-to-person contact. Because those with strep can spread the infection until they have been on antibiotics for 24 to 48 hours, you should stay home from work or school during that time.
An infection of the lungs, pneumonia can be caused by bacteria, viruses and fungi. People ages 65 or older and younger than 2 years old are more susceptible to pneumonia and its symptoms like fatigue, increased respiratory rate and chest pain when coughing.
Additional symptoms: Those with pneumonia can have a dry or wet cough with phlegm. A fever may not be present. To diagnose pneumonia, your doctor will need to perform an x-ray.
Treatments: Pneumonia may be serious enough for hospitalization. Those with a chronic condition like heart disease, lung disease or diabetes will likely need to be admitted for treatment. Once in the hospital, treatment includes fluids, antibiotics and oxygen therapy.
How to avoid catching pneumonia: A pneumonia vaccine is the best prevention. Anyone over age 65 or those under 65 with a chronic condition, such as diabetes or lung disease, should see their doctor for the vaccine.
Those who suffer from bronchitis experience symptoms similar to pneumonia, making it difficult to differentiate between the two. Symptoms include shortness of breath, chest congestion, fatigue and cough.
Additional symptoms: A low fever, chest pain and wheezing may also accompany bronchitis. Bronchitis can be the result of a bacterial or viral infection causing inflammation of the airways. After symptoms resolve, a persistent cough may remain for several weeks.
Treatments: Usually those with bronchitis recover after a few days or weeks on their own. NSAIDs can help manage pain, and over-the-counter medications can help alleviate the cough. But if symptoms persist, see your doctor. Antibiotics may be prescribed if the source of the infection is bacterial. If so, make sure to see if you can save on that prescription with RetailMeNot Rx Saver.
How to avoid catching bronchitis: Coughing spreads the microbes that cause bronchitis, so avoiding those who are sick is the best prevention.
Highly contagious, the flu (formal name: influenza) is characterized by sore throat, congestion, coughing and headache. Flu season can last from October to May. If you have symptoms, you can easily spread it to others, so stay home and avoid public places. Once you are symptom-free for 24 hours, you can return to work or school.
Additional symptoms: Flu symptoms can be similar to those of the common cold, but the flu tends to come on abruptly and be accompanied by body aches, chills, fatigue and weakness.
Treatments: Antiviral medications can reduce flu symptoms by a day. But usually rest and liquids are all you'll need to recover from the flu. Treat the symptoms with NSAIDs, decongestants and cough suppressants.
How to avoid catching the flu: The best prevention is an annual flu shot. You should also avoid being around sick people and coming into contact with surfaces and objects they have touched. Wash your hands frequently or use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer when washing isn't possible. Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth. Taking an antiviral medication may help protect you from falling sick if you are around others who have the flu.
If you're sensitive to irritants like dust mites, mold and dander in warmer months, you'll likely experience similar reactions in the winter. Allergens cause itchy, watery eyes; a runny nose; and sneezing and coughing in any season.
Additional symptoms: The symptoms of allergies can linger for weeks or even months and are not accompanied by a fever.
Treatments: Over-the-counter antihistamines and nasal steroid sprays can relieve watery eyes and a runny nose; decongestants will help address congestion. If your allergies are chronic, talk to your doctor: You may be a good candidate for allergy shots.
How to avoid allergies: Use a HEPA filter in rooms where you spend the most time. Wash bedding weekly and use allergy-proof covers on mattresses, pillowcases and comforters. Some plants may be home to microscopic mold spores that trigger asthma and allergies, so keep indoor plants to a minimum.
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Dr. John Lalonde is an MD who is board certified in family medicine with an added qualification in sports medicine. Dr. Lalonde provides primary and family care, including comprehensive care for general health needs at Cone Health Medical Group. His professional interests include sports medicine, diabetes, transgendered care and HIV.