As the days grow shorter and cooler weather moves in, it’s a reminder to put your guard up against some of the unwelcome aspects of fall and winter: respiratory illnesses.
“The common cold, the flu, COVID, RSV, bronchitis and sinusitis – they’re all more prevalent at this time of year,” says Dr. Vasanth Namireddy, a family practice physician on Fort Worth. “As the weather turns colder, people spend more time indoors, making it easier for respiratory illnesses to spread.”
All of these illnesses are unique, yet they have much in common: they all make you feel bad, they spread in the same way, and they have similar symptoms.
Upper respiratory infections affect the sinuses and throat. Lower respiratory infections impact the lungs and airways.
Let’s look at some of the more common culprits this time of the year – and what you can do to protect yourself and your family this fall and winter.
Fortify Your Defenses!
While we all get sick from time to time, there are several things we can do to reduce our chances of falling ill.
No matter what type of respiratory illness we are talking about, they all basically start in one of two ways: someone who is sick breathes, sneezes or coughs too close to you and you inhale their germs. Another typical way we get sick is by touching a dirty surface, like a door handle, and then touching our eyes, nose or mouth.
Here are the best ways to keep yourself healthy during cold and flu season:
- Don’t touch your face: Your fingers are simply providing a free ride for the germs that may make you sick.
- Wash your hands often: Wash with soap and water for 20 seconds.
- Use hand sanitizer: When handwashing isn’t possible, use sanitizer instead. Carry a small bottle with you, with at least 60% alcohol content.
- Get plenty of sleep: A respiratory bug loves a tired body. Inadequate sleep weakens your immune system, increasing the odds you’ll get sick. Getting 7-8 hours of sleep a night helps your body’s defenses stay strong.
- Get vaccinated: While there is not a vaccine for every kind of illness making the rounds this winter, there are shots for the flu, COVID-19 and RSV. Check out our recent article on the importance of getting vaccinated against these illnesses.
The Common Cold
On average, adults get colds two or three times a year, while children get them even more frequently. Symptoms of a cold include:
- Sore throat
- Runny nose
- Nasal congestion
- Coughing
- Sneezing
- Watery eyes
- Headaches
- Body aches
- Low-grade fever
- Feeling tired
A cold is caused by a viral infection in the upper respiratory tract and generally lasts for a week to ten days. There is no cure for the common cold, so the best thing to do is take it easy and allow the cold to follow its natural course. Antibiotics won’t help; they treat bacterial infections, not viral ones.
There are some over-the-counter medications you can take to alleviate cold symptoms. Pain relievers, such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen may be taken for headaches or body aches. Nasal decongestants may help, also. Gargling with warm salt water can help ease throat irritation.
Ultimately, the best medicine for the common cold is to get plenty of rest and drink lots of fluids. Your mother may have told you to eat chicken soup for a cold. She was right: warm fluids help loosen congestion and make you feel better.
The Flu
Technically, the flu – influenza – is not a respiratory infection. It’s considered a systemic infection since it impacts multiple parts of the body. Nonetheless, it does have some respiratory symptoms and may be confused with things like the common cold.
Unlike a cold, which often comes on gradually, the flu tends to hit like a ton of bricks. Symptoms include:
- High fever (100 degrees Fahrenheit or higher)
- Body aches
- Chills
- Headache
- Fatigue
- Nasal congestion
- Sore throat
If you get these symptoms, you should head to your primary care provider (PCP) right away. Your provider can test you for the flu and prescribe antiviral medication that shortens the duration of the illness.
“If you suspect you have the flu, it’s important to get tested as soon as possible,” explains Dr. John Briscoe, an internal medicine physician in Fort Worth. “The antiviral medication can provide real relief, but we have to start it quickly for it to be effective.”
Beyond that, rest and getting plenty of fluids are the best ways to recover from the flu.
RSV
Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) produces cold-like symptoms, such as runny nose, coughing, sneezing and fever. It may also cause wheezing and loss of appetite. Most RSV infections go away within a week or two.
For some children, however, RSV can be dangerous. Up to 80,000 children are hospitalized each year in the United States for RSV. Premature infants, infants under 6 months of age, children younger than 2 years of age who have chronic lung disease or congenital heart disease, children with compromised immune systems are more at risk for severe illness from RSV.
While RSV usually only causes mild symptoms, it can lead to more serious illness, including bronchiolitis – the inflammation of the lungs’ small airways – and pneumonia.
RSV can also be dangerous for some adults, especially those who are age 65 or older. Additionally, adults with chronic lung or heart disease or weakened immune systems may be at risk for complications from RSV, such as pneumonia. That’s why the RSV vaccine is now recommended for seniors.
There is no specific treatment for RSV. Fever-reducers, such as acetaminophen and ibuprofen can help. Remember, children should never be given aspirin. Beyond that, drink plenty of fluids because it is easy to get dehydrated. Should symptoms worsen to the point at which a child has difficulty breathing or turns blue, call 911 immediately.
COVID-19
The pandemic is over, but COVID-19 is still around. As the virus continues to mutate, different versions of it produce somewhat different symptoms. The most common COVID symptoms remain respiratory symptoms, such as sore throat, sneezing and congestion. However, COVID can also cause gastrointestinal symptoms, as well. Fever is sometimes present, but not always.
If you suspect you may have COVID, take a rapid test – you can still buy these at your local pharmacy. Additionally, as of October 2024, you can order four free tests for your household at www.covidtests.gov – go ahead and do this now, so you have them later when you need them.
If the test is positive, call your PCP – they may be able to prescribe antiviral medications that will lessen the severity and duration of the illness.
A COVID vaccine remains the best defense against the illness. If you haven’t gotten a vaccine in a while, check with your local pharmacy and get an updated shot for maximum protection. Remember, you can get the COVID and flu vaccines at the same time.
Sinus Infection
A sinus infection, or acute sinusitis, occurs when the sinuses – the cavities near the nasal passages – become irritated and swollen. Sinusitis prevents mucus from draining properly and causes it to build up in the sinus cavities, causing nasal congestion. You may also experience a thick yellow or green discharge from the nose or down the back of the throat, known as post-nasal drip.
A sinus infection can also cause pain or pressure in the forehead, cheekbones and upper jaw, as well as fever and a reduced ability to smell or taste.
Acute sinusitis is most frequently caused by the common cold. In those cases, it is a viral infection and immune from antibiotics. Just like the cold, a sinus infection will usually resolve itself in a week or so. If a sinus infection persists for more than a week, a bacterial infection may be present, and you should see a doctor.
The same treatments for a cold apply to a sinus infection. The best thing you can do to speed recovery is to get plenty of rest and drink lots of fluids – this helps keep you hydrated and helps to thin out the mucus that’s causing the congestion.
Bronchitis
Bronchitis, or a chest cold, occurs when the lining of the bronchial tubes that carry air to and from the lungs become inflamed. This can result in a tight or painful feeling in the chest, as well as coughing up mucus that can be clear, yellow, white or green. Other symptoms can include fatigue and shortness of breath.
Just like acute sinusitis, acute bronchitis is frequently caused by the common cold. Similarly, it will usually resolve itself in about a week, although a cough may linger.
You should see a doctor for bronchitis if you:
- Develop a fever of 100.4
or higher
- Are coughing up blood or wheezing
- If the bronchitis persists for more than a week without improvement.
Stay Healthy This Fall & Winter
“By taking some basic precautions like getting flu and COVID vaccines, washing your hands frequently and getting plenty of rest each night, you can supercharge your body’s defenses against common respiratory illnesses,” says Dr. Kristen Ramirez, an OB/GYN with offices in Keller and Fort Worth.
“If you do find yourself under the weather, rest your body, drinks lots of fluids and make your primary care provider your first call,” adds Dr. Lauren Tabor, a Fort Worth OB/GYN. “We’ll do all we can to help you feel better as quickly as possible.”
This article has been reviewed and approved by a panel of Privia Medical Group North Texas physicians.
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