When Sniffle Season Strikes: How to Protect Against Five Common Winter Illnesses

Feeling ill during the winter can often be traced to five main culprits: the common cold, the flu, pneumonia, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) or COVID-19. Let's break down the symptoms that define each, and when you might need to seek medical help.

The Common Cold

One of the most common infectious diseases in humans is, well, the common cold. Colds are caused by an infection of the upper respiratory tract, most often Rhinovirus, but over 200 different viruses can cause a cold. One thing that doesn't: cold weather.

Common symptoms include a stuffy or runny nose, sore throat, general malaise and persistent coughing and sneezing. To help prevent a cold, wash your hands regularly and avoid crowded indoor spaces and touching your eyes, nose and mouth.

If you do get sick, remember to sneeze into your sleeve to help prevent spreading the virus to others. Cold symptoms usually peak within 2-3 days of infection and last less than a week. If symptoms persist longer, the cause might be another illness on this list.

The Flu

The flu is caused by influenza viruses, and symptoms include fever, cough, sore throat, body aches, fatigue and even nausea and vomiting. Your immune system is generally able to eliminate the flu in a few days to two weeks, but there are complications to look out for including sinus and ear infections, pneumonia and other severe, although rare, conditions. The best defense against the flu is the annual flu vaccine, which dramatically reduces your chances of getting infected or developing a serious illness if you do get sick.

Pneumonia

It would be easy to mistake pneumonia for a cold or the flu. Pneumonia, however, is an infection of one or both lungs typically caused by a virus or bacteria it is much more serious. Common symptoms include sharp chest pain while breathing or coughing, fatigue, loss of appetite and shortness of breath, among others.

Mild symptoms can be treated with rest, over-the-counter medications and lots of fluids, but severe symptoms might require an appointment with your physician or a trip to urgent care. A vaccine – called the Pneumococcal Vaccine) is recommended by the Centers for Disease Control for children under five, adults over 50 and anyone at increased risk.

Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV)

RSV is a common respiratory virus that typically causes mild, flu-like symptoms like coughing, a runny nose, fever or wheezing. Most people will recover from RSV in less than two weeks, but infants and older adults are at higher risk of developing severe complications. Vaccines are available for those groups to help prevent hospitalizations and other sever symptoms.

COVID-19

While it's true the days of social distancing and mask mandates are behind us for now, it's still important to protect ourselves from COVID-19. The symptoms of the flu and COVID-19 are very similar, so testing is required to confirm or rule out a diagnosis. COVID-19 spreads more easily than the flu and can be serious, so EvergreenHealth providers continue to recommend staying up to date on your COVID-19 vaccines.

Because their symptoms are all so similar, it can be difficult to tell the difference between these four common respiratory diseases. Some are quickly eliminated by your immune system, and others might require testing or additional treatment. But do you want to know the easiest and most effective way to help prevent all of them? Regular, thorough hand washing.

So, wash your hands frequently, follow the other steps mentioned above, go outside for your physical and mental health and you'll be ready to greet Spring in tip-top shape!

EvergreenHealth is here for all your needs. If you're looking for a Primary Care provider, check this list of providers accepting new patients. We also provide Urgent Care services from Redmond to Mill Creek to Monroe. And finally, if your symptoms are severe, visit one of our three Emergency Rooms in Kirkland, Monroe or Redmond.