Take care of your health this winter!
The winter season is still going strong! While I'm super excited to get more time skiing, I'm not so stoked about the health concerns that the wintertime can bring. Let's look at some common winter illnesses and how to treat them.
Stomach Flu
Gastroenteritis and norovirus are often referred to as the stomach flu, though this is different from than the traditional flu. These stomach illnesses can cause nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea and are very contagious. Viruses, bacteria, and parasites, among other things, can cause gastroenteritis. Norovirus is typically caused by person-to-person contact and infected foods.
Hydration and rest can help alleviate symptoms of both of these illnesses, but no specific medication exists. Your doctor may suggest an anti-nausea medication, so ask them for advice if you believe you may need it. Luckily, the stomach flu usually goes away within a few days. However, if symptoms persist, you should seek medical care.
Flu
Influenza is a respiratory illness that causes issues in the throat, nose, and lungs. As with the stomach flu, it is also very contagious and can pass through coughing, sneezing, and even talking. Flu vaccines are one of the best ways to prevent contracting the flu, and it is best to get them early in the flu season.
Common symptoms include a cough, chest congestion, fever, muscle aches, chills, and fatigue. The flu typically lasts 3-7 days, and rest is an excellent method to get better. Antiviral medications may be prescribed if the flu is caught within the first few days.
Common Cold
The common cold is one we are probably all very familiar with. A runny nose, stuffy nose, sore throat, and coughing are all typical symptoms of the common cold. Treatments typically involve over-the-counter medications and nasal sprays but check with your doctor to see what they would recommend. A cold will typically last for about 7-10 days. The CDC noted that adults have an average of 2-3 colds per year, and children have even more. They don't call it the common cold without reason!
Pneumonia
Pneumonia can range from mild to severe, depending on a variety of factors. Age, general health, and what type of germ lead to the infection can all play a part in how severe it is. This lung infection can cause a cough, fever, chest pain, fatigue, excessive sweating, and shortness of breath.
Adults 65 and older and children two or younger are the most susceptible to life-threatening pneumonia. While pneumonia is not considered contagious, bacteria and viruses cause it. Pneumonia can last for 1-3 weeks, with symptoms of fatigue lasting for a month or more. Bacterial pneumonia is treated with antibiotics prescribed by your provider, while typical pneumonia is treated with rest and hydration.
Strep Throat
Strep throat is a contagious bacterial infection that can go away on its own but is often treated with antibiotics, which should take effect in a couple of days. Symptoms include a sore and scratchy throat.
If you are experiencing symptoms, be sure to see a doctor. I know that not everyone loves the winter, but the feeling of being inside a snow globe is something I cherish. I'm hoping for good health for the rest of the season, so we can all more easily enjoy the beauty that winter brings—or at least make it to spring—in good health!
