As temperatures drop, the number of cases for certain illnesses tend to rise. Understanding these ailments and preventing common winter illnesses them can help keep you and your loved ones healthy during the colder months.
Common Winter Illnesses
Many illnesses tend to surge during the colder months, typically peaking between late fall and early spring. Viruses like the flu, RSV, and norovirus often begin increasing in cases as early as October, with the highest spikes occurring between December and February. Other respiratory illnesses, such as the common cold and COVID-19, circulate year-round but become more widespread in winter due to increased indoor gatherings and lower humidity, which helps viruses spread more easily. To stay ahead of these seasonal spikes, it’s best to start reinforcing prevention tactics by early fall to help reduce the risk of infection as cases begin to rise.
Common Cold
- Symptoms: Runny or stuffy nose, sore throat, coughing, sneezing, and mild body aches.
- Recovery Time: Typically 7 to 10 days.
- Treatment: Rest, hydration, over-the-counter cold remedies.
- When to See a Doctor: If symptoms persist beyond 10 days or worsen significantly.
Influenza (Flu)
- Symptoms: High fever, chills, muscle aches, cough, congestion, runny nose, headaches, and fatigue.
- Recovery Time: Most people recover within a week, but fatigue can last longer.
- Treatment: Antiviral medications (if prescribed early), rest, fluids, and over-the-counter medications for symptom relief.
- When to See a Doctor: If experiencing difficulty breathing, chest pain, persistent dizziness, or symptoms that improve but then return with fever and worse cough.
COVID-19
- Symptoms: Fever, cough, shortness of breath, loss of taste or smell, fatigue, and body aches.
- Recovery Time: Varies; mild cases may recover in 1-2 weeks, while severe cases can take longer.
- Treatment: Isolation, rest, hydration, and medical care as needed.
- When to See a Doctor: If experiencing trouble breathing, persistent chest pain, new confusion, inability to wake or stay awake, or bluish lips or face.
Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV)
- Symptoms: Runny nose, decrease in appetite, coughing, sneezing, fever, and wheezing.
- Recovery Time: Most recover in 1-2 weeks.
- Treatment: Supportive care, including hydration and managing fever.
- When to See a Doctor: If experiencing difficulty breathing, not drinking enough fluids, or experiences worsening symptoms.
Acute and Chronic Bronchitis
- Symptoms: Cough producing mucus, fatigue, shortness of breath, slight fever, and chest discomfort.
- Recovery Time: Acute bronchitis lasts about 10-14 days; chronic bronchitis is a long-term condition requiring medical management.
- Treatment: Rest, fluids, avoiding smoke and fumes, and possibly inhalers or other medications as prescribed.
- When to See a Doctor: If cough lasts more than three weeks, prevents sleep, is accompanied by fever over 100.4°F, or produces discolored mucus or blood.
Pneumonia
- Symptoms: Chest pain, cough with phlegm, fever, chills, and difficulty breathing.
- Recovery Time: With treatment, most people recover in 1-3 weeks.
- Treatment: Antibiotics for bacterial pneumonia, rest, fluids, and over-the-counter medications to manage symptoms.
- When to See a Doctor: If experiencing difficulty breathing, chest pain, persistent fever, or cough with pus.
Whooping Cough (Pertussis)
- Symptoms: Severe coughing fits followed by a “whooping” sound, vomiting after coughing, and exhaustion.
- Recovery Time: Several weeks to months.
- Treatment: Antibiotics and supportive care.
- When to See a Doctor: If experiencing prolonged coughing spells, especially if severe or accompanied by vomiting or difficulty breathing.
Norovirus
- Symptoms: Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and stomach cramping.
- Recovery Time: Most recover within 1-3 days.
- Treatment: Hydration and rest.
- When to See a Doctor: If unable to keep liquids down for more than 24 hours, showing signs of dehydration, or if symptoms are severe.
In the event that your child becomes sick and needs to stay home, there are some common mistakes that can hinder their ability to get better quickly.
Check out our blog about common sick day mistakes and how to avoid them.
Preventing Common Winter Illnesses
While winter illnesses are common, there are several proactive steps you and your family can take to reduce the risk of getting sick. A combination of good hygiene, vaccinations, and healthy habits go a long way in keeping your family healthy during the colder months. To avoid the biggest spikes, begin implementing these tactics by the beginning of fall to develop strong habits throughout the winter months.
1. Stay Up to Date on Vaccinations
One of the most effective ways to prevent severe illness from the flu, COVID-19, and other viral infections is to stay current on recommended vaccinations. The flu shot is updated each year to match circulating strains, and COVID-19 boosters are also available for added protection. It’s best to get vaccinated in early fall, before peak illness season begins.
2. Practice Good Hand Hygiene
Washing hands frequently with soap and water for at least 20 seconds is a simple but powerful way to prevent illness. Handwashing is especially important before eating, after using the restroom, and after being in public places. When soap and water aren’t available, using hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol can help kill germs.
3. Keep Hands Away from the Face
Viruses commonly enter the body through the eyes, nose, and mouth. Encouraging children to avoid touching their faces, especially with unwashed hands, can help reduce the spread of germs.
4. Maintain a Healthy Immune System
A strong immune system is key to fighting off infections. Support immune health by:
- Eating a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and lean proteins
- Staying physically active, even indoors
- Prioritizing quality sleep (children and adults should get the recommended hours for their age)
- Managing stress, as chronic stress can weaken the immune response
5. Disinfect High-Touch Surfaces
Cold and flu viruses can survive on surfaces for hours or even days. Regularly cleaning and disinfecting frequently touched objects—such as doorknobs, light switches, remote controls, and smartphones—can help minimize the spread of germs.
6. Encourage Proper Coughing and Sneezing Etiquette
Teaching kids to cover coughs and sneezes with a tissue or their elbow rather than their hands can prevent germs from spreading through direct contact. Used tissues should be thrown away immediately, followed by handwashing.
7. Wear a Mask When Necessary
Wearing a mask in crowded indoor spaces—especially during peak illness season—can help reduce exposure to airborne viruses. This is particularly helpful for individuals at higher risk of complications, such as young children, older adults, and those with weakened immune systems.
8. Stay Home When Feeling Unwell
If you or your child develop symptoms of a winter illness, staying home can prevent spreading germs to others. It’s best to rest, recover, and only return to work, school, or social activities when symptoms improve and fever has been gone for at least 24 hours without medication.
9. Use a Humidifier to Reduce Dry Air
Indoor heating systems can create dry air, which may irritate the respiratory tract and make it easier for viruses to thrive. Using a humidifier can help maintain optimal indoor humidity levels, reducing irritation and supporting respiratory health.
10. Dress for the Weather and Stay Warm
While cold weather itself doesn’t cause illness, exposure to cold temperatures can weaken the immune system and increase susceptibility to infections. Dressing in warm layers, wearing hats and gloves, and avoiding prolonged exposure to harsh winter conditions can help keep the body strong and healthy.
Wrapping up – Tips for Preventing Common Winter Illnesses
While winter illnesses are common, taking proactive steps can significantly reduce your risk of getting sick. By staying up to date on vaccinations, practicing good hygiene, and supporting your immune system with healthy habits, you can better protect yourself and your loved ones throughout the colder months. Prevention is key, and small daily actions can make a big difference in staying healthy all season long. Stay warm, stay well, and enjoy the winter months with confidence!
Sources: Nemours, Medline Plus, John Hopkins Medicine