The fall respiratory season can also feel like a never-ending cycle of sickness. Just when you get over a cold, suddenly you have a runny nose all over again. So why do some people keep getting sick?
“It’s all about exposures,” said Melanie Raffoul, MD, chief medical officer, Yale New Haven Health Urgent Care. “Being sick knocks out your immune system. So, sometimes you can get a bacterial infection on top of these viral infections, especially if you are dealing with not the best immune system to begin with, and as we get older, naturally our immunity declines.”
Which respiratory illnesses are going around right now?
The most common illnesses circulating during the fall and winter months include influenza (flu), rhinovirus, RSV, COVID and parainfluenza. Parainfluenza is in a different class of viruses than the flu, but symptoms can be similar, including fever, body aches and fatigue.
Since multiple respiratory illnesses are circulating at the same time, there’s a higher chance of being exposed to a virus. Sometimes, people can get sick with multiple illnesses at once.
“When you’re sick, you’re more vulnerable,” said Dr. Raffoul. “It can be very difficult in the winter because the volume of these viruses goes up and we’re not often in greatly well-ventilated spaces.”
Other factors can also put people at risk of repeat illness, such as underlying health conditions like diabetes and stress.
When to go to urgent care
Any time someone feels sick, they can visit an urgent care location or make a telehealth appointment to get an evaluation of their symptoms. For flu, patients may be eligible for Tamiflu. A bacterial infection, such as strep throat, can be treated with antibiotics.
For mild symptoms like runny nose or cough, patients can try supportive care at home such as increased fluids with tea or chicken soup, nasal irrigation and plenty of rest.
However, Dr. Raffoul urges patients to be seen if they aren’t improving with time. If it’s been longer than a week and symptoms are not getting any better, that could be the sign of something more serious that needs to be investigated, such as pneumonia.
Warning signs of pneumonia can include:
- Shortness of breath
- Fevers that come and go
- Cough that brings up phlegm
- Fatigue
How to avoid getting sick
A strong immune system can go a long way in helping to prevent illness. Reducing stress, getting at least seven to nine hours of sleep per night, moderate exercise and a healthy diet can all boost the immune system. Whole foods rich in vitamin c and b, zinc and probiotics can all be beneficial. Probiotics are especially important during and after a course of antibiotics, since they can destroy healthy gut bacteria.
Seasonal vaccines are also important because they reduce the risk of serious illness, especially in high-risk populations like young kids, older adults and those who are immunocompromised. Options include shots for flu, RSV and pneumonia for those 65+.
Another easy way to reduce the spread of illness? Simply remember the basics: lots of hand washing, take it easy and avoid others when sick.
“We’re all in it together,” said Dr. Raffoul. “I sometimes have patients that are bummed out because they’re seeing someone they love, and they just tested positive for something. Maybe re-schedule or do a walk outside and wear a mask. We can get through this winter season together, especially if we think about our community.”
