6 Common Winter Illnesses and How to Avoid Spreading Them

Winter is a prime season for the spread of contagious diseases. Illnesses from the common cold to the flu and COVID-19 make the rounds as we experience close contact with others at holiday gatherings. 

Board-certified primary care physician Dr. Mrinalini Kodumagulla with Wake Family Medicine in Cary, North Carolina, offers preventive care to children and adults and counsels you on the best ways to avoid illness in winter.

Following are six common illnesses and steps you can take to prevent them. 

Common winter illnesses 

Every year brings rounds of common viruses and bacterial infections. They’re easily spread in winter because you’re inside more of the time and in closer contact with others. Following are six of the most common winter illnesses: 

1. Cold

The common cold affects just about everyone at one time or another. In fact, adults get 2-4 colds each year, most often between September and May. Children get them even more frequently from exposure at daycare and school. 

2. Flu

The flu, or influenza, returns every year. Seniors are at risk of the flu becoming a life-threatening illness. The second most common illness, right behind the common cold, the flu affects a whopping one billion people around the world each year.

3. COVID-19

Unfortunately, COVID-19 is likely going to stick around, and, just like the flu, is returning with new strains. While a mild illness for many, it can be life-threatening for those with weakened immune systems. 

4. Bronchitis

Acute bronchitis occurs when the bronchial tubes in your lungs are inflamed. This contagious respiratory infection targets about 5% of adults in the United States each year.

5. Pneumonia

An upper respiratory infection can morph into pneumonia, especially in those who are immunocompromised. Every year, about one million adults are hospitalized in the US because of pneumonia, and it’s the number one driver of hospitalization for kids.

6. Strep throat

Strep throat is a bacterial infection that requires antibiotics and causes severe pain, especially when you swallow. 

Preventing the spread

All of these illnesses are spread through close contact and respiratory droplets in the air. More has been learned about how to stop the spread of these viruses as a result of experience with COVID-19. 

The number-one preventive step to take against the flu, pneumonia, and COVID-19 is to follow your doctor’s advice about when to get vaccinated. Senior adults should get a series of pneumonia shots. 

You should get a flu shot every fall and COVID-19 vaccines once a year or as your doctor advises. Flu vaccines also help protect you against bronchitis.

Other than vaccinations, take these common-sense steps to avoid illness: 

• Wash your hands frequently
• Stay home when you feel sick
• Keep your hands away from your face
• Avoid shaking hands
• Get tested

Call our office when you have a severe sore throat or high fever so we can test and examine you for strep throat or other illnesses. When you’re sick, quarantine yourself so you don’t spread your illness to loved ones, work colleagues, or anyone else.

Focus on staying healthy by eating a Mediterranean-type diet with lots of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean protein, exercising regularly, and getting enough sleep. These health pillars help you develop a strong immune system. 

Call Wake Family Medicine or book an appointment online today for all of your health care needs.