Breathe Easy
With the start of the fall season comes great weather, fun holidays, and good eats. However, sicknesses, like the common cold and the flu, can also come with it. If you’re looking to keep yourself and your loved ones happy and healthy during the cold and flu season, read on to see what local experts have to say on the subject.
When is Cold and Flu Season?
The influenza (flu) virus can be found all year long in the United States; however, there is often an uptick in diagnoses during the fall and winter. Usually, an increase in flu activity will begin in October, peak between December and February, and decrease throughout the spring.
The common cold, on the other hand, has an increase in cases in late August and early September, and it usually fades out by March or April.
The Common Cold (Rhinovirus)
Simply put, the common cold is a contagious respiratory infection that can affect your throat, sinuses, and trachea. Over 200 different types of viruses can cause the common cold, though the most common is the rhinovirus. Colds are extremely contagious, and most adults tend to catch two or three colds per year, while children can have four or more.
Influenza (Flu)
The flu is also a contagious respiratory illness, caused by influenza viruses. It can be a mild to severe illness and affect the nose, throat, and lungs. While there are many different kinds of flu viruses, the most common are types A and B.
Protecting Against Colds and the Flu
To increase your chances of dodging the cold or the flu this fall and winter season, it’s necessary to take some precautions:
1. Avoid Close Contact
The easiest way to protect yourself and your family from seasonal illness is to avoid close contact with individuals who are sick. You should also avoid eating or drinking after others when cold and flu cases are on the rise. If you or a family member are sick, keep your distance from others to avoid spreading the virus further.
2. Wash Your Hands
Personal cleanliness will go a long way in your fight to avoid illness. Remember to wash your hands often using soap and water. Specifically, make sure to wash your hands before eating or touching your face to prevent the spread of germs. If soap and water aren’t available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
3. Keep Clean
Keeping your home clean can be an effective prevention tactic for avoiding illness. Try to clean frequently-touched surfaces like doorknobs, countertops, and handrails. Cleaners like bleach, Lysol Disinfecting Spray, and any cleaners labeled “disinfectant” will help kill cold and flu viruses. If you’re looking to opt for natural cleaners, you can use cleaning agents such as vinegar and hydrogen peroxide.
4. Get a Flu Shot
While there’s no vaccine for the common cold just yet, flu shots are effective and easy to find. According to the Center for Disease Control, everyone over 6 months of age should get a flu shot every season, with rare exceptions. If you’re interested in the flu vaccine, consult your primary care doctor or stop by a local pharmacy.
Home Remedies for Seasonal Illness
While over-the-counter (OTC) medications (such as pain relievers, nasal decongestants, and cough suppressants) can help manage cold and flu symptoms, there are also different home remedies that can ease discomfort and facilitate a faster recovery:
- Drink fluids. Water, clear broths, warms teas, and other fluids can help ease congestion and keep your body hydrated while battling an illness. Avoid alcohol and coffee which can make dehydration worse.
- Rest often. The easiest way to help your body recover is by taking it easy. Conserving your energy allows your body to put more effort into healing.
- Eat honey. Honey can help suppress coughing in adults and children over 1 year of age. You can add honey to hot teas and water to ease discomfort.
- Gargle with salt water. Gargling with salt water can relieve a sore throat for short periods of time. Add anywhere from ¼ to ½ teaspoon of salt to 8 ounces of warm water.
While colds and the flu usually heal over time, in some instances it may be necessary to see a doctor. If you have difficulty breathing, chest pain, or have worsening symptoms for more than 10 days, make an appointment with your primary care provider or head to a walk-in clinic.
Q&A with our Doctors:
Q. Are there any foods or nutritional habits that can help prevent seasonal sickness or encourage recovery?
A. Incorporating nutrient-rich foods and focusing on healthy habits can support the immune system and help prevent seasonal sickness. Foods rich in vitamin C, like red bell peppers, spinach, and citrus fruits – oranges, lemons, limes, and grapefruit – can help fight infection(s) and support immune function. Lentils and oats are sources of zinc, which is a mineral that aids in the production of infection fighting white blood cells. Including foods with live and active cultures that act as probiotics, like yogurt and kefir, can support the immune system by promoting a healthy digestive tract. During recovery, prioritizing protein-rich foods can support tissue repair and healing. Staying hydrated, getting adequate sleep, and participating in regular physical activity can also support staying well during the cold and flu season.
Renee Lopz, RDN, LDN
Scenic City Dietetics
Q. How do colds and the flu affect children differently than adults? Are there specific ways to keep children healthy during cold and flu season?
A. Viral illnesses can be very bothersome for both children and adults, though there are some differences between the two. Nasal congestion can be a real problem for infants, causing difficulty breathing while feeding. Humidifier use, nasal saline, and suctioning can be very helpful to relieve congestion. Children commonly run higher fevers with colds/flu, which is a healthy response in otherwise healthy children 3 months and older. Adults may take decongestants, cough suppressants, or expectorants during illness, but these medications are not recommended for children under 6 years of age. Honey is a great option for treating cough/sore throat in children over 1 year of age. As always, frequent handwashing, a healthy diet with plenty of vitamin C, and adequate rest are great ways to stay healthy during cold and flu season.
Crissy Collins, FNP
Nite Owl Pediatrics
Q. With such similar symptoms, how can one tell the difference between a cold and the flu?
A. The common cold and the flu may present with similar symptoms. Though symptoms caused by influenza may sometimes vary depending on the strain and other factors, usually the symptoms caused by influenza are more severe. The key difference between the two is that the symptoms caused by influenza usually come on much more abruptly. The common cold often starts with something like a runny nose and/or a slight sore throat and may gradually progress over a few days. With influenza, the classic or typical presentation is that a person feels fine one minute, and within a few hours they have significant fever, body aches, and a headache that can be quite severe at times.
James Newby, DO
Erlanger Primary Care
Meet the Author
Ali Lemmons, BS, Summa Cum Laude
Ali Lemmons is a graduate of the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga where she earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Communication with a minor in computer science. While at UTC, Ali also earned the distinction of Summa Cum Laude, the Outstanding Senior Award for the communication department, and was inducted into the Kappa Tau Alpha honor society. Now, as editor/digital content specialist for CMC Publications and Digital Smart Marketing, Ali leads the ideation, conceptualization, and development of numerous health, wellness, and lifestyle articles published in print and online for HealthScope, CityScope, and Choose Chattanooga magazines – premier publications serving S.E. Tennessee and North Georgia. She also is the lead copywriter for the company’s social media sites.
