Winter is a wonderful time of year! Everybody is full of holiday cheer and good spirits. But with the good comes the bad, and winter not only comes with the holiday spirit, but it also comes with seasonal illness.
Here’s what you need to know about the top three common winter illnesses so that you can ensure your family steers clear of infection:
- Common cold — Most kids and adults experience the common cold multiple times in their life. The common cold is contagious for the first 5 days and the symptoms include a runny nose, nasal congestion, sneezing, cough, sore throat, headache, and occasionally a mild fever. Germs that can cause the common cold can live on toys, door handles, sink faucets, and telephones for up to two days! And with over 200 cold-causing viruses, it is very easy for you to catch it. Avoid touching your eyes and nose, and wash your hands frequently to avoid catching a cold this winter.
- Flu (influenza) — Many of us have experienced the flu symptoms of high fever, body aches, chills, sore throat, cough, and runny nose that leaves us bedridden for a few days. The flu is contagious for up to 2 weeks, and although the flu shot can’t 100% protect you or your family from all the new strains of the flu that develop each year, they are most definitely worth it.
- Stomach flu — Those of us who have experienced the stomach flu know it is less than pleasant. The stomach flu causes vomiting, diarrhea, and fever, and is extremely contagious for the entirety of the illness. It is difficult to avoid catching the stomach flu if you are around someone who has it. Avoid eating or drinking after someone who has the stomach flu, and make sure you wash your hands thoroughly and frequently.
If you do find yourself or a family member coming down with a cold or the flu, visit your local clinic which can help put you on the road to recovery.
Emergi-Care is a fully licensed, freestanding emergency care clinic in Houston, Texas, providing the NASA area community with a convenient alternative to overcrowded hospitals and urgent care centers by delivering fast, friendly, high-quality medical treatment in a comfortable neighborhood setting. For more information visit Emergi-Care’s website or Facebook page.