The most wonderful time of the year filled with
fall and winter festivities also brings an increase
in illnesses, ailments and isolation. Now is a great
time to think about the steps you need to take to
protect yourself and others.
Tackling Respiratory Illnesses
Respiratory illnesses or colds are one of the most common reasons
why people miss work or school, according to the Centers for Disease
Control and Prevention (CDC). Adults average two to three colds a
year, while children get more.
The symptoms of a cold typically peak two to three days after
infection and include runny nose or nasal congestion, cough,
sneezing, headache, mild body aches, and low-grade fevers.
For adults, colds can usually be managed with over-the-counter pain and fever reducers to provide temporary relief.
In children, cough and cold medicines are
not recommended for those younger than 6
years old due to serious side effects. However,
younger children can still have pain/fever
reducers.
In addition to over-the-counter medications
to manage symptoms, you can also help your
body by getting plenty of rest, drinking plenty
of fluids, using a humidifier or cool mist
vaporizer, using saline nasal spray/drops,
using suction to clear mucus in children,
breathing in steam from a bowl of hot water
or a shower, using throat lozenges (or throat
lozenge lollipops for children)
With such a wide range of potential cold
symptoms and the potential for complications
including ear infections, sinus infections,
bronchitis, and pneumonia, it can sometimes
be difficult to tell when a cold turns into
something more that requires medical
attention.
For adults and children with higher risk
factors for severe illness, your doctor likely
wants to see you sooner than the average
patient. Those with higher risk factors should
discuss with their doctor when they should
seek medical attention for cold/flu symptoms.
For those without risk factors, seek
medical attention if you have trouble breathing
or breathe too quickly, for dehydration, a fever
lasting longer than four days, symptoms lasting
more than 10 days without getting better, if
symptoms improve then return or worsen, or if
chronic medical conditions get worse.
Maintaining Mental Health
With fewer hours of sunlight and fewer
opportunities to get out of the house after
the holiday festivities are over, many
people struggle with loneliness in the
winter season. Loneliness and isolation
are huge contributors to mental health
challenges which can include depression,
seasonal affective disorder (SAD), and
others, according to the U.S. Department
of Health and Human Services.
Further, the department reports
that the physical health consequences of
poor or insufficient connection include
a 29% increased risk of heart disease, a
32% increased risk of stroke, and a 50%
increased risk of developing dementia for
older adults. Lacking social connection
increases risk of premature death by more
than 60%.
If you experienced difficult winter
seasons in the past for your mental health,
talk to your doctor before the cold weather
hits to discuss your plan for this winter.
Also, consider coming up with your winter
loneliness plan now. Scan the QR code
below to read another loneliness story
with other ideas on
how to stay connected
for your health.