the majority of physicians and other health professionals recommend vaccination as the most effective way to lower one’s risk of getting influenza. No matter how many people would like to believe otherwise, for most people the risk of influenza is greater than the risk of the influenza vaccine.
updated 10/29/2020
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This photograph depicted a woman who was using a modern, battery-powered oral thermometer, in order to measure her body temperature. In order to return an accurate reading, this particular type of thermometer needed to be placed beneath the user’s tongue, for a set amount of time, beeping when the ambient, sublingual temperature was reached.
Photo credit-James Gathany, CDC, public domain
Influenza
In this part of the world the influenza season is starting, even though influenza can occur year round. Once again, the majority of physicians and other health professionals recommend vaccination as the most effective way to lower one’s risk of getting influenza. No matter how many people would like to believe otherwise, for most people the risk of influenza is greater than the risk of the influenza vaccine.
I recommend you read Dr. Gretchen LaSalle’s thorough review
Most of the winter respiratory illnesses are not influenza, but can still make us feel miserable. Most of the time most of us recover uneventfully, but these diseases can cause more severe disease in certain people, like infants, elderly, and those with compromised immune systems. Here are some previous posts with info you need to know about keeping you and your family well and safe.
One of the most effective ways to prevent and stop the spread of infectious disease.
sharing the HEART of health
Dear friends, I hope all is well with you and that you are as healthy in body as you are strong in spirit.
3 John 2 , NLT
Stay well this winter, or what ever season you are enjoying now.
Dr. Aletha
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As winter brings respiratory illnesses like colds and flu, it’s essential to understand symptoms such as fever, cough, and sore throat. While most recover, high-risk individuals should seek medical help. Stay home, wash hands frequently, use medications wisely, and be patient with recovery, which may take days to weeks.
updated January 2, 2025
This information is current as of the date of original publication or update. It may have changed by the time you read this. I invite you to fact-check what you read here.
This information is not intended for diagnosis or treatment. Before making health decisions, discuss with your physician or other qualified healthcare providerto decide what is right for you.
What are the symptoms of winter illnesses?
Chances are you or someone close to you will have a respiratory illness this winter, illnesses we frequently lump into the category of “colds and flu”. This usually means illnesses with some combination of these symptoms-
Sneezing, stuffy or runny nose,
coughing
sore throat, hoarseness
ear pain, fullness
fever,
body aches, fatigue,
nausea, vomiting, diarrhea
headache.
We call these by various names but they have much in common, including symptoms and treatment. Let’s talk about what you can do to cope when they hit your family.
Winter illnesses commonly affect the nose, throat, sinuses, ears and lungs.
Don’t panic.
Most otherwise healthy people recover from common respiratory illnesses. You may be miserable for several days and need several weeks to feel back to normal, but you won’t suffer any permanent harm.
Fever , especially in children, alarms parents. Don’t ignore it but don’t panic either.
This photograph depicted a woman who was using a modern, battery-powered oral thermometer, in order to measure her body temperature. In order to return an accurate reading, this particular type of thermometer needed to be placed beneath the user’s tongue, for a set amount of time, beeping when the ambient, sublingual temperature was reached. Photo credit-James Gathany, CDC, public domain
Some people are at risk of developing severe symptoms and serious complications from respiratory illnesses, so seek medical help sooner, rather than later. These include
Infants, especially under one month old
Elderly, now a relative term, advanced age, especially combined with chronic disease
Those with chronic lung disease, like asthma, COPD, emphysema, cystic fibrosis
People on drugs that suppress the immune system
Other chronic diseases – diabetes, liver disease, kidney disease, heart disease, cancer
If you are not sure if you fit into one of these categories, ask your doctor.
This is when you shouldn’t share—germs, that is. These illnesses spread from person to person, so minimize contact.
Keep your kids home from school and stay home from work, at least the first few days, when you are the most contagious. Avoid crowds and public gatherings when there is widespread illness in your community.
Resting, getting extra sleep, drinking fluids, and staying warm and dry make staying at home therapeutic.
Wash hands.
Speaking of person-to-person contact, the best way to avoid getting or giving germs is to wash your hands often, but especially after being with others , using a restroom, and before cooking or eating. Cleaning household surfaces helps too, as well as clothing and linens.
a common sight now in public restrooms
Use medication wisely.
Some of these illnesses have a specific medication that clear it faster- strep throat, influenza, pneumonia. The others will “run their course” and meds are used to help relieve symptoms.
Many people assume that any illness with fever, sore throat, and cough will improve with an antibiotic. The fact is, most will not. Antibiotics only treat infections caused by bacteria, and most of these are caused by viruses. To learn more read about
These illnesses cause the greatest overuse of antibiotics, contribute to the cost of health care, and the development of antibiotic resistance. Please do not insist on an antibiotic if the doctor says you don’t need it; if offered an antibiotic, ask why.
Does nasal drainage and congestion need treatment with an antibiotic?
The “24-hour virus” is for the most part a myth. Expect to be ill anywhere from 3 to 10 days; some symptoms, especially cough, can linger for weeks. If you are a smoker, this is a great time to quit.
But if after 7-10 days you are getting progressively worse, instead of better, something more may be going on, so it’s wise to seek professional medical help.
exploring the HEART of winter illness
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