Winter Illnesses are here.

While Winter is almost here and we now start to wonder what types of diseases and winter illnesses we should be on the watch out for in 2025. In Colder months normally colds, flus, and respiratory are common. With people being indoors more often in the Winter, it is easier to spread viruses as the cold dry air may weaken your resistance.

We at On Call Medical Clinic are here for you. Please call us at 228 818-5155 or drop by if you need help with any Winter Cold or Flu that is going around in your home that the normal over the counter medications is not giving you relieve.

Let’s talk now about some things you can do to help prevent or at least reduce the chances of common winter illnesses.

1. Always sneeze in the crook of your elbow, not in your hands or the open air.
2. If you are or think you are contagious, try to stay home to avoid spreading the germs.
3. Wash your hands often with soap and apply disinfectant if you have any.
4. Disinfect your countertops and doorknobs often during this period of time.
5. Try not to share any utensils, or personal items with others.

Here is a list of the common winter illnesses that you should be aware of:

1. Common Cold – There are more than 200 viruses associated with colds.
2. Flu-Most of the time, the flu with run from early Autumn until late Spring, even though it is possible to catch year-round. The good news is that there is a flu vaccine available each year for the most current time of flu that exists.
3. COVID-19 – This virus has become a common respiratory illness since the pandemic of 2020. You need to be aware. A mild case will last about 5 days, whereas a moderate to severe case can last up to 20 days. The issue with COVID-19 is that you can spread the virus 2 days before you have any synthons, therefore be aware especially of any Seniors you have been in contact with just prior to being diagnosed with COVID-19.
4. Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) – This virus should be mild for people who are healthy. It however can be dangerous for infants and older adults. Bronchiolitis and pneumonia can affect this group who contract RSV. With this illness you can be contagious 2 days prior to synthons up to 8 days after. But infants and people with weak immune systems may be contagious up to 4 weeks.
5. Chest Colds (Bronchitis)-The Common Cold, Flu, or COVID-19 can lead to this if untreated. This illness can cause your lungs to fill up with mucus. This illness is not contagious, but you need to be aware that you may have spread the Cold, Flu, or COVID-19 before contracting bronchitis.
6. Pneumonia – the virus that causes COVID-19 and RSV as well as bacteria can cause this condition. Pneumonia is contagious; however, everyone exposed may not catch it. Children under 2 years old, seniors, and people with weakened immune systems are recommended in getting the pneumococcal vaccine.

There are a few more winter illnesses that we haven’t discussed above that you should beware of. These include Pink Eye, Sinus Infection, Strep Throat, and Stomach Bugs.

The last question is when you should see a doctor. Here are some warning signs that you should be on the outlook for.

1. Difficulty Breathing
2. High Fever
3. Any Fever in Infants under 3 months old with a temperature of 99 Fahrenheit and 100.4 Fahrenheit.
4. Dehydration
5. Extreme Fatigue

We at On Call Medical Clinic hope this information was helpful. Again, remember we are here to help. Please call us at 228 818-5155. or just stop by if a winter illness has stopped you from enjoying this Christmas and New Year Season.