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7 Common Seasonal Illnesses and Their Symptoms

WakeMed Health & Hospitals Community Health & Wellness, Diseases & Conditions, Primary Care, Urgent Care/Emergency Department

Winter is a wonderful time of year for holiday parties, outdoor sports and cozy evenings by the fireplace. It’s also a time when contagious winter illnesses creep in, leading to a lot of miserable sick days.

In case you or a loved one is under the weather, here are seven common winter illnesses to watch out for.

And, when you’re really feeling badly, we have many options to serve your health care needs — from primary to urgent to emergency care.

1. Colds

A cold is the most common contagious winter illness — though people can catch a cold at any time of year. It is responsible for many childhood school absences. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), adults have an average of 2-3 colds per year, and children have even more.

  • Common Symptoms: Congestion, cough, fatigue, runny nose, sinus pressure, sneezing, sore throat, watery eyes
  • Less Common Symptoms: Fever, aches and pains
  • Treatment: Rest and hydration are the best, natural treatments for a cold. Over-the-counter medication, such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory and analgesic medication can help relieve pain, decrease inflammation and reduce fever. Cough medicine can block coughing and loosen mucus, so patients can clear their airways. Decongestants may also be helpful to relieve nasal congestion and runny nose.

2. Croup

Croup is a contagious viral infection in the upper airway that obstructs breathing. Children from six weeks to three-years-old are most affected.

  • Common Symptoms: Barking cough, fever, hoarseness, labored/loud breathing, runny nose
  • Treatment: Rest, hydration and home humidifiers can help relieve croup. Oral corticosteroid medication can relieve cough. In rare cases where croup is persistent, a provider may prescribe a steroid.

3. Influenza (Flu)

Flu is a contagious viral infection of the nose, throat and lungs. It is common in people of all ages.

  • Common Symptoms: Muscle aches, fever, headache, fatigue, dry cough, runny nose, and sore throat.
  • Treatment: Flu vaccinations are available in the fall and can help prevent this viral infection. However, when patients contract flu, if caught within the first 48 hours, a provider can prescribe Tamiflu to reduce the duration of the flu.

4. Pneumonia

A lung infection caused by aspiration, fungi, a virus or bacteria — pneumonia is contagious only when viruses or bacteria are responsible for infection.

On the other hand, fungal pneumonia mainly affects those with compromised immune systems. Aspiration pneumonia is caused by inhaling food or liquid into the airways. Neither fungal nor aspiration pneumonia are contagious.

Pneumonia can last for two to three weeks. Children five and younger as well as adults 65 and older are most likely to contract pneumonia. Among other age groups, those most susceptible include people with asthma, diabetes, heart disease as well as those who smoke.

  • Common Symptoms: A cough with yellow or green mucus, chest pain, chills, difficulty breathing, high fever, sweating
  • Less Common Symptoms: Head, joint and muscle pain; disorientation; wheezing
  • Treatment: Bacterial pneumonia can be treated with antibiotics. In severe cases, patients may be admitted to the hospital and may be administered intravenous fluids or oral rehydration therapy, antibiotics as well as oxygen.

5. Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) 

RSV is a contagious infection in the lungs and airways that usually last between one and two weeks. RSV can be serious in infants, adults over 65, adults with a weakened immune system or anyone who has heart or lung disease.

  • Common Symptoms: Coughing, decreased appetite, fever, runny nose, sneezing, wheezing/whistle-like breathing
  • Less Common Symptoms: Rapid breathing that might require hospitalization
  • Treatment: Rest and hydration are essential for recovery. Over-the-counter medications include fever reducers.

6. Stomach Flu

Stomach flu is a contagious viral infection in the intestines. It can affect people of all ages.

  • Common Symptoms: Fatigue, mild fever, nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, watery diarrhea
  • Treatment: Rest and hydration are important. Since vomiting is common, patients may have to use frozen liquids to keep fluids from coming back up. In severe cases, antidiarrheal medications may be necessary.

7. Strep Throat

Strep throat is a contagious bacterial infection in the throat and tonsils.

  • Common Symptoms: Fever, sore throat, stomachache, trouble swallowing
  • Less Common Symptoms: Rarely, a sandpaper-like rash can develop, resulting in a diagnosis of scarlet fever.
  • Treatment: Strep can be easily and quickly treated with antibiotics.

MyCare 365 Can Help

If you have symptoms of one of these common winter illnesses, WakeMed MyCare 365 Primary & Urgent Care can help. We’re available 365 days a year to provide same-day, walk-in care for routine medical conditions, illness and injuries. Reserve your spot online or just walk into one of our several conveniently located offices.

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