Who is tired of being sick? I certainly do.
So many family members, friends and colleagues would raise their hands right now if I asked them. Since the temperatures have dropped in the United States, my family has gone through some nasty colds and undiagnosed viral infections, bronchitis, and several tests for Covid-19 (all negative, thank God).
I’m sure Thanksgiving holiday travel has spread all sorts of diseases (not that I blame the crowds that joined me at the National Gingerbread House Contest in Asheville, North Carolina). Meanwhile, the emergence of a new strain of flu and lagging vaccination rates will likely contribute to a severe flu season like last year or worse.
What should you and I do? We turned to CNN health expert Dr. Leana Wen, an emergency physician and clinical associate professor at George Washington University. She previously served as Baltimore’s health commissioner.
I know it can’t guarantee good health all winter, but I bet it can help reduce your chances of getting sick, navigate illness once it happens (because you’ll most likely get sick sometime this winter), and decide when it’s time to get medical treatment. And bless you, if you only sneezed.
Several factors contribute to people getting more respiratory illnesses in winter. – Carol Yepes/Moment RF/Getty Images
CNN: Do we really get sick more often in the winter or is it just all that travel?
Dr. Wen Follow: We see more respiratory infections in the winter months. Data from the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention consistently show that illnesses such as respiratory syncytial virus, influenza and many viruses that cause the common cold increased between late fall and early spring. Also, cases of Covid-19 tended to increase during this period.
There are several reasons for this seasonal pattern. First, cooler weather means people are spending more time indoors and closer together. Windows are closed, ventilation is reduced and people gather at school, work and on holidays. All this creates ideal conditions for the spread of viruses.
Second, dry air helps respiratory viruses survive longer in the environment. Studies have shown that some virus particles stay in the air longer and remain infectious longer when humidity is low, which is common in the winter months.
Travel adds another important layer. Airports, planes, buses and family gatherings bring together large numbers of people from different places. If viruses are circulating, travel and vacations can accelerate transmission, especially when people move from event to event without knowing they are contagious. So yes, travel affects the spread, but it works on top of winter conditions that already favor viruses.
CNN: How do I reduce my chances of getting sick?
Wen: There’s no guaranteed way to avoid getting the disease entirely, but some steps can reduce your risk. Vaccination is one of the most effective tools to reduce severe diseases. Getting the flu vaccine, updated Covid vaccine and RSV vaccine for eligible people helps reduce the risk of hospitalization and severe complications.
Hand hygiene is also key. It is good practice to wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after using shared public spaces, after coughing or sneezing, and before eating. Washing your hands helps prevent the transfer of viruses from surfaces to your mouth, nose or eyes. When soap and water are not available, alcohol-based sanitizer is a reasonable backup.
If you are in crowded spaces, especially indoors or around people who are coughing or sneezing, a well-fitting N95 mask or equivalent mask can add a layer of protection. This step is especially important for people at higher risk, including those over 65, people with chronic diseases such as diabetes or lung disease, or those with weakened immune systems. If you are sick, masking up can help reduce the chances of your loved ones getting sick.
Ventilation can also help. Opening windows when possible, improving airflow with fans, or using a portable HEPA or high-efficiency particulate air filter can dilute airborne viruses. These strategies are especially useful when hosting meetings indoors. Weather permitting, outdoor gatherings also substantially reduce the risk of infection.
Finally, if you are sick, stay home. Reschedule the holiday meal or exchange gifts on another day. One of the most important ways to reduce the spread is for people to avoid exposure to others while they are contagious.
CNN: What do I do if I’m sick? Should I get tested?
Wen: Most respiratory infections can be safely managed at home. Rest and drink plenty of fluids, especially if you have a fever or congestion, as dehydration can worsen symptoms such as headache and fatigue.
Testing may be helpful in certain cases. People eligible to receive antiviral drugs if they have Covid-19 or the flu should get tested as soon as they have symptoms, as it can be useful to know what makes you sick if you need treatment. Flu and Covid tests, individually and in combination, are widely available over the counter and should be used by those who are medically vulnerable or who live with those who are.
CNN: What if I have a fever?
Wen: Medicines such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen can reduce fever and relieve symptoms such as headache and fatigue. Again, hydration is key. Fever causes the body to lose more fluid than usual, which can lead to dehydration. Drink plenty of water, broth, or electrolyte drinks.
For babies younger than 3 months, a fever should be evaluated by a doctor. You should call your pediatrician right away if a young child develops a fever higher than 100.4 degrees Fahrenheit. Parents of children 3 months or older and up to 2 years old should call their child’s doctor if they have a fever of 102 degrees Fahrenheit or higher or if they have had a fever for more than 24 hours without an obvious cause.
CNN: What about older kids and adults? When should they go to the doctor?
Wen: Seek medical attention if symptoms persist for more than a week without improvement. Also, if you start to get better and then get worse again, it could be a sign that you have a secondary infection, such as a bacterial infection, that needs to be treated. People with chronic conditions such as asthma, diabetes, heart disease or a weakened immune system should contact you earlier, as they are more prone to complications.
Other reasons to contact a health care practitioner include trouble breathing, persistent wheezing, severe headaches, one-sided earaches, sinus pain that lasts more than a few days, or dehydration. And if you are eligible for antiviral treatment, you should also ask your doctor, because antiviral drugs are most effective if prescribed early in the course of the disease.
CNN: When should I go to the emergency room?
Wen: Emergency care is needed when symptoms suggest a serious complication or when breathing is impaired. Warning signs include difficulty breathing, chest pain, confusion, severe dehydration, inability to stay awake, bluish discoloration of the lips or face, or rapidly worsening symptoms.
For infants, additional red flags include difficulty feeding, fewer wet diapers, rapid or labored breathing, or unusual sleepiness. If you’re not sure, but you’re concerned about someone’s breathing or alertness, it’s best to get emergency help right away.
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