Every year about this time we pull out our fuzzy sweaters, heavy coats, scarves and gloves and brave the blistering winter days while secretly wishing Spring would arrive as soon as possible.
Students, on the other hand, are dreaming about massive amounts of the fluffy white stuff in hopes of having yet another “snow day.” But, these children are blissfully unaware that their beloved teachers are also hopeful for those unexpected bonus vacation days.
In addition to the concerns about the temperatures and wind chills during the months from December to March, we are also concerned about the traditional winter ailments such as common colds, pneumonia, and influenza. But so often these conditions mimic one another, so how do we decipher which is which? Which symptoms prompt a visit to our primary physician or urgent care facility, and which symptoms prompt visits to the emergency room?
Most upper respiratory illness are caused by viruses and present with symptoms such as runny nose, low-grade fever, and cough. These illnesses are generally treated with rest, pain relievers, and fever reducers. Viral illnesses are not treated with antibiotics and typically take about 7-10 days to resolve.
Over the past several weeks, influenza-related illness have been on the rise across the nation. High fevers, body aches, headaches, and fatigue are the symptoms most often seen. In general, these patients look and feel extremely ill. Small household tasks seem monumental due to their lack of energy. The other hallmark of this potentially deadly virus is the sudden onset. Most individuals describe how they feel with the phrase: “I feel like I have been hit by a Mack truck!”
Influenza is a highly infectious viral respiratory illness that occurs in winter months and is caused by Influenza A or B. Per the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, there have been over 32,000 cases of influenza so far during the 2017-2018 season. Typically, the illness is self-limiting, but in certain populations it can lead to more serious illnesses such as pneumonia. If initiated within 48 hours, Oseltamivir, commonly known as Tamiflu, can be used for treatment, which shortens the illness by 1-2 days and may lessen the severity of the symptoms. Tamiflu can also be used to prevent influenza in household contacts of someone infected with the virus.
Pneumonia, on the other hand, is an infection in one or both lungs and is caused by bacteria, viruses or fungi. The very young, elderly, or people with weakened immune systems are most often at risk. Symptoms vary from mild to severe and may include high fevers, a productive cough, chills and chest pain. For some patients, outpatient treatment is appropriate, but patients who are exceptionally ill, those who require oxygen or who need intravenous fluids due to dehydration may need hospital admission for a higher level of care.
The best treatment for all of these cold weather illnesses is prevention. Good hand hygiene is the key. Washing hands frequently and using hand sanitizer when water is not available will help to prevent the spread of unwanted infections. Lastly, individuals who are sick should stay home.
Denise Hooks-Anderson, M.D., is assistant professor at SLUCare Family Medicine and the medical accuracy editor of The St. Louis American. Email her yourhealthmatters@stlamerican.com.
