Pam Dudding
Contributing writer
The beauty of the winter days of snow can also bring on several illnesses that like to sneak into families lives and make every day a challenge to maneuver.
The Virginia Department of Health in Roanoke City and Alleghany Districts share information about the wintertime sicknesses that sometimes affect people.
- COVID-19: Gradual onset as it spreads year-round but tends to be more common in fall and winter.
- Symptoms: Fever, chills, cough, loss of or smell, more severe fatigue, headache, aches, and sore throat. Sometimes, runny nose, shortness of breath, congestion and nausea/vomiting and diarrhea. Rarely there are multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children or adults.
- Flu (influenza): Quick onset which typically spreads from October through May.
- Symptoms: Fever, dry cough, heartache, fatigue, aches, and pains can be severe. Sometimes with runny nose, sore throat, sneezing and chest discomfort. Rarely, but you may have nausea/vomiting or diarrhea which is more common in children.
- RSV (Respiratory syncytial virus): gradual onset that spreads most during fall, winter, and early spring.
- Symptoms: Congestion, runny nose, coughing, wheezing, fever, and sneezing. Sometimes there is shortness of breath, difficulty breathing (more common in children and infants) and decrease in appetite but one could experience sore throat, and fatigue.
- Strep Throat: Quick onset that can spread year-round but it’s most common in winter.
- Symptoms: Sore throat, painful swallowing, fever, and swollen lymph nodes. Some may experience headache, rash, aches, nausea/vomiting (more common in children).
- Common Cold: Gradual onset that can spread year-round but is most common in the fall and winter.
- Symptoms: running nose, sneezing, mild headache, sore throat, aches and pains and mild cough though fatigue and a fever is possible.
- Seasonal Allergies: Quick onset that depends on the allergens.
- Symptoms: Stuffy/runny nose, red or swollen eyes, itchy eyes or nose and sore throat. Some could have wheezing, fatigue, shortness of breath and cough (possible with those with asthma) and rarely a fever.
On Friday, Jan. 5, CBS evening news reported that the “flu season has impacted many families.”
Still, one can avert these illnesses by taking precautions. Some of these suggestions are:
- Avoid crowds when possible
- If you have a weaker immune system, wear a face mask whenever you are in a public place
- Wash your hands regularly
- Use hand sanitizer when out in public (especially after coming into contact with doorknobs, light switches and counters)
- Be cautious also not to touch your nose, mouth or eyes, as the flu virus can travel in the air but also enter your body through touch
- Strengthen your immune system by getting good sleep, eating nutrient-rich meals and checking with your doctor about supplements
- Keep areas disinfected in your home and vehicles
Those who are interested can obtain more information at vdh.gov.
