Don't Let Common Winter Illnesses Ruin Your Christmas

The holidays are approaching fast, which may mean parties, traveling and spending time with your family. However you mark the occasion, it would be a shame to miss the celebrations because your home sick.

There are some common illnesses that tend to come around during the winter months just in time for Christmas. But knowing what to watch out for and how to prevent it can help you stay well this holiday season.

The Common Cold

You know the feeling. It starts with a scratchy throat and runny nose. A cold may be common, but all that coughing and sneezing can interfere with your holiday celebrations.    

There are lots of different viruses that can cause the upper respiratory tract infection, known as the common cold. But the most frequent cause is the rhinovirus. The virus can easily be spread through respiratory droplets, which means if someone who is sick sneezes and you’re close enough, you may breathe in the droplets.

Although a cold is usually not serious, it can make you feel pretty rundown. There are many over the counter cold remedies that may help decrease symptoms. Decongestants and pain relievers may help you feel more comfortable. Don’t bother asking your doctor for antibiotics since they will not help and are not needed unless an accompanying bacterial infection is present.

Practicing good hand hygiene is your best defense when it comes to preventing the common cold. Wash your hands thoroughly and frequently, especially before eating.

Norovirus

Although it can occur at other times of the year, norovirus tends to make an appearance in the winter. Noroviruses are not one specific virus. Instead, they are a group of viruses that lead to inflammation of the intestines and stomach. It’s sometimes referred to as the stomach flu, although it is not caused by the same viruses responsible for influenza.

If you develop norovirus, you’ll know it pretty quickly. Symptoms often come on suddenly and include stomach cramps, nausea, vomiting and diarrhea. Some people also develop a low-grade fever, fatigue and chills. Dehydration is a possible complication. 

Infection with norovirus can be due to eating or drinking contaminated food. It can also be spread through cross-contamination. For example, if someone with the virus touches a surface and you touch the same surface and then touch your mouth, you may have just infected yourself.

Norovirus is considered very contagious and spreads fast in close quarters, such as day care centers and nursing homes. Your best bet to prevent norovirus is to wash your hands often, especially after using the bathroom and changing a baby’s diaper. Always wash fruits and vegetables and disinfect surfaces you use for cooking, such as a cutting board.

READ Preventing Norovirus Infection

If you are unlucky and develop norovirus, you’ll most likely just have to ride it out. Rest as much as possible, try to drink liquids, such as oral rehydration drinks to avoid dehydration.

Since it can be easily transmitted, stay away from other people in your home. You don’t need norovirus to spread to your entire family during the holidays.

Winter Viruses That Can Cause Complications 

Some common winter illnesses may cause you to change holiday plans. But certain illnesses can also lead to complications and do more than just interfere with Christmas.

Fighting the Flu

The flu is a common viral infection that most frequently occurs during the winter months. It is mainly caused by two different viruses including influenza A and B.  The virus can be contracted similar to the way a common cold is transmitted.

You probably realize you should stay away from someone who is already sick. But a person can spread the flu about a day before symptoms start and still be contagious about a week after becoming ill.

Symptoms of the flu can leave you feeling pretty miserable and include body aches and pains, fever, fatigue and headache. Vomiting and diarrhea sometimes occur, especially in children.

The flu can cause a lot more than just a ruined Christmas. Although most people recover from the flu in about a week, it can lead to complications. Flu complications include bacterial ear infections, pneumonia and sepsis. It may be surprising that flu complications can even be life threatening. According to the CDC, about 3500 die each year in the United States from flu complications.

The best way to prevent the flu is to get vaccinated each year. Although the vaccine may not provide complete protection against the flu, it can reduce the risk.  

If you do get the flu this holiday season, consider heading to your doctor ASAP. Prescription antiviral medications are available that may decrease the duration of the flu.

Other than antiviral meds, there may not be much you can do if you catch the flu. Be sure to get plenty of rest and stay well hydrated. Hopefully, you’ll feel better when it comes time to ring in the New Year.

RSV and Children

The holiday season is a great time of year for people for any age, but for kids, Christmas is especially joyful. There is nothing like watching your little ones open gifts on Christmas morning. But nothing ruins Christmas faster than common childhood illnesses, such as RSV.

Respiratory syncytial virus is a very common virus that most children have contracted by the time they are three. The virus causes symptoms similar to other upper respiratory tract infections. When most people get RSV, they develop cold-like symptoms. But in very young children, adults over 65 and those with compromised immune systems, the condition can become very serious.

READ Home Remedies for Pneumonia in Children

Pneumonia is the most common serious complication. Bronchiolitis can also occur, which causes inflammation of the airways. In infants, especially those under six months, bronchiolitis can be dangerous. According to the Institute of Allergy and Infectious Disease, in the United States anywhere from 75,000 to 125, 000 are hospitalized each year due to RSV.

Symptoms of RSV include runny or stuffy nose, low-grade fever and loss of appetite. Infants may also be irritable. Although it can vary, symptoms often appear about five days after infection. If complications do not occur, most children will recover in about a week.

RSV is transmitted similarly to that of a cold or the flu. If you have older children who catch a cold, consider keeping them away from younger siblings to prevent infection.

If your child does develop symptoms of RSV, treatment usually involves home care, such as rest and fluids. In instances where wheezing is present, breathing treatments may be prescribed.