Winter weather brings illness, increases need for healthy habits

Winter weather brings illness, increases need for healthy habits When the weather gets cold, we tend to bundle up and head indoors. And while cozying up with a blanket by the fire with loved ones sounds like a wonderful way to wait out the cold and snow, it creates a breeding ground for illness. That’s not warm and fuzzy at all! 

Right now, illnesses like Influenza A, pneumonia, COVID-19, strep throat, and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) are surging, according to experts at GBMC HealthCare. These diseases are already contagious, but multiple factors increase risk during the winter months. 

Renada Gilliard, DNP, MS, RN, AGNP-C, CNE, a certified registered nurse practitioner at GBMC Health Partners Primary Care—Padonia Plus, explains why: 

1. Spending more time together indoors allows for germs to pass from person to person very easily.
2. The sun doesn’t come out as often in many parts of the country during this time of year, which makes many people deficient in vitamin D, a key player in the body’s immune response.
3. The cold weather tends to dry out the nasal mucous membrane, allowing pathogens to enter the body more easily as people breathe. 

Symptoms of a common cold can resemble the beginning of more serious illnesses, so it’s important to note the onset of illness and pay attention to any deterioration in your health. 

“If symptoms persist longer than one week, patients should seek care from a healthcare provider,” Gilliard said. 

Although fevers are one indicator the body is properly fighting a virus, a sudden or dramatic spike in body temperature can mean something more than a cold is developing. 

Rest is important. Gilliard also recommends over-the-counter acetaminophen or ibuprofen for fever, body aches, and sore throat, as well as over-the-counter cold medications to manage congestion, coughing, and sneezing. 

Other at-home remedies like steam showers, hydration, broth, and tea with honey and lemon can relieve symptoms effectively, too. These natural methods are good for loosening mucus and soothing painful areas while still allowing the body to continue its instinctive response. 

Remember prevention is always the best strategy against winter illness. Cover your mouth when coughing or sneezing, and don’t forget the tried-and-true method that works for all ages. 

“Good handwashing is key! It is almost impossible to avoid winter illnesses, especially in children, but handwashing helps stop the spread of germs,” Gilliard said. 

Stay healthy with GBMC 

GBMC Health Partners provides same-day, urgent visits for patients with non-emergent health needs, such as cold symptoms, minor lacerations, back pain, sinus infection, urinary tract infections, and earaches. 

At GBMC Padonia Plus, providers, such as Gilliard, can consult with the patient’s primary care provider and offer on-site services like radiology and phlebotomy. With these capabilities, providers here can take a more personalized approach because they have access to patients’ medical records. 

“The staff at GBMC Padonia Plus are very caring, professional, and knowledgeable in addressing the community’s health care needs,” Gilliard said. 

Patients can schedule an appointment by visiting www.gbmc.org/services/primary-care/padonia-plus. They can also call the Padonia Plus location at (443) 589-5500.