Comprehensive guide to winter illness
[4 MIN READ]
In this article:
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The holidays may be over, but many cold-weather illnesses such as RSV, flu and COVID-19 are still making themselves unwanted guests in your home.
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Learn how to recognize the warning signs of winter illness and the steps you can take to safeguard your immune system and protect your health.
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We’ve compiled articles and resources to help you better understand winter illness and offer tips to help you and your loved ones enjoy your best health all season.
Comprehensive guide to winter illness
The holiday season may be winding down, but it’s still the season for the common cold, flu and other yucky winter-crud in homes across the country. We’ve put together a collection of our best articles jam-packed with the information you need to protect your health and wellness from winter illnesses while you wait for the first signs of spring.
RSV, Flu and COVID
What your doctor wishes you knew about the flu
The flu is one of the most common illnesses of winter and many people underestimate how significant a threat the influenza virus can be to your health. Our experts explain why the influenza virus is more serious than you might think and share their top tips to keep its most severe symptoms like body aches, shortness of breath and high fever in check.
Understanding RSV: Signs and symptoms
Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is a common respiratory virus that can lead to serious complications in infants and older adults. Learn how to recognize the warning signs and when to seek medical advice.
Bronchitis: Signs, symptoms and treatments
Persistent cough, chest pain, difficulty breathing and wheezing can all be signs of chronic and acute bronchitis. Get expert guidance from a family medicine doctor at Providence to help you beat this common winter ailment.
RSV, flu and COVID: What you need to know
Don’t let the “tripledemic” of RSV, flu and COVID affect your health during the remaining winter months. Our expert explains the differences between the three common winter illnesses and answers questions about their care.
How to protect yourself this flu season
The single best thing you can do to protect yourself from the influenza virus is get your flu shot. We explain the importance of getting a flu vaccine and share tips for staying flu-free.
Hunker down at home with a cold or flu
The average adult gets two to four colds a year, and children get six to eight. We give an overview of the best ways to care for yourself when you're sniffling and sneezing and explain when it’s time to get medical attention.
Kids
Kids’ respiratory illnesses 101
Do you know when your child has a respiratory infection bad enough to need doctor’s care and whether they are suffering from a serious problem? We put together a primer on the different kinds of respiratory illnesses that afflict children and preventive measures you can take to help your little ones recover.
Sick kid? How to get through the flu.
With cold and flu season in full swing, many parents are hyper-alert to flu symptoms in their children. Here’s a quick guide on recognizing and treating the flu and when it might be time to seek help from a health care provider.
Natural remedies for kids
Many common childhood illnesses don’t require a visit to the pediatrician. From seasonal allergies to trouble sleeping, we’re sharing some home treatment options that can help you get your kid back to feeling great quickly.
When to worry about your child’s fever
It’s always concerning when your child has a fever — so how do you know when it’s a “routine” fever or one that needs medical attention? Here’s a guide to help you identify the difference and know when it’s time to call the doctor.
Strep throat
A complete guide to strep throat infection
A Providence family medicine doctor outlines what you need to know about strep throat and shares tips to prevent infection from derailing your cold weather activities.
Does your child have a sore throat or strep?
How do I know if it’s strep? What are the symptoms? Is my child contagious? What about school? Our expert answers your questions and offers tips to help you recognize when it’s time to call the doctor.
Prevention and treatment
How to choose between the ER, urgent care, telehealth or primary care?
It’s true that primary care physician offices, urgent care clinics and emergency departments are all places where you can receive care. However, they all serve different purposes and specialize in different areas. Knowing which type of care to seek for which kind of health need can save you time and money.
Do adults need immunizations, too?
A family medicine doctor at Providence Urgent Care discusses adult immunizations, their safety and their effectiveness for disease prevention.
Cough remedies: Treating different types of coughs
We share how to identify the type of cough you have and the cough remedies that will help you feel better.
Stay healthy with clean hands and a flu shot
Handwashing remains the No. 1 way to prevent the spread of germs and protect yourself from getting sick. We look at why washing your hands and doing it correctly are vital to good health.
Prevent slips and falls this winter
Winter weather often includes some health and safety risks. One of the most common risks is falling on slippery surfaces, such as ice and snow. We share safety tips to help keep you upright throughout the season.
Find a doctor
If you are looking for a doctor who can help you stay healthy year round, search for one who’s right for you in our provider directory. Through Providence Express Care Virtual, you can access a full range of health care services.
Download the Providence app
It’s all in the app: easily stay connected with Providence and your health. With the Providence app, you can schedule appointments, have virtual visits from the comfort of your own home, get health recommendations personalized for you, access your health records and so much more. Learn more and download the app.
Related resources
This information is not intended as a substitute for professional medical care. Always follow your health care professional’s instructions.
