The Most Common Winter Illnesses

The winter season has arrived, and it's time for the flu and cold to start hitting the people. While you do everything in your power to keep yourself and your loved ones healthy, you may still get sick.

Keeping yourself and your loved ones healthy during the holidays is important, especially if you're young, old, or have a compromised immune system. Here are some common illnesses people get sick from during this time of year.

The Common Cold

This cold is a viral infection typically involving cough, sore throat, headache, and nasal congestion. It can occur anytime throughout the year, although it's most commonly seen during winter. Common cold symptoms usually improve within a week, with the worst symptoms being on days 3-5. One of the best ways to avoid this cold is by washing your hands consistently throughout the day.

Flu

Although it's commonly mistaken for a cold, the flu can actually come on quickly and cause severe symptoms such as a high fever and body aches. Getting vaccinated is the best way to prevent the illness from spreading to your family and friends.

Bronchiolitis

One of the most common respiratory infections is Bronchiolitis, which usually involves coughing, low-grade fevers, and nasal congestion. The RSV virus can trigger it. Like the flu, it can resemble a common cold before it becomes more severe. Most of those symptoms include difficulty breathing, wheezing, and a dehydrated body.

Strep Throat

Most people who get strep throat are school-aged children. It can cause stomachache, sore throat, and headaches. Although it can't trigger cold symptoms, it can be treated with antibiotics.

Norovirus

The Norovirus is one of the most common types of stomach bug that can occur during the winter season. It can cause severe diarrhea and vomiting. However, its symptoms usually go away within a couple of days.

Sinus infections

The buildup of germs in your nasal and sinus cavities causes a sinus infection. Getting a cold or a weakened immune system can increase the risk of getting a sinus infection. Seasonal allergies can also make people more susceptible to getting a sinus infection.

It's important to wash your hands, cough into a tissue, and avoid touching other people while you're sick. During winter, your immune system can handle illnesses without treatment. However, if you're still experiencing severe symptoms, it's important to see a doctor.

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About Shawn Younessi

Shawn Younessi of West Hollywood, CA may be a Doctor by profession, but he has a strong passion for healthy living through fitness and nutrition. Throughout his education, Shawn learned about the importance of staying active each day in order to prevent illnesses down the line. This information has guided his fitness journey and keeps him motivated to maintain a regular schedule of working out. In addition, Shawn consistently looks for ways to improve his diet, whether by tracking his macronutrients or simply incorporating a few more healthy foods into his day. Shawn aims to be a good role model for his patients, as he sees far too many otherwise healthy people put themselves at risk for serious illnesses due to obesity caused by poor diet and/or lack of exercise.

When it comes to fitness, Shawn Younessi approaches the subject from two perspectives. First, he considers it from a medical viewpoint. He enjoys finding easy ways for his patients to improve their physical wellbeing through easy diet and exercise changes. Although some patients may require more drastic changes to their lifestyle, Shawn likes to encourage all of his patients to do even a small amount of exercise regularly, while eating foods that will keep them full and replenish their nutrients. It is motivating when he is able to see people’s progress over several visits.

Over time, Shawn Younessi has encountered many challenges in his medical career. From the long nights of studying in medical school to the strenuous shifts of residency, and especially the Coronavirus pandemic, Shawn has remained positive in his ability to make a positive impact on those around him. He hopes to continue learning and growing as a physician, and in the future, help many others to live fulfilling lives by keeping their health on the up and up.