YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio (WKBN) – As we get ready to head into the holiday season, we should also be prepared for the respiratory season. Valley doctors have some tips to keep you from feeling under the weather.
Respiratory illnesses ramp up as the year winds down. Nurse Practitioner Bridget Nance said that happens for a lot of reasons.
“It’s cold weather changes. School is back in, and children are bringing things home back to parents and grandparents,” she said.
So far, the number of flu cases that doctors have treated has been relatively low, but they’ve seen a range of other conditions.
“We’re seeing a little bit of everything. We’re seeing bronchitis. With the change in the weather right now, we’re seeing people with worsening COPD symptoms,” Nance said.
In October, the Centers for Disease Control warned of a rise in cases of Walking Pneumonia, a less severe form of the illness– particularly affecting young people.
“Walking Pneumonia is maybe going to not have the severe symptoms we think of with pneumonia. So we don’t always see the high fever or the severe cough. People who are lingering in terms of their illness,” Haltigan said.
Doctors stress hand washing your hands as a key to warding off unwanted sicknesses as the holidays approach.
“Other important things are just basic hygiene. Be mindful of handwashing before and after you’re in high-traffic areas, before and after eating. These things are really underrated in terms of how much they help us stay well,” Haltigan said.
And if you haven’t yet, now is a good time to get your COVID or flu shot before the mad rush begins for the season.
“Number one for people, especially if you’re at higher risk — getting your vaccines. They don’t always prevent you from getting it. They don’t prevent you from passing it on, but they reduce the virulence and reduce the risk that you’re going to infect other people So that’s a huge thing especially if there are elderly folks in the family or anyone who’s medically needy,” Haltigan said.
