When colder weather rolls in during the fall months, cases of illnesses tend to rapidly rise. But why exactly does it seem like everyone gets sick in the fall? When the weather gets colder, we tend to spend more time indoors, which puts us in close contact with others. Touching common surfaces like doorknobs and elevator buttons, as well as being enclosed with limited airflow in indoor settings, increases the risk of picking up an infection. There are many different kinds of illnesses that can spread during the colder months, however, most of them can be prevented with simple hygiene. Keep reading to learn more about how you can avoid getting sick this fall.
If you’re feeling under the weather, it is important to self-isolate and stay home to prevent spreading your symptoms to others. For rapid symptom diagnosis and treatment, walk into AFC Urgent Care North Bergen! Our walk-in clinic is open 7 days a week to provide patients near North Bergen, NJ with rapid same-day illness care - all without having to schedule an appointment in advance.
Common Illnesses That Spread During the Fall Months
Fall marks the beginning of cold and flu season. However, the term ‘cold’ encompasses many different potential infections. Colds are broadly used to describe a mild viral infection. In most cases, colds cause mild symptoms and go away on their own, but because they can be caused by dozens of different viruses, you may find that you’re sick back-to-back in the fall months due to exposure to different viruses.
Viral infections that affect the upper respiratory system, such as RSV, the flu, COVID-19, and colds, are very common in the fall months. However, other illnesses that tend to circulate in the fall include strep throat, mono, and norovirus. Depending on the underlying infection that is causing your symptoms, treatment options can vary from symptom management at home to prescription antibiotics, IV fluids, or inhalers.
Tips to Prevent Getting Sick this Fall
Boost Your Immune System
Your immune system is designed to fight off most mild infections on its own. However, there are many conditions like stress, poor diet, or lack of sleep which can impact your immune system's ability to function to its full potential. You can take steps to boost your immune system by making sure you get enough sleep, mitigating stress to the best of your ability, and eating a healthy diet.
Practice Strict Hygiene
Lingering germs can spread illnesses quickly. Washing your hands and sanitizing regularly will help kill germs that you may have picked up during your daily routine. Avoid touching your face, because this could transfer viruses straight to your respiratory system. Sanitizing surfaces like your desk, door knobs and shared equipment can also reduce your risk of contracting an illness.
Give Others Personal Space
Viral and bacterial infections can spread through direct contact with someone who is sick, but many illnesses can linger in the air after a sick person coughs, sneezes or even talks. Giving others a wide bubble of personal space during peak illness season in the fall and winter months will reduce your risk of breathing in germs and getting sick.
Never Share Food or Drinks
Sharing food and drinks with your friends and family may not seem like a big deal, but it can quickly spread germs which can lead to you getting sick. In many cases, illness symptoms don’t immediately show up when someone contracts an illness. This means they may have no idea that they’re sick, but could still be contagious. Avoid sharing food and drinks to reduce your risk of contracting an illness.
Walk into AFC North Bergen for Same-Day Illness Care
Sometimes, illnesses seem inevitable during the fall and winter months. While infections are very common, there are proactive steps that you can take to prevent getting sick during peak cold and flu season this fall. If you are feeling under the weather, self-isolating and seeking medical care will ensure that you don’t spread your symptoms to others and also will shorten your recovery time.
At AFC Urgent Care North Bergen, we offer same-day illness symptom diagnosis and treatment for patients in North Bergen, NJ and the surrounding communities. We have a laboratory on-site for diagnostic testing with rapid results, and treat patients of all ages. Simply walk into the clinic when it’s convenient. We work with most medical insurance plans plans, and have affordable rates for patients paying out-of-pocket for their medical care. To learn more, walk into the clinic or give us a call at (201) 588-1300.
