TOLEDO, Ohio —
The holidays are over and the season of sniffles and coughing is here.
You may have noticed that people around you are getting sick, or maybe you've come down with something yourself, which is not uncommon for this time of year.
One of the reasons for an increase in diagnoses is simple; people are in closer contact with one another. The cold weather brings people together, and it brings potential illness.
Angie Henry, a certified nurse practitioner at Mercy Health, said winter is the peak season for upper respiratory viruses. The main viruses doctors are seeing right now are rhinovirus, COVID-19 and influenza.
"We're seeing more diagnoses of flu, so more people have the flu, but our sickest patients are COVID patients right now," said Daniel Kemple, the emergency physician director at ProMedica Flower Hospital.
Potential flu symptoms can include coughing, body aches and fevers. These can last for a few days or even a week.
Most of the illnesses going around are viruses, meaning they can't be treated with antibiotics. If your symptoms have not improved in 10-14 days, Kemple said you may be given an antibiotic to treat potential bacterial infection.
Kemple said if you are experiencing symptoms like chills and a fever, but are still able to take in fluids and do not feel like your breathing is impaired, it would be acceptable to go to urgent care. If symptoms begin to worsen or you experience shortness of breath and chest pain, then he suggests going to the emergency room.
"If you're not feeling well then you should try to not go out. If you have to go out, wear a mask to try and prevent spread," Kemple said.
To prevent getting sick, professionals suggest staying rested, washing your hands and staying away from individuals who are sick. Resting, getting good sleep, exercising and eating healthy are just a few ways Henry suggests taking care of yourself during this time of year.