When temperatures drop, illnesses caused by cold weather tend to rise. Studies from the CDC show that respiratory infections such as the common cold, influenza, and bronchitis increase during fall and winter months, often spreading rapidly through schools, workplaces, and family gatherings. These cold-weather ailments can affect anyone, but knowing the symptoms and taking preventive action can help keep your family healthy.
At Keystone Rural Health Consortia, we provide primary care and preventive services to communities throughout the region. Our compassionate medical team helps patients of all ages stay healthy with preventive screenings, immunizations, and personalized treatment.
As winter approaches, understanding common illnesses and how to prevent them can help you and your loved ones stay well throughout the season.
1. The Common Cold: The Most Frequent Winter Visitor
The common cold is a mild but widespread viral infection that affects the upper respiratory tract, including the nose and throat. It’s usually caused by rhinoviruses but can also stem from coronaviruses or adenoviruses. Though typically not serious, a cold can make you feel run-down and increase your risk of secondary infections like sinusitis or ear infections.
Common cold symptoms include:
- Runny or stuffy nose
- Sore throat
- Cough or congestion
- Sneezing and watery eyes
- Mild body aches or fatigue
Colds spread easily through airborne droplets when someone coughs or sneezes. You can also catch it by touching contaminated surfaces and then touching your nose or mouth.
How to prevent a cold when you feel it coming:
Wash your hands often, get enough sleep, and avoid close contact with people who are sick. Drink plenty of fluids, eat fruits and vegetables rich in vitamin C, and manage stress to support your immune system. If symptoms last more than 10 days or worsen, contact your primary care doctor.
2. Influenza (Flu): More Than Just a Bad Cold
The flu is a contagious respiratory illness caused by influenza viruses. While it shares some flu vs cold symptoms, the flu often develops suddenly and can cause severe fatigue, fever, and body aches. Unlike the common cold, flu symptoms tend to be more intense and can lead to serious complications such as pneumonia, especially in children, older adults, and people with chronic conditions.
Typical flu symptoms include:
- Fever or chills
- Muscle or body aches
- Sore throat and dry cough
- Headache and fatigue
- Occasionally, vomiting or diarrhea (more common in children)
Prevention Tips:
The annual flu shot remains the best defense against influenza. At Keystone Rural Health Consortia, we offer flu vaccines and education on managing flu symptoms safely at home.
If you suspect you have the flu, stay home, rest, and contact your provider. Antiviral medications work best when started within the first 48 hours of symptom onset.
3. Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV): A Growing Concern for Adults
RSV is often thought of as a childhood illness, but RSV symptoms in adults can also cause significant illness, especially among seniors and people with weakened immune systems. The virus spreads easily through droplets and contaminated surfaces, much like the common cold or flu.
Symptoms of RSV in adults include:
- Persistent cough
- Nasal congestion
- Wheezing or shortness of breath
- Low-grade fever
- Fatigue and sore throat
For most adults, RSV resolves within a week or two, but it can lead to bronchitis or pneumonia in high-risk individuals. Preventing RSV involves hand hygiene, disinfecting frequently touched objects, and avoiding close contact with anyone showing respiratory symptoms.
If you have trouble breathing, chest pain, or prolonged fever, seek immediate medical attention at a Keystone primary care location.
4. Acute Bronchitis: When a Cough Lingers Too Long
Bronchitis occurs when the bronchial tubes (airways leading to your lungs) become inflamed, often following a cold or flu. The inflammation causes swelling and mucus buildup, making it difficult to breathe.
Key symptoms include:
- Persistent cough with or without mucus
- Wheezing
- Chest tightness
- Low-grade fever and fatigue
Bronchitis can be acute (short-term) or chronic (long-term). Acute cases usually last 1–3 weeks and are often viral. Smoking, poor air quality, or exposure to irritants can increase your risk.
Prevention Tips:
- Wash your hands regularly
- Avoid cigarette smoke and pollutants
- Get your flu shots
- Maintain good hydration to thin mucus
If your cough lasts longer than three weeks or is accompanied by shortness of breath, contact Keystone Rural Health Consortia for a primary care evaluation. Early management helps prevent progression to pneumonia.
5. Pneumonia: A Serious Cold-Weather Threat
Pneumonia is an infection that inflames the air sacs in one or both lungs, which may fill with fluid or pus. It can result from viruses, bacteria, or fungi. In winter, cases often rise following flu or RSV infections.
Common symptoms include:
- Fever and chills
- Shortness of breath
- Productive cough with yellow or green mucus
- Chest pain when breathing or coughing
- Fatigue and confusion (especially in older adults)
The illness can become life-threatening, particularly in young children, seniors, and immunocompromised individuals.
Prevention Strategies:
- Practice good hygiene
- Avoid smoking
- Manage chronic conditions like asthma or heart disease
At Keystone Rural Health Consortia, we provide pneumonia and flu shots for those interested as part of our preventive care services. If you suspect pneumonia, seek medical care immediately — timely treatment can prevent serious complications.
6. Strep Throat: A Bacterial Infection That Hurts to Swallow
Strep throat is caused by Group A Streptococcus bacteria and is more common in cooler weather when people spend more time indoors. Unlike viral sore throats, strep requires antibiotic treatment.
Symptoms of strep throat include:
- Severe sore throat and pain when swallowing
- Red, swollen tonsils (sometimes with white patches)
- Fever and swollen lymph nodes
- Headache and fatigue
Because strep is contagious, you should avoid close contact, wash your hands frequently, and replace your toothbrush once you start antibiotics.
At Keystone Rural Health Consortia, our primary care team can perform rapid strep tests and provide effective treatment to help you recover quickly and safely.
Boosting Immunity During Winter
Your immune system is your best defense against illnesses caused by cold weather. You can strengthen it through small, daily habits that protect your health naturally.
Tips to boost your immune system:
- Eat nutrient-rich foods: Focus on fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins.
- Stay hydrated: Even mild dehydration can impact your immune response.
- Sleep well: Aim for 7–8 hours of rest to help your body fight infections.
- Stay active: Gentle exercise, like walking or stretching indoors, supports circulation.
- Manage stress: Chronic stress weakens immunity, so make time for relaxation or mindfulness.
Your Keystone primary care provider can guide you on preventive nutrition, wellness screenings, and managing chronic illnesses that may increase your risk for infection.
Protecting Vulnerable Populations
Cold-weather illnesses can hit certain groups harder, particularly young children, seniors, and those with chronic conditions. These individuals are more likely to experience complications from the flu, RSV, or pneumonia.
How to protect vulnerable loved ones:
- Get your flu shot.
- Limit exposure to crowded indoor settings during peak illness seasons.
- Encourage good hand hygiene.
- Ensure proper nutrition and hydration.
- Schedule regular primary care checkups to manage chronic conditions.
Through our community-based health centers, Keystone provides both preventive care and education to help families in rural Pennsylvania protect those most at risk.
Stay Healthy and Protected This Winter
Cold weather may bring comfort and togetherness, but it also challenges our health. By recognizing symptoms early and prioritizing preventive care, you can protect yourself and your family all season long. At Keystone Rural Health Consortia, we’re committed to keeping our communities healthy through primary care, women’s health, and preventive services. Whether you need a flu shot, checkup, or treatment for a winter illness, our care team is here for you.
Take charge of your health today — call (814) 486-1115 or book an appointment at your nearest location.
