Cold, Flu, and COVID: What’s Going Around (and When to Call Us)
It’s officially cough-and-cold season—and yes, that includes the common cold, flu, and COVID-19.
Did you know there are over 200 different viruses that can cause the common cold? So how do you know what you—or your child or loved one—might be dealing with this winter?
Why Everyone Is Sick Right Now
Respiratory illnesses are more common in winter for a few reasons:
Viruses spread more easily in dry air
People gather indoors more often
Coughing and sneezing release droplets that travel farther
The Common Cold
Caused by many different viruses
Symptoms peak around day 3
You can be contagious before symptoms and for up to two weeks
Antibiotics do not help
Best treatment: rest, fluids, and over-the-counter cold remedies
Influenza (Flu)
Flu season runs from October through May, and this season is shaping up to be a rough one.
You’re contagious before symptoms start and for about a week after
For some, flu is mild; for others, it can be serious or even deadly
If you’re over 65 or have multiple chronic conditions, I strongly recommend the flu vaccine
Even if it doesn’t prevent infection, it reduces severity
Oseltamivir (Tamiflu) is most effective if started within 48 hours of symptom onset
If you suspect flu, contact us promptly for testing
COVID-19
Unfortunately, COVID is still circulating and can feel very similar to the flu.
Mild illness: typically contagious for about 5 days
Severe illness: may be contagious for up to 20 days
Antiviral treatment is most helpful for those at higher risk of complications
When You Should Contact Us
Please reach out if you or your child experience:
Any fever in infants under 3 months
Fever 99–100.4°F in a child over 3 months
Fever over 102°F in adults lasting more than 4 days
Difficulty breathing, wheezing, or chest pain
Extreme fatigue or lethargy
Signs of dehydration (dark urine, dizziness, confusion, or a sunken soft spot in infants)
A Few Final Notes
Good handwashing, common sense, and courtesy go a long way—please don’t be the sneezy colleague (nod to my husband who had to deal with my sneezing all weekend).
And help us help you: let us know if you have cold or flu symptoms before coming into the office, so we can take extra precautions to protect everyone.
This post covered the most common viral illnesses we’re seeing right now, but it’s not the whole picture. In our next post, we’ll talk about pneumonia, RSV, and other respiratory illnesses—including how they present, who is most at risk, and when symptoms suggest something more serious than a routine viral infection. Stay tuned.
— Dr. Angela
