Whether traveling or attending crowded indoor events, it's important to be prepared for common illnesses that may be circulating this time of year. Viruses that cause colds, such as RSV and COVID, and flu, all tend to thrive in the wintertime to cause infections in the ear, nose and throat. Dr. Meha Fox, an otolaryngologist at Baylor College of Medicine, shares ways you can avoid getting sick this season.
Start by maintaining distance from and not sharing food with people you know are ill. Make sure you frequently wash your hands and use sanitizers to avoid picking up viral particles.
"There are a lot of frequently touched surfaces, whether at work or the grocery store, where you can pick up a viral infection. If someone coughs or sneezes in their hands and touches a door handle or a cart, the next person to touch it is likely to pick up those particles," Fox said.
Vaccines for flu, RSV and COVID can help prevent infection and reduce the severity of the illness. If you have issues with your sinuses or allergies, Fox suggests wearing a mask to help prevent catching illnesses from or passing illnesses to others, especially in crowded areas.
"If you feel like you're about to get a cold, rinsing your nose with a saline solution is a great way to help wash some of those viral particles and extra mucus out of your nose," Fox said.
Fox also recommends that if you plan to travel to a colder climate for the holidays or at any other time during the winter months, bring a tube of non-scented Vaseline, a saline gel or a saline spray to help maintain moisture in your nose.
If you get sick and your symptoms last more than seven to 10 days, see a physician.
