Staying Healthy This Winter

As winter settles in across Indiana and we spend more time indoors, staying healthy becomes more important than ever.

Cold and flu season can sneak up on any family, but a little know-how goes a long way.

Let’s make sure you’re ready to keep sickness at bay—and recognize when it’s time to get some extra help from your doctor.

The Common Cold in Central Indiana

The common cold is a viral infection that affects your nose and throat. It is a frequent, unwelcome guest during Indiana’s winter season. While generally not serious, symptoms can leave you feeling tired and run down for a week or more.

Typical symptoms include a runny or stuffy nose, sore throat, coughing and sneezing. Most people recover at home with rest and fluids. However, you should see a doctor if you are an adult with a fever over 101.3 degrees that lasts more than three days, have shortness of breath, or a cough that continues to worsen.

For children, especially infants up to 12 weeks old, any fever of 100.4 degrees or higher requires immediate medical attention.

Staying One Step Ahead

If you want to stay healthy all season long, start with simple habits that really work:

• Wash your hands often—sing “Happy Birthday” twice while you scrub with soap and water.
• Wipe down those high-touch spots like doorknobs, your phone and light switches—germs love to hang out there.
• Remember to cover your mouth and nose with your elbow or a tissue when you cough or sneeze.
• Try to steer clear of anyone who’s under the weather.
• Give your body a boost—eat well, drink plenty of water, and make sleep a priority.

These small changes can help you and your family dodge a whole lot of sniffles this winter.

Flu (Influenza) and COVID-19

Influenza, or the flu, is a contagious respiratory illness that can cause mild to severe symptoms. These often appear suddenly and may include fever, cough, sore throat, body

aches, headaches and fatigue. While many people can recover at home, the flu can lead to serious complications, especially for young children, older adults, pregnant individuals, and those with chronic health conditions.

In Indiana, flu activity typically begins in the fall and peaks during the winter. This past season, Indiana experienced high levels of influenza A activity. At the same time, COVID-19 continues to circulate in our communities. Because the symptoms of flu and COVID-19 are very similar, testing is the only way to confirm a diagnosis.

The Indiana Department of Health recommends that everyone 6 months and older get the latest COVID-19 vaccine. Annual flu shots are also highly recommended to protect yourself and those around you.

Top Prevention Strategies:

• Get vaccinated for both the flu and COVID-19.
• Wash your hands often with soap and water.
• Clean and disinfect surfaces that are touched frequently.
• Stay home when you feel sick to avoid spreading germs.

Bronchitis and Pneumonia

Bronchitis occurs when the tubes carrying air to your lungs, the bronchial tubes, become inflamed. It often follows a cold or other respiratory infection and can cause a persistent cough, chest discomfort and fatigue. While acute bronchitis usually gets better within a week, a cough may linger for several weeks. Seek medical care if you have a fever above 100.4 degrees, produce bloody mucus, or experience severe shortness of breath.

Pneumonia is a more serious infection that inflames the air sacs in one or both lungs. The air sacs may fill with fluid, causing a cough with phlegm, fever, chills, and difficulty breathing. Recently, the Indiana Department of Health noted an increase in pediatric pneumonia cases, including those caused by Mycoplasma pneumoniae. Early diagnosis and treatment are key to preventing serious complications.

Ways to Reduce Your Risk:

• Get your annual flu shot, as influenza can lead to complications like bronchitis and pneumonia.
• Practice good hand hygiene.
• Avoid cigarette smoke and other lung irritants.
• Talk to your doctor about the pneumococcal vaccine if you are in a high-risk group.

When to Seek Care

Knowing where to go for care can save you time and money. Riverview Health Emergency Room & Urgent Care offers both urgent care and emergency room services under one roof so no matter what this winter brings, they’re ready to provide the expert care you need, close to home, at the right price.

Unlike most ER or urgent care centers, patients are only billed for the level of services they need. The ER is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week. The urgent care center is open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. daily. No appointments are necessary for in-person visits.

Riverview Health Emergency Room & Urgent Care has four convenient locations:

• Riverview Health Westfield Hospital is located at 17600 Shamrock Blvd, Westfield, IN 46074, and may be reached at 317.214.5555.
• Riverview Health Emergency Room & Urgent Care Carmel is located at 14585 Hazel Dell Pkwy., Carmel, IN 46033, and may be reached at 317.406.4280.
• Riverview Health Emergency Room & Urgent Care Fishers is located at 9690 E. 116th St., Fishers, IN 46037, and may be reached at 317.406.4585.
• Riverview Health Emergency Room & Urgent Care West Carmel/Zionsville is located at 10830 N. Michigan Rd., Zionsville, IN 46077, and may be reached at 317.406.4713.