All articles tagged with #colds
Winter increases vulnerability to colds due to factors like lower temperatures, which can weaken the immune system, and more time spent indoors, facilitating virus transmission. A public health nurse explains the science behind these seasonal changes.
Dr. David Smith explains the differences between influenza, colds, Strep Throat, RSV, and COVID, highlighting symptoms and treatments for each. Influenza tends to hit immediately with fever, chills, headache, and body aches, while colds start with stuffy nose and congestion. Strep throat presents with sore throat, fever, and belly pain, and COVID symptoms can vary widely. Dr. Smith recommends vaccination for influenza and COVID, and suggests using home testing kits for COVID. RSV primarily affects the very young and old, with symptoms resembling a mild cold for healthy adults.
A registered nurse writes to Dr. Keith Roach about her son's recent focal seizure and wonders if neck nerve compression could be the cause. While there are articles suggesting a link between neck nerve compression and seizures, Dr. Roach is skeptical and believes that most reported cases had other risk factors for seizures. Brain and spinal cord injuries are known to be seizure triggers, and a high-resolution MRI scan is recommended to identify any brain lesions. In another letter, an 82-year-old reader asks if her daily sneezing could be related to her immunity to colds. Dr. Roach explains that sneezing is a protective reflex but doubts it provides significant protection against germs. Most older adults don't get colds due to limited exposure, and occasional sneezing is considered normal unless it causes discomfort.
In Metro Detroit communities, the prevalent illnesses include COVID, sinus infections, asthma flare-ups, colds, and fall allergies. Seasonal changes and allergens like pollen and ragweed contribute to nasal irritation and worsen symptoms. The return to school has also led to an increase in viral illnesses among children. Additionally, there has been a rise in severe asthma cases, possibly triggered by viral infections and weather changes. Elderly patients are experiencing more injuries due to falls, and adults are reporting ankle and knee injuries. Cannabis Hyperemesis Syndrome (CHS) related to regular marijuana use is also being observed. In Oakland County, strep throat, mononucleosis, RSV, influenza, and hand-foot-and-mouth disease are prevalent. Washtenaw County is seeing COVID, upper respiratory infections, stomach viruses, asthma flare-ups, fall allergies, and sporadic cases of influenza. Monroe County is experiencing COVID, respiratory problems, and asthma flare-ups. Macomb County is reporting COVID, upper respiratory infections, hand-foot-and-mouth disease, infected bug bites, and head lice. Livingston County is seeing respiratory problems, COVID, asthma flare-ups, and fall allergies.