Seasonal Illness

What is seasonal illness?

Seasonal illness is a blanket term for various illnesses and ailments that mostly occur during the winter months. Many seasonal illnesses are most prevalent when it’s cold outside because everyone spends more time indoors, which makes it easier for viruses and bacteria to spread in the air and on surfaces. 

Other seasonal illnesses happen during other particular times of year, such as spring, when certain plants are in bloom and pollen is in the air. 

If you can count on not feeling well during a particular time every year, the team at MedPlus Urgent Care evaluates you to find out which type of seasonal illness you have and how you can treat your symptoms. They may also be able to help you prevent the illness in the coming year. 

What are some common types of seasonal illness?

There are several illnesses and conditions that occur seasonally, and they’re all pretty different from each other. MedPlus Urgent Care diagnoses and treats:

Cold and flu

Flu season starts in late fall and goes into the next spring. Its symptoms include congestion, exhaustion, and fever. That’s why it’s important to get a flu shot sometime in the fall, which helps prepare your immune system to come in contact with the virus. 

Seasonal allergies

Seasonal allergies happen most often in the spring and are caused by spores and pollen in the air. The symptoms are typical of most inhaled allergies, including congestion, watery eyes, sneezing, and an itchy throat. 

Seasonal depression

Seasonal depression, which is also called seasonal affective disorder (SAD), is a type of depression that appears with the change of season in the winter months. Many speculate that it’s due to a lower amount of sunlight each day. 

How is seasonal illness treated?

Treating seasonal illness requires an individualized approach based on your own medical history, the illness you have, and your preferences. While you can avoid the flu in many cases by getting the yearly vaccine, you can’t always avoid a seasonal cold, which has similar symptoms. 

Colds don’t have a cure, so you must wait until they go away on their own. However, you can manage your symptoms by using a humidifier, drinking lots of water, and using over-the-counter medications like cough syrup. 

For seasonal allergies, it’s difficult if not impossible to avoid the pollens or spores causing your symptoms. Fortunately, over-the-counter medications are available for allergy symptoms. Immunotherapy, which builds your tolerance to an allergen over time, may also be available.

Seasonal depression typically responds well to some lifestyle changes like spending time outside, exercising, and finding a healthy outlet for stress. Antidepressants can also help with SAD. 

If you experience any signs of seasonal illness, call MedPlus Urgent Care for same day Telemedicine appointment, or walk in for a visit today.