Every winter, we see a familiar pattern in western North Carolina. Patients begin coming in with congestion that lingers, persistent coughs, fevers, body aches, and overwhelming fatigue. This season is no different. Flu, RSV, pneumonia, and the common cold are circulating in our community, and many people are understandably unsure how concerned they should be, or where to turn for care.

As a physician, my goal is to provide reassurance, clarity, and practical guidance. Most winter illnesses are manageable, many are preventable, and knowing when to seek care can make a meaningful difference in recovery and outcomes.

Understanding Common Winter Illnesses

Several respiratory illnesses tend to peak during colder months. While symptoms often overlap, severity and risk can vary.

• The common cold is usually mild and caused by a variety of viruses. Symptoms often include a runny or stuffy nose, sore throat, mild cough, sneezing, and fatigue. Most people recover on their own within a week or two.
• Influenza (flu) typically comes on more suddenly and can feel more intense. Fever, chills, body aches, headache, fatigue, cough, and sore throat are common. While many people recover without complications, flu can be serious - especially for older adults, young children, pregnant women, and those with chronic health conditions.
• RSV (Respiratory Syncytial Virus) is often associated with infants and young children but can also significantly affect older adults. Symptoms may include congestion, cough, wheezing, fever, and, in more severe cases, difficulty breathing.
• Pneumonia can develop on its own or as a complication of another respiratory illness. Symptoms may include high fever, cough with phlegm, chest pain, shortness of breath, and extreme fatigue. Pneumonia often requires medical evaluation and, in some cases, hospitalization.

Because these illnesses can look similar early on, paying attention to symptom severity and how symptoms progress over time is especially important.

Prevention Still Matters

While it isn’t possible to avoid every illness, prevention remains one of the most effective tools we have.

Frequent hand hygiene (either washing hands thoroughly or using hand sanitizer) is one of the simplest ways to reduce the spread of germs. Staying home when you are sick helps protect others, particularly those who are more vulnerable. Wearing a mask when respiratory illnesses are circulating or when you have symptoms can also reduce spread, especially in healthcare and crowded settings.

Vaccination continues to play an important role. Annual flu vaccines and recommended pneumonia vaccines help reduce the risk of severe illness and complications. While vaccines don’t prevent every infection, they can significantly lessen severity and protect both individuals and the broader community.

Adequate rest, hydration, good nutrition, and managing stress also support the immune system and should not be overlooked.

When to Seek Care

One of the most common questions we hear this time of year is, “Do I really need to be seen?”

Urgent care or a primary care visit is often appropriate for:

• Fever that improves with medication
• Cough, congestion, sore throat, or sinus pressure
• Mild wheezing that improves with inhalers
• Body aches, fatigue, nausea, or diarrhea when fluids can be tolerated
• Symptoms that worsen after several days or do not improve
• Testing for flu, RSV, or other respiratory illnesses

Emergency care should be sought right away for:

• Difficulty breathing or labored breathing
• Chest pain or chest tightness
• Blue or pale lips or skin
• Confusion, trouble walking, or sudden changes in alertness
• Very high fever that does not come down
• Inability to keep fluids down or signs of dehydration
• Rapidly worsening symptoms

If you are ever unsure, it is always appropriate to seek medical guidance.

A Final Word

Winter illness can feel overwhelming - especially when it seems like everyone around you is sick. The good news is that most people recover fully with supportive care, rest, and time. Staying informed, taking preventive steps, and knowing when to seek care can reduce anxiety and improve outcomes.