Winter Illnesses on the Rise: How to Stay Healthy and When to Seek Care

Winter Illnesses Are on the Rise – Here’s How to Stay Healthy

As the colder months settle in, we are seeing a significant increase in winter illnesses, including severe viral and bacterial infections such as pneumonia. Influenza is especially prevalent in our community, making it more important than ever to take precautions and know how to care for yourself when sick.

When You Are Sick: Steps for Symptom Management

1. Take Over-the-Counter Medications as Needed

For high fever and/or significant discomfort, a combination of medications can be effective:

• Ibuprofen (Advil/Motrin) 400mg every 6 hours
• Acetaminophen (Tylenol) 650mg every 6 hours
• Staggering doses (e.g., taking ibuprofen first, then acetaminophen three hours later) can provide the best fever and pain relief.

Caution: If you have an allergy or medical condition that prevents the use of NSAIDs (such as a prior GI bleed or pregnancy), stick to acetaminophen. Also, be mindful of over-the-counter combination medications (e.g., DayQuil, “Cold and Sinus” medications), as many already contain acetaminophen.

2. Clear Up Mucus and Congestion

• Pseudoephedrine (Sudafed) is an effective over-the-counter decongestant.
• Caution: If you have high blood pressure or are pregnant, avoid pseudoephedrine and consult a healthcare provider for alternative options.

3. Support Your Immune System

• Eat whole foods rich in vitamins and nutrients.
• Drink plenty of water to stay hydrated.
• Get adequate rest—your body recovers more efficiently when well-rested.

When to Seek Medical Care

Certain symptoms may require medical attention. Please reach out to a healthcare provider if you experience:

✔ Fever, chills, or body aches
✔ Persistent cough, shortness of breath, or chest pain
✔ Difficulty breathing
✔ Unusual fatigue or weakness
✔ Sore throat or sinus pain lasting more than a few days
✔ Symptoms that worsen instead of improve

For flu and COVID-19 infections, antiviral treatments are most effective when taken early. If you suspect the flu or COVID-19, seek testing and treatment as soon as possible.

Winter Health Tips: Preventing Illness

• Wash your hands regularly – Viruses spread easily, and good hand hygiene is one of the best defenses.
• Stay warm and dress in layers – Keeping your body temperature regulated helps prevent seasonal illnesses.
• Get vaccinated – If you haven’t already, consider getting your annual flu and COVID-19 vaccinations to reduce the risk of severe illness.

Need Medical Care?

• Current LaRocca Medical patients: Call 302-468-6220 or send a message through the patient portal to schedule an appointment.
• Not a patient yet? We’d love to help! Contact us via phone or visit our website to learn more about becoming a patient.
• For immediate care, urgent care centers can also treat these symptoms.

We understand that winter illnesses can be unsettling, and we’re here to help. Please don’t hesitate to reach out with any questions or concerns.

Stay safe and take care of yourself this winter!

Please note: LaRocca Medical is not responsible for managing your care unless you are an established patient with us. If we are not your primary healthcare provider, we strongly recommend consulting with your current primary care provider (PCP) before making any decisions regarding vaccines or other medical treatments.