x
Breaking News
More () »

Tips for the winter sniffles as cold weather brings in cold season

Most of the time, it's not serious, but there are signs to watch out for.

CLEVELAND — It's getting cold out, and for some of us, that means getting a cold.

The majority of illnesses aren't severe, but some precautions can help.

"Don't be shy about putting that mask back on to protect the people around you," University Hospitals Family Medicine Dr. Sybil Marsh said. "Handwashing works great. These things pass through the air from sneezes and mucus and all that kind of stuff, but it can also be on surfaces."

RELATED: Ohio's first flu-related death of season is 13-year-old Cuyahoga County boy

Doctors are seeing more coughing and sneezing seasonal illnesses, and Marsh believes there's an explanation.

"We're seeing them more now because we're not masking or social distancing like the last couple of years and maybe we don't have as much immunity as we would," she told 3News. "Children certainly don't."

While most of these illnesses aren't severe and are best taken care of by staying at home until you're feeling better, there is one serious sign that you should be seeking care.

"Any time a person is worried there's a big change for the worse regarding their breathing," Marsh said. "So, shortness of breath, you can't get around the way that you would, you're coughing to the point of exhaustion."

This is different for the average person than an infant or the elderly, especially with cases of RSV on the rise.

    

Before You Leave, Check This Out