4 WINTER ILLNESSES YOU’D RATHER AVOID KNOW WHAT TO LOOK FOR BEFORE THEY ATTACK
Achoo! That’s the last noise you want to hear this winter. Cold weather brings a slew of sicknesses, so be vigilant to treat these common illnesses, or better yet, avoid them altogether. THE COMMON COLD Although there is no cure, a cold is easier to treat than other illnesses. If you or a loved one has a runny nose, low-grade fever, headache, cough, nasal congestion, or sore throat, the common cold has most likely taken hold. With the help of rest and perhaps some cold medicine, like cough drops and decongestants, the cold will come and go in about a week.
and is caused by other viruses. Of the many symptoms — nasal congestion, low-grade fevers, and coughing — wheezing is the one you should be most concerned about. If your child is having difficulty breathing and is dehydrated, they may have caught a more serious strain of the virus. Most children will recover with at-home rest, but some may need to be hospitalized for more severe symptoms. INFLUENZA The flu is known for causing high fever, muscle aches and pains, nausea, and other symptoms similar to a cold. Often, the fever will last for around five days, but it can be shortened with the aid of antiviral medications. However, these medications are recommended only for children who face serious complications or hospitalization
from the flu. If you want to avoid catching this, your best bet is to receive the annual flu vaccine. STREP THROAT A sore throat, headache, stomach ache, vomiting, and high fever are signs of strep. This infection is treated with antibiotics and should be addressed soon after the first symptoms appear to prevent further complications. Children with strep throat should stay away from school and other activities until they’ve been on antibiotics for 24 hours. Everyone knows that getting sick is no fun and is best avoided at all costs. However, it happens to everyone eventually. Catching a virus or infection in its early stages can help you shake the sickness much faster.
BRONCHIOLITIS Bronchiolitis appears most commonly in children less than a year old
HURT ON THE HOLIDAYS WAYS TO SUPPORT SOMEONE THROUGH THE SEASON In the past, we’ve covered ways you can support friends or loved ones after an auto accident. This month, we’d like to share some advice on what you can do to make the holidays a little easier for a friend or loved one recovering from a traumatic event. After all, the season brings its own unique challenges, but it can also be turned into an opportunity to bring comfort and joy to someone during an otherwise difficult time. BRING HOME TO THEM If your friend was involved in a particularly bad accident, they might be hospitalized. While there is never a good time of year to be in the hospital, the sentiment that one should be “home for the holidays” can weigh heavy on survivors’ minds. So why not bring home to them? Colored lights, menorahs, and small (artificial) Christmas trees can all bring a sense of familiarity and normalcy to your friend when they need it most. Just be sure to check with your friend and the hospital staff before decorating. MOVIE NIGHT Whether your friend is in the hospital or at home, physical activities will most likely be a challenge for them. Whiplash, concussions, and other injuries common in car crashes can make moving around difficult or even painful. So why not settle in with a seasonal classic, like “Miracle on 34th Street” or “Die Hard?”
SURROGATE SHOPPING Between the physical and financial burdens of an accident, shopping for gifts this time of year can be extremely difficult. Volunteering to help with their list, whether it means buying the gifts or just doing the actual footwork, can lift a huge burden off of your friend’s shoulders, especially if they have children. BE THERE This all ultimately boils down to being there for your friend during this difficult time. While you’re decorating, watching movies, or going over their shopping list, ask them how they are doing. Listen, and be an empathetic presence for them. The greatest gift you can give this holiday season may be a warm smile or a shoulder to cry on.
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