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Fall is the peak time for many viral illnesses, as the cold weather can suppress your immune system and increase your vulnerability to infections. Viral infections are easily transmitted and can be dangerous for the elderly, young children, and those with poor immune systems. Prevention is the best way to protect yourself from any transmittable illnesses or infections during the autumn season.
Keep reading to learn what are the 12 most common illnesses that peak in the fall, what are their symptoms, and how to prevent them.
Ragweed and mold spores are the biggest allergy triggers in the fall. Although, dust mites are common during the humid summer months, they can get stirred into the air the first time you turn on your heat in the fall.
Common cold can affect anyone at any time, but fall is the peak time. It is a communicable illness and can last from a few days to a few weeks.
The flu viruses are common in the autumn season. If left untreated, the illness can become severe and turn into bronchitis or pneumonia.
Related Post: Flu Shot During COVID-19: What You Need to Know
You may feel scratchiness or pain in your throat during the cooler weather, which results in sore throat. Sore throat is also a symptom of allergies, common cold, and the flu.
Norovirus causes stomach inflammation. It is extremely contagious and remains in full swing from fall through winter. It can be transmitted from person to person, or via contaminated foods, especially seafood.
Relatable: Vomiting and Diarrhea: When to Seek Medical Help
Ear infections are caused by an inflammation or virus in the middle ear and are more likely to occur in the fall than other seasons. They can also result from other illnesses such as allergies, cold, and the flu. Ear infections are more common in children.
Related Blog: Headache Behind the Ear: Is It Serious?
Acute bronchitis is the inflammation of the bronchial tubes that carry air into the lungs. It is usually caused by a virus and often occurs after a common cold, sore throat, or the flu. The viruses or bacteria that cause acute bronchitis to flourish in the cold weather.
Arthritis is the inflammation of joints that worsens with age. Arthritis is a year-round condition but people with arthritis report that cool and damp weather flare up their symptoms.
Related Blog: Raise Awareness for Juvenile Arthritis
Sinusitis is caused by the inflammation of the tissue that lines the sinuses, the cavities around the nasal passage. Sinusitis is more common in the cold weather, simply because the most common causes of sinusitis, i.e., the allergies, cold, and flu, are already prevalent at this time of the year. The cold weather worsens the pain associated with sinus headaches.
Cold and damp weather increases the risk of asthma attacks by drying up the airways. Common cold and flu, which are a common case during the cold weather, are the other triggers that cause asthma flare-ups during the fall.
Related Blog: Nocturnal Asthma: Facts, Causes, Symptoms, Triggers, & FAQs
Vitamin D is essential for both physical and mental health, and it ensures proper growth and strength for bones. However, as we get smaller amounts of sunlight in the fall season than during the summer, we are exposed to the risk of developing Vitamin D deficiency.
Seasonal affective disorder (SAD) is a mood disorder that affects many people throughout fall and winter. SAD is a serious disorder that can lead to clinical depression. There is no definitive theory or proof about what actually causes SAD; however, experts believe that it’s related to the hormonal changes during the winter season.
Visit your physician as soon as you suspect that you are affected by any of these illnesses. You can experience faster relief and recovery by taking treatments at the right time. For immediate medical attention, visit our urgent care locations in Irvine, Fountain Valley, and Costa Mesa.
Dr. Bunten is originally from Huntington Beach, CA. He attended high school in Tokyo, Japan, went to college at UC San Diego and then to medical school in the Midwest. He returned home to California for residency training in Family Medicine at Long Beach Memorial Medical Center. His immediate family all reside in Huntington Beach.
Dr Fishbein has been in the practice of family medicine for over 35 years in Irvine. He received his undergraduate degree from Southern Illinois University, medical degree from Chicago Medical School, and completed his family medicine residency at Memorial Hospital of Long Beach.
Dr. Kim is the Medical Director of Family Care Centers, Chair of the Department of Family Medicine at Hoag Hospital, and a recipient of the Physicians of Excellence award from the Orange County Medical Association. He is Board Certified in Family Medicine, and has been practicing in our community for over 20 years.
Dr. Memon is a board certified Family Medicine physician and recently completed her fellowship in Geriatrics at the University of California, Irvine Medical Center. She attended Saint George’s University, School of Medicine and completed her residency at Arrowhead Regional Medical Center. Her interest in medicine started at an early age and has since evolved into a passionate career.
Dr. Gina Nguyen obtained her Bachelor of Science degree in Biology at UC Irvine where she graduated Suma Cum Laude. She went to USC Keck School of Medicine, and returned to UC Irvine for a Family Medicine Residency. Since 2005, she worked at Kaiser Permanente, VNCOC, and Family Care Center Urgent Care.
Dr. Williams is Board Certified in Family Medicine and Sports Medicine. He is a native to Orange County and returned home after completing his medical degree at the University of New Mexico, Albuquerque. After completing his residency in family practice he successfully completed a fellowship in sports medicine.
Dr. Hye Lee is a board-certified Family Practice Physician, affiliated with the American Osteopathic Association and the American College of Osteopathic Family Practice.She obtained her Bachelor of Science degree in Biology at UC Riverside and earned her medical degree from Des Moines University Osteopathic Medical Center. Afterward, she did her internship at Downey Regional Medical Center in California and has been a primary care physician since 2005.
Dr. Coyne is a board certified family practice physician and a California native. He completed his undergraduate degree at UCLA before earning his medical degree at George Washington University in Washington, D.C. Dr Coyne spent 6 years in the US Air Force at Andrews and Luke Air Force bases, eventually separating as a Major. He enjoys working with patients of all ages.”
Dr. Jay Friehling is a Family Practice physician who has worked in Orange County since 1981. Born in Florida, he received his undergraduate degree from Cornell University and then earned a Medical Degree at the New York Medical College.” His healthcare interests include Diabetes, Geriatric Care, and Hospice Care.
Dr. Jennifer Shoquist is board certified in Family Medicine. Her special interest is woman’s health and her practice accepts patients from 6 years old to seniors. Dr. Shoquist received her M.D. degree at The University of Texas Medical School at Houston in Houston, Texas, and did her residency with Memorial Family Practice at memorial Southwest Hospital in Houston, Texas.
Dr. Tom is a board certified family medicine physician and native Californian. He received his bachelors of science with great distinction in biochemistry and honors in chemistry. Dr. Tom was awarded a Regents Scholarship to attend medical school at UC Irvine.
Dr. Yan attended Kirksville College of Osteopathic Medicine and completed her Family Practice residency at Kern Medical Center in Bakersfield, California. She joined Family Care Center in 2001. She chose Family Practice because she enjoys working with a wide variety of people and because it provides a unique opportunity for continuing care.
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