Fall illnesses? Here's how to prevent them

As temperatures begin to drop for the fall season, there is often an increase in people becoming sick at work or at school from either a common cold, the flu, allergies, RSV or even COVID. Dr. Mike Ren, assistant professor of family and community medicine at Baylor College of Medicine, explains how to prevent infection and best protect yourself from these illnesses.

Ren suggests boosting your immune system with supplements like vitamin C, zinc or B12, getting adequate rest and sleep and getting vaccinated.

“Vaccines for flu, COVID and RSV can certainly get your immune system primed for these illnesses and can prevent them from seriously affecting your health,” he said.

Hygienically, make sure your hands are clean. You need to wash your hands for at least 20 seconds with soap and water.

“Even if your hands are clean, get out of the habit of rubbing your nose or touching your face. Sanitize your hands before you eat or pick up something to drink,” said Ren.

If you plan on traveling or are in a public space, consider wearing a mask.

“A lot of these illnesses, viral or bacterial, are transmitted through respiratory droplets,” said Ren. “Someone can cough near you, or their saliva can get on a door handle they touch. This is why washing and sanitizing your hands is important. If you are on a plane, a person next to you could be breathing out their germs, and a mask can certainly help.”

Many of these fall respiratory illnesses can start with similar symptoms, such as a runny nose, cough or fever. Most young, healthy people, can recover within a week. However, these illnesses can more seriously impact immunocompromised people, and in some cases, may become severe, leading to hospitalization.

If you do get sick, consult your physician. Avoid going to work or school.

“You aren’t doing yourself a favor by going to work or school sick. You’re actually doing the general public a disservice. You’re potentially getting other people sick,” said Ren.