How to Help Prevent the Spread of Fall Illnesses
As temperatures begin to cool and families spend more time indoors, respiratory illnesses can spread more easily. Colds, flu, COVID-19, and other seasonal illnesses are common during the fall and winter months, especially when people are sharing indoor spaces at school, work, and home.
While it is not always possible to avoid getting sick, there are simple steps you can take to help protect yourself and those around you.
Wash Your Hands Regularly
One of the simplest ways to help prevent the spread of germs is to wash your hands frequently. Wash with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially:
- Before eating or preparing food
- After using the restroom
- After coughing, sneezing, or blowing your nose
- After being in public places
- Before touching your eyes, nose, or mouth
If soap and water are not available, an alcohol-based hand sanitizer can be used.
Cover Coughs and Sneezes
Coughing and sneezing can spread respiratory droplets and germs to people nearby. Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when coughing or sneezing, then throw the tissue away and wash your hands.
If a tissue is not available, cough or sneeze into your elbow rather than your hands.
Avoid Close Contact When You’re Sick
If you are experiencing symptoms such as coughing, fever, sore throat, congestion, or significant fatigue, consider staying home and limiting close contact with others when possible.
Taking time to rest can help you recover while also reducing the chance of spreading an illness to family members, coworkers, classmates, and others in your community.
Keep Frequently Touched Surfaces Clean
Germs can remain on commonly touched surfaces. Regularly clean and disinfect items and surfaces that are frequently handled, such as:
- Door handles
- Light switches
- Phones
- Keyboards
- Countertops
- Remote controls
Keeping shared spaces clean can be especially helpful in households, classrooms, and workplaces.
Take Care of Your Health
Supporting your overall health can help your body respond to illness. During the fall season, prioritize healthy habits such as getting enough sleep, staying hydrated, eating balanced meals, and staying physically active.
It is also important to follow recommended preventive care and discuss vaccinations with your healthcare provider.
Know When to Seek Medical Care
Most mild colds and respiratory illnesses can improve with rest and supportive care. However, some symptoms may require medical evaluation.
Consider visiting an urgent care if your symptoms are worsening, lasting longer than expected, or causing concern. Symptoms such as persistent fever, difficulty breathing, severe dehydration, worsening pain, or other concerning changes should be evaluated by a healthcare professional.
At Expedite Urgent Care, our team can evaluate a variety of common illnesses and respiratory symptoms and help determine the appropriate next steps for your care.
Stay Healthy This Fall
Preventing every illness is not always possible, but small everyday habits can make a difference. Washing your hands, covering coughs and sneezes, staying home when you are sick, cleaning frequently touched surfaces, and taking care of your overall health can all help reduce the spread of seasonal illnesses.
If you’re feeling sick this fall and need an evaluation, Expedite Urgent Care welcomes walk-ins from 9 AM–9 PM.
Expedite Urgent Care
135 W Shaw #102 Fresno, CA 93704
(559) 426-8650
Monday-Sunday | 9am-9pm
Contact us!
This information is for general educational purposes and is not a substitute for medical advice from a qualified healthcare professional.