5 Common Fall Illnesses

Every season has its trademark illnesses. As the weather gets cooler in the fall, it’s important to be aware of which seasonal illnesses might land you in an urgent care walk in clinic. Read on to learn about the five most common illnesses during the fall.

INFLUENZA

Year after year, the seasonal flu is one of the most common illnesses you can experience in the fall. This may be partly because people begin to spend more time indoors, helping the virus spread from person to person. Many people simply aren’t aware that instances of influenza start to ramp up in fall, leaving many of them unprepared.

There are many ways you can help prevent the flu, both naturally and through conventional medicine. It can be helpful to remember that after you’ve contracted the flu virus, it takes between one and four days to manifest the symptoms we associate with having the flu; worse yet, you’re actually the most contagious in these early days before the symptoms show up.

ASTHMA AND SEASONAL ALLERGIES

With pollen and other particulate matter flying rampant in the fall, many of this season’s common illnesses are simply allergic reactions. However, even if a runny nose or sore throat is caused by an allergy, it can lead into a cold, bronchitis, or another ailment.

People who suffer from asthma may find that their condition worsens during the fall, resulting in more frequent or more severe asthma attacks. It’s important for those with asthma and seasonal allergies to know that rainstorms can trigger heavy pollen releases in plants, so you might want to stay inside or wear a mask directly after a storm.

ARTHRITIS PAIN

The cooler fall temperatures can result in greater joint pain for those with arthritis. Excessive joint and bone pain might also be caused by the rapid rise and fall of atmospheric pressure, which occurs as a result of autumn’s shifting weather. As a side note, these shifting weather conditions can also trigger migraine headaches and sinus problems.

HEART DISEASE AND RAYNAUD SYNDROME

Raynaud Syndrome — associated with poor circulation, numbness, and swelling — is one of the most common illnesses patients experience in the fall. This may be because the cooler weather affects blood flow and can be difficult for the body to adapt to.

Additionally, people living with heart disease may experience pain or other difficulty related to their condition during the fall’s cool weather. At-risk patients and their family members should be on guard for any indicators that they should visit an urgent care center or emergency room.

SEASONAL AFFECTIVE DISORDER

Also known as SAD, this is a fairly common illness that occurs largely because of the shorter days and cooler weather brought on by the fall. In some cases, depression will lead to problems with eating and sleeping, making a person more susceptible to illness. Light therapy and aromatherapy are relatively inexpensive ways for people to minimize the effects of this disorder. Many cultures also use music as a natural “remedy” or deterrent for depressed feelings and mood swings during the colder, shorter days.

By being aware of these common fall illnesses you’ll be better prepared to deal with them when they show up this year. Remember to visit your urgent care center for non-life threatening conditions that need rapid treatment.