Navigating Winter Illnesses

As winter approaches, respiratory illnesses like the flu, COVID-19 and pneumonia often see a significant rise, impacting thousands of Delaware residents each year.  

In Sussex County alone, the 2024-2025 flu season recorded 3,282 total flu cases, with weekly new cases peaking at 1,479.  

Understanding when to seek care and how to protect yourself and your family during the colder months is essential to staying healthy and informed. 

Flu (Influenza) and COVID-19 

The flu is a respiratory infection that can lead to severe outcomes, particularly for young children under 2, adults over 65, and individuals who are pregnant, obese, or have weakened immune systems. In Delaware, the 2024-2025 flu season saw 13,022 total cases. 

High fever, persistent cough, sore throat, muscle aches and joint pain are all symptoms of the flu. In some cases, nausea, vomiting or diarrhea may occur, especially in children. 

You should seek medical attention if symptoms worsen or persist, particularly for high-risk groups. 

Many COVID-19 symptoms overlap with those of the flu. However, COVID-19 often includes distinct signs such as loss of taste or smell, persistent shortness of breath, and more severe symptoms like difficulty breathing, chest pain, or confusion. 

Staying up to date with vaccinations is crucial, especially for seniors and those with underlying conditions. 

In Delaware, COVID-19 vaccines remain widely accessible through a standing order issued by the Division of Public Health, allowing residents to receive vaccinations directly from pharmacists without a prescription. The Northeast Public Health Collaborative emphasize vaccination for high-risk groups, including seniors, immunocompromised individuals, and those in congregate settings, while the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends a single dose of the updated vaccine for children aged 2-18 in high-risk categories and vaccination for all children aged 6-23 months.  

Other Prevention Tips: 

• Wash your hands frequently and disinfect high-touch surfaces. 

• Wear a mask in crowded or high-risk settings if you’re not feeling your best. 

• Stay home if you’re feeling unwell. 

The Common Cold 

The common cold is a frequent visitor during the winter season, affecting the nose and throat. While it’s usually harmless, it can still leave you feeling drained. Adults in Delaware typically experience two to three colds a year, while young children may face even more frequent bouts. 

Symptoms include a runny nose, sore throat, sneezing and mild fatigue, and they usually resolve within a week. However, adults should seek medical attention if they have a fever higher than 101.3 degrees, symptoms lasting more than 10 days, shortness of breath or a worsening cough.  

For children, particularly newborns up to 12 weeks old, even a slight fever of 100.4 degrees requires immediate medical care. 

Prevention Tips: 

• Wash your hands often with warm soap and water. 

• Clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces. 

• Cover your cough or sneeze. 

• Avoid close contact with people who are sick. 

• Take care of yourself by eating well and getting plenty of rest. 

Bronchitis 

Bronchitis is another common concern during the winter months, particularly for those in Sussex County who are exposed to environmental irritants like pollen, smoke, or chemicals. 

Persistent cough, chest discomfort, fatigue, wheezing and shortness of breath are common symptoms of bronchitis.  

The cough may produce mucus that is clear, white, yellowish or even green. Other symptoms can include a mild fever, chills, a sore throat and body aches.  

While acute bronchitis often improves within a week, a lingering cough can last for weeks. Seek medical attention if you have a fever higher than 100.4 degrees, blood in your mucus, severe shortness of breath or if your symptoms worsen or fail to improve. 

Smokers and individuals with underlying health conditions are at a higher risk of complications, making early intervention key. 

Prevention Tips: 

• Get an annual flu shot. 

• Wash hands often with warm soap and water. 

• Avoid close contact with people who have a viral infection. 

• Avoid cigarette smoke and other lung irritants. 

At Bayhealth Total Care’s Emergency and Urgent Care Center is here to provide comprehensive care for all your winter health concerns. Whether it’s a lingering cough, a high fever or severe symptoms, our team is equipped to handle both emergency and urgent care needs.  

Every patient at our ER and urgent care walk-in clinic in Milton is seen by an ER-trained physician at every visit, regardless of the level of care they need. Our approach makes care more affordable by avoiding the higher cost of the emergency room if patients only require urgent care services. Our ER and urgent care clinic is open 24/7. 

Bayhealth Total Care’s Emergency and Urgent Care Center is located at 18383 Hudson Road, Milton, DE 19968.