Winter brings a lot of positives, from watching sparkling snowflakes fall in Charlton Pollard Park to drinking warm cups of hot chocolate from the comfort of your couch. Unfortunately, for many people, it also increases the risk of getting sick.
You probably know that flu season starts in winter. The extra time indoors, coupled with a slew of holiday gatherings, increases your likelihood of catching or spreading the flu or a cold. A cold or flu can, in turn, lead to a few ENT issues.
How a Flu or Cold Causes ENT Issues
A flu or cold can inflame the throat, nasal passages and the Eustachian tubes connecting your middle ear to the back of the throat. When the tissues in your ears, nose and throat are inflamed, you’re more likely to develop lingering ENT conditions, including but not limited to:
- Ear infections
- Sinus infections
- Postnasal drip
- Chronic cough
You can’t prevent every cold or flu, but there are a few ways you can reduce your risk of developing them.
Minimizing Your Chance of Illness
You can protect your ENT health by lowering your risk of catching a cold or flu. Take the following precautions:
- Get your yearly flu vaccine
- Don’t share utensils, food or drinks
- Clean frequently touched surfaces like doorknobs, phones and countertops at least once a week, more if you have guests over
- Wash your hands with soap and water for at least twenty seconds often
- Avoid contact with sick individuals
What To Do if You Have a Cold or Flu
If you develop a cold or flu, the best way to protect your ENT health is to manage your symptoms from the start. A few ways to minimize inflammation include:
- Take cold or flu medication
- Use a humidifier to moisturize your sinuses and promote decongestion
- Drink plenty of fluids
- Irrigate your sinuses with a saline solution and Neti pot
- Use cough drops or warm tea with honey to minimize discomfort from coughing or postnasal drip
- Put warm and cold compresses on the affected ear if you develop an ear infection
If your ENT symptoms persist beyond a week after your cold or flu, please contact us at Southeast Texas Ear, Nose & Throat, LLP today. We’ll help you address the root cause and get back to feeling your best.
