Special Edition

This newsletter is brought to you in partnership with Novant Health.

Sniffles, sneezes, and solutions: Your guide to navigating cold + flu season

A woman holding a cup of tea and drinking

With the beginning of fall each year also comes the beginning of flu season. | GIF by the WStoday team

Achoo! If this is you during the colder months, it’s time to get prepared. As temperatures continue to drop, the inevitable cold and flu season is just around the corner.

The flu, common cold, and COVID-19 are all contagious respiratory illnesses with similar symptoms, but they’re caused by different viruses. Though each illness is unique, they all bring similar discomfort and inconvenience. That’s why we’ve consulted the experts at Novant Health for tips on managing (and potentially avoiding) these pesky illnesses.

🍊 Boost your immune system

There are many ways to prepare your immune system for fighting off illnesses, like:

Getting at least seven hours of sleep each night
Staying hydrated by drinking at least eight glasses (eight ounces each) of water a day
Engaging in regular aerobic exercise
Eating a diet rich in colorful fruits and vegetables, whole grains, and more

You can also talk to your doctor about vaccinations that can help keep you healthy this season.

A Novant Health physician with a young patient. — Your doctor can help get to the bottom of your symptoms and rule out any other condition you might be fighting.
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Photo provided by Novant Health

🏡 Stay home if you’re sick

You can stop sickness in its tracks by staying home. If you start to feel unwell, avoid going out to give yourself a chance to rest and prevent spreading the illness to others.

🩺 Contact your doctor

Really feeling under the weather? Reach out to your primary care physician for guidance. Novant Health patients can often book same-day or next-day visits to get the care they need, quickly.

💉 Get your flu shot

Did you know? Now is the perfect time to schedule your annual flu shot to save yourself from uncomfortable symptoms later, among other reasons.

Find a physician that's right for you

Asked

Where should you go to get care when you are sick?

A. Primary care doctor
B. Urgent care center
C. Emergency room
D. It depends

Find out

News Notes

Fact or Fiction

The common cold is not treatable with antibiotics because it’s caused by a virus. Fact or fiction? Find out.

Health

Did you know? The flu shot is effective for about six months, so getting vaccinated in October can help ensure you’re protected until flu season ends. Schedule your flu shot.

Wellness

You deserve a break. One way to do that: A simple staycation to recharge your mental health. We’ve rounded up some of the best + most unique local stays, from historic hideaways to retreats with a view.

Outdoors

It’s time to lace up those hiking boots. Check out 15 hiking trails around Winston-Salem, catered to all skill levels, to start planning your outdoor adventures this fall.

Active

Ready, set, sweat. If you’re looking to rev up your workout, bookmark this list of 20+ Winston-Salem gyms. From lifting weights to indoor rock climbing and personal training, there’s something for every fitness level.

Health

Imagine this: It’s 7 p.m., you’ve run a fever all day, and you feel awful. You’d like to be seen by a doctor, but it isn’t an emergency. Do you know where to go? Find the right place for the right care.

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