We’re entering the traditional peak time for colds and flu, but respiratory ailments go beyond those common conditions. Respiratory illnesses range from mild viral infections to more serious chronic diseases that can hit people of all ages. While you may feel your cold symptoms diminish within a few days, ongoing symptoms may need a check-in with your health care team.

What’s Affecting Your Breathing?

Respiratory illnesses affect the lungs and airways. Some of the most common are caused by viruses, including colds, influenza (flu), COVID-19 and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV). Symptoms often overlap and may include a runny or stuffy nose, sore throat, cough, fever, chills, fatigue and body aches.

Colds vs. RSV vs Flu. Most common colds get better on their own. Because colds are caused by viruses, antibiotics won’t help. Rest, fluids and appropriate over-the-counter remedies can help manage symptoms while your body recovers.

RSV can spread in much the same way as the cold virus and can also carry greater risks for infants and older adults, or anyone with certain risk factors such as underlying health conditions. Unchecked, it can lead to more serious illnesses such as bronchitis or pneumonia. Talk to your health care professional about whether an RSV vaccine makes sense for your household members.

While colds RSV, COVID-19, and the flu share many common symptoms, pay close attention if you or a family member start to feel worse instead of better. In particular, any signs of wheezing, labored breathing, a visible sinking in of the chest, or dehydration, mean it’s time to check in with your doctor. Body aches and fever are also common denominators with flu infections.

Pneumonia is an infection of the lungs that can be caused by viruses or bacteria, as well as less commonly by fungi or parasites. Symptoms can include cough, fever or chills, shortness of breath, fatigue, and chest pain when breathing or coughing. Older adults, young children and people with certain chronic conditions or weakened immune systems can be at greater risk.

COPD

Not every respiratory condition is an infection. Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, or (COPD), is a group of progressive lung diseases that include emphysema and chronic bronchitis. Symptoms can include frequent coughing or wheezing, excess mucus, difficulty taking a deep breath and shortness of breath during everyday activities. Smoking is the leading cause, but nonsmokers can develop COPD, too; secondhand smoke and environmental or workplace exposures are among other risk factors.

COPD can get worse over time without treatment and proper management. November is COPD Awareness Month, offering a reminder that if you think you or a loved one has COPD, get checked out! Managing symptoms can enhance your quality of life, and resources can help you be aware of and cope with conditions that often accompany COPD such as depression and anxiety.

Something’s in the Air

Unfortunately, even when viruses and bacteria aren’t the culprit, air quality can be. Wildfire smoke, smog, and other air pollutants can irritate your respiratory system. You may experience coughing, wheezing, and have difficulties breathing. Dangerous air quality can also potentially worsen existing conditions such as asthma and COPD.

Pay attention to local air-quality alerts, particularly if you have an existing heart or lung condition. On poor air-quality days, reducing strenuous outdoor activity and limiting exposure can help protect your lungs.

Your Health Care Team Can Help

Seek medical care if you experience:

• Trouble breathing (or rapid breathing)
• Ongoing fever (more than four days)
• Dehydration
• Pain or pressure in chest or abdomen
• Severe muscle pain or weakness
• Any symptoms lasting more than 10 days without improvement
• Worsening symptoms of an existing chronic condition

If you or any family member fall into a high-risk category, don’t wait: Contact your health care provider as soon as respiratory symptoms develop, since early treatment may be available for illnesses such as flu and COVID-19. For greater convenience, especially if you’re feeling too ill to leave your home, your Transocean UHC benefits allow for virtual visits. You can also seek guidance from an experienced nurse through UHC’s myNurseLine.

Finally, deploy your household prevention skills such as handwashing, improving your indoor air with an air purifier, staying home when ill, and following your doctor’s vaccination advice. Breathe deep and breathe easy as you go into the holiday season!