Fall is Coming; and so are Flu, Arthritis and Other Autumn Illnesses

Who does not love the fall season? The trees change color and familiar places become more scenic. Autumn is just full of magnificent colors, making it the most beautiful season of all.

There also a lot of quintessential pastimes people can do during the fall season. Most of these activities involve being outdoors. After all, autumn is best enjoyed out in the beautiful open.

This time of the year, the warm days slowly transition to colder days. The temperature cools down considerably.

As seasons change, so do seasonal sicknesses. When fall kicks in, people can easily get flu, arthritis and other autumn illnesses.

However, these common diseases should not hinder you from experiencing the season’s magnificence. Basic knowledge about the common autumn illnesses and the ways to prevent them should be enough to keep these diseases at bay.

Here are some of the most common autumn illnesses that may come along with the changes in the season.

Seasonal Flu

Seasonal influenza (flu) virus can be detected the whole year round. It becomes more common during the fall and winter.

As autumn kicks in, seasonal flu also starts to peak. It is most prevalent between December and February and can last up to the month of May.

A person who has flu will manifest some or all of these symptoms:

• Fever or chills
• Headache
• Muscle or body soreness
• Runny nose
• Sore throat
• Fatigue
• Vomiting and diarrhea

The flu virus can be transmitted from person to person through direct contact with an infected person. It can be transmitted through coughing and sneezing. Contact with objects contaminated by the virus can also be a mode of transmission.

Raynaud’s Disease

Autumn signals the coming of the colder months. Towards winter, the temperatures will drop to even colder levels. The cold temperature causes Raynaud’s Disease.

Because the cold causes your blood vessels to constrict, blood supply to your skin is limited. In turn, affected areas of your body would feel numb. Parts of the body that are commonly affected are the fingers and toes.

This disease is not disabling, however, it can temporarily cause difficulty in moving affected areas.

Norovirus

The noroviruses are a highly contagious virus that can cause acute gastroenteritis. Someone who is infected with the norovirus may experience vomiting, diarrhea and stomach cramps.

People get the virus from contaminated food and drinks. The illness would last for about two to three days.

While there is no specific treatment for a norovirus infection and it usually resolves by itself, it is very important that infected individuals stay well hydrated.

Severe dehydration caused by excessive vomiting and diarrhea can be life threatening. It is always best to immediately see a doctor if this happens.

Common Colds

This is also an infectious disease caused by a virus. The upper airway is affected, primarily the nose. The common cold virus can be spread through sneezing and coughing.

Common colds usually last for 3 to 7 days. This illness is usually harmless, although it may not feel that way. Getting enough rest, staying well-hydrated and taking cold and cough medications will remedy this sickness.

Combat These Diseases, Take Preventive Measures

While these autumn illnesses are not life threatening, it can affect a person’s quality of life. Some of them may resolve after a few days with proper rest. However, some symptoms, when they continue to persist, should be addressed medically.

You can also try some common home remedies that have been proven effective and safe. However, if you are not familiar with what you are doing, never attempt to self-medicate. It may do you more harm than good.

Failure to seek medical help may lead to more serious conditions. A doctor is the best person to tell you what to do when you get any of these diseases.

However, a doctor’s visit and prescription may be expensive. This is why getting an affordable health insurance is a viable and practical means of protecting yourself from any unforeseen medical situations.

An HMO insurance plan, for example, can give you access to many doctors of different specialties within their network. Insurance companies that offer this plan also have an extensive network of hospitals.

Flu shots are very effective countermeasures against seasonal influenza. It can cost as much as $30 a shot. Some flu vaccines may cost you around $150. That’s  lot of money to pay upfront.

Many health insurance plans cover annual flu vaccinations as part of the policy. This means that you no longer have to shell out any cash to get your yearly flu shot.

If you are concerned about your children, some plans cover their medical needs as your dependents.

What this means is that you do not need to get a policy for each child you have. For as long as they meet the age requirements, they can be listed down as dependents.

Choose a Health Insurance Policy That Fit Your Needs

Many factors tell what kind of health insurance you should get – your age, your marital status, your lifestyle and even your finances.

There are many comprehensive policies out there to cover your healthcare needs. Other plans are even more specialized in their service packages. For instance, if you are a frequent flyer, some health insurance plans may cover malaria shots if you travel to places that have high malaria cases.

These are many options to choose from. insurancespecialists.com can help you find the perfect policy for you, your lifestyle and your budget.