Coughing? Sneezing? Doctors report multiple viruses on the rise

DECATUR, Ill. (WAND) — As the cold weather settles in, so do those persistent coughs.

"It's not as much the cold air..." said Dr. Anna Richie, Clinical Director of Memorial Urgent Care. "It's because you're being contained and around other people. You're in closer proximity with other people. There's less natural air movement."

The winter months bring people closer together indoors, but also brings a wide range of highly contagious viruses. Doctors are seeing a rise in pneumonia, influenza, and rhinovirus cases.

"They can all present the same..." explained Richie, which is why many people might not know they have a virus. First symptoms that can appear are a fever and runny nose. "Testing helps us make the decision."

Richie also said that many people can overlook sore throats and sneezing, when it's those first couple of days that a person is most contagious.

"Cover that mouth, your nose, and try not to be around others even at the very beginnings of those viruses. That's the most important time to stay away from others."

Viruses can't be treated with antibiotics. Therefore, it's important to stay on top of vaccines, take extra vitamins, and catch up on sleep to keep your immune system strong.