Common Fall Illnesses: What to Watch for This Season
Fall brings cooler temperatures, changing weather, school routines, and more time spent indoors. Unfortunately, it also brings an increase in many common illnesses.
From colds and sore throats to flu, COVID-19, and other respiratory infections, fall illnesses can affect both children and adults. Knowing what symptoms to watch for can help you determine when it may be time to seek medical care.
Why Do Illnesses Spread More Easily in the Fall?
As temperatures drop, people tend to spend more time indoors. Children return to classrooms, families resume busy schedules, and close contact can make it easier for respiratory viruses to spread.
Fall is also a common time for seasonal allergies, which can cause symptoms that look similar to an infection.
Because many conditions have overlapping symptoms, it isn't always possible to determine the cause based on symptoms alone.
Common Fall Illnesses
The Common Cold
The common cold is one of the most frequent illnesses during the fall. Symptoms may include:
- Runny or stuffy nose
- Sneezing
- Cough
- Sore throat
- Fatigue
- Mild body aches
Most colds improve with time, but symptoms that are severe, persistent, or worsening may warrant an evaluation.
Influenza
Influenza, commonly called the flu, can cause more significant symptoms than a typical cold.
Common flu symptoms can include:
- Fever
- Chills
- Cough
- Sore throat
- Muscle or body aches
- Headache
- Fatigue
Flu symptoms can develop relatively suddenly. Certain people may be at higher risk for complications, so prompt medical evaluation can be important when symptoms are concerning.
COVID-19
COVID-19 can also cause symptoms that resemble other respiratory illnesses.
Symptoms may include:
- Cough
- Sore throat
- Congestion
- Runny nose
- Fever
- Fatigue
- Headache
- Body aches
Because symptoms can overlap with the flu and common cold, testing may help determine whether COVID-19 is present.
Strep Throat
Strep throat is a bacterial infection that can cause a painful sore throat. It is particularly common among school-aged children.
Possible symptoms include:
- Sudden sore throat
- Pain when swallowing
- Fever
- Swollen lymph nodes
- Red or swollen tonsils
A healthcare provider may recommend a rapid strep test when symptoms suggest a possible bacterial infection.
Fall Allergies vs. a Cold: Key Differences
If you're experiencing symptoms that could be caused by flu, COVID-19, or strep throat, testing may help identify the cause.
At Family First Urgent Care, rapid flu, COVID-19, and strep testing is available at our urgent care locations. Testing decisions are based on your symptoms and clinical evaluation.
When Should You Visit Urgent Care?
You don't always need medical care for every cough or runny nose. However, an urgent care evaluation may be appropriate when symptoms are worsening, unusually severe, lasting longer than expected, or making it difficult to carry out normal activities.
Parents may also want to have their child evaluated when symptoms are significant or when they are unsure whether the child has a common viral illness or something requiring additional treatment.
Seek emergency medical care for serious symptoms such as severe difficulty breathing, severe chest pain, new confusion, or other symptoms that appear life-threatening.
Family First Urgent Care Is Open 7 Days a Week
Illness doesn't always happen during regular business hours. That's why Family First Urgent Care provides convenient walk-in medical care 7 days a week.
Our urgent care centers treat children and adults, and no appointment is required.
Whether you need evaluation for a sore throat, cough, fever, respiratory symptoms, or another common fall illness, our providers can assess your symptoms and determine whether testing or treatment may be appropriate.
Get Care for Fall Illnesses in New Jersey
When seasonal illnesses start circulating, having a convenient urgent care option can make getting evaluated easier.
Family First Urgent Care has 5 urgent care locations throughout New Jersey, providing convenient walk-in care for common illnesses and injuries.
If you or a family member develops symptoms this fall and you're unsure whether you need medical attention, Family First Urgent Care is here to help.
Frequently Asked Questions
What illnesses are common in the fall?
Common fall illnesses include colds, influenza, COVID-19, strep throat, and other respiratory infections. Seasonal allergies can also cause cold-like symptoms.
Does Family First Urgent Care offer rapid testing?
Yes. Family First Urgent Care offers rapid flu, COVID-19, and strep testing at its urgent care locations.
Can children visit Family First Urgent Care?
Yes. Family First Urgent Care provides urgent care services for patients of all ages.
Do I need an appointment for urgent care?
No. Walk-ins are welcome at Family First Urgent Care, and the centers are open 7 days a week.
When should I seek emergency care instead of urgent care?
Serious symptoms such as severe difficulty breathing, severe chest pain, or new confusion require emergency medical attention rather than routine urgent care.
Stay Healthy This Fall
Don't let fall allergies or seasonal illnesses keep you from enjoying the season. If you need an evaluation or rapid testing, visit a Family First Urgent Care location near you.