The “Big 4″ Are Coming to Montana – Be Prepared Now

Without poking too much fun into taking care of our health, this is the season that we sort of start to take bets on when the first one is going to happen in your home.  Think of it like bingo on whether or not you are the first person to catch the dreaded first cold.

via GIPHY

You know they are coming.  The colds.  The flu.  Coming to take over your home for days on end and create a biohazard of Kleenex in and around your garbage can.  But you can help to keep the flu at bay with a few easy tips.

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The "Big 4" Are Coming to Montana - Be Prepared Now

While we still enjoy summer-like conditions in Montana, we know that it won't last and cooler, drier weather will be making an appearance along with all of the white stuff falling from the sky.  It will also bring in the big four respiratory viruses that love those conditions too.

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The nagging common cold, flu, Covid-19 and RSV are all possible during the fall and winter months.  Being able to tell them apart can help in getting you on the road to recovery a little quicker, and hopefully not spread it to the rest of your home.  Or co-workers at the office.

Common Symptoms and Suggestions for Staying Healthy This Year

(As always, you should check with your family physician/doctor for any medical advice, diagnosis or prescription for any type of health issue, even the common cold.)

To help identify which of the unlucky 4 you may have, there are some easy ways to tell them apart:

• Common Cold - mild, stuffy nose, scratchy throat, light cough and usually no fever
• Flu - fever, body aches, sore throat and coughing
• Covid - similar to the flue, but is usually accompanied by loss of taste/smell
• RSV - wheezing is much more common

You can help keep the bug at bay by not making some of the common mistakes when we're sick.

• Don't go to work sick
• Stay home to rest, hydrate and manage symptoms
• Avoid spreading at home by distancing from family, washing hand or even use a mask
• Don't return to work or common places until your fever-free for 24 hours

*Check our Gallery of 10 Places to Avoid and Prevent the Flu This Year Below👇*

Vaccines Available for 3 of the Big 4 - When to Get Each to Stay Healthy

If you opt for a vaccine to help with keeping healthy each year, there are several guidelines/recommendations for each of them.

• Flu - Yearly
• Covid - Twice a year fall/spring
• RSV - Once in a lifetime

For timing of those shots, it is best to get flu and Covid-19 shots in September and October.  RSV is recommended in the fall.  Vaccines usually take about 2 weeks to build up an immunity in your system.  To learn more, visit the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) here.