Common Cold Cases Reach Highest Level in 3 Years: Could Flu Season Add to the Health Challenges?

LOS ANGELES (KABC) — Every time kids go back to school, the whole family gets sick. CDC data reveals we haven’t had this many cases of the common cold since we hit another high peak three years ago! As flu season begins, are we headed for a double whammy?

You know the signs of a common cold.

“When you can’t do anything because you have a headache or a runny nose,” described Erlinda Weaver of Glendale.

The latest government report shows common cold infections this month are at the highest level since 2022.

Roughly 31% of weekly tests are coming back positive for rhinovirus and enterovirus. Doctors say this signals a rough cold and flu season ahead.

“As a pediatric ICU physician and a pediatrician, I am bracing myself. I am worried about what’s going to happen in the winter months,” said Dr. Rishma Chand with Dignity Health Northridge Hospital.

She said a cough, sore throat, diarrhea and vomiting should be taken seriously. Her advice is to treat symptoms with rest, fluids and over-the-counter meds.

“You can give them anti-fever medicine, anti-pain medicine, such as Tylenol or acetaminophen,” said Chand.

See your doctor if symptoms last more than four or five days.

Chand said now more than ever, it’s important to get proper sleep, exercise and eat whole foods. Viruses spread through respiratory droplets or through contact, so wash your hands, cover your cough and stay home if you’re sick

“If there’s an opportunity to be vaccinated for flu or COVID, please get your vaccinations. This is for adults and for children,” she said.

Catching a cold may offer one advantage. A recent study found kids with a rhinovirus infection in the previous 30 days had a 50% reduced risk of getting COVID-19. And if they did get sick, they had less severe symptoms.

Researchers say having a cold triggers a stronger immune response in the airways. Still, doctors say that’s not an excuse to try to catch a cold.