Cold, Flu, or Pneumonia?

Posted on January 30, 2026 by Patrick Hercules

The winter season can be difficult to navigate when there is the risk of developing one of three respiratory illnesses, such as the common cold, flu, or pneumonia. All three of these illnesses share similar symptoms but are all different and range from mild to severe.

The common cold is the least serious of the three respiratory illnesses, as it presents milder symptoms. Common cold symptoms include:

Mild cough

Sore throat

Runny nose

Congestion

When a person is suffering from the common cold, they will usually feel run-down for a couple of days and are able to treat their symptoms with over-the-counter remedies such as cough syrup and cold medications.

Unlike a cold, the flu or influenza hits hard and fast, with more intense symptoms usually beginning more suddenly than a cold. Symptoms of the flu include:

A high, sudden fever

A stuffy nose

A dry cough

Headaches

Muscle aches

Extreme fatigue

Chills and sweats

Lack of appetite

A flu vaccine is available to help prevent an infection from the flu virus, as well as medications that can help reduce the severity of symptoms.

Pneumonia is typically caused by a bacterial or viral infection, with the illness and its symptoms being more severe than the cold or flu. Symptoms of pneumonia include:

Chest pains that increase when you cough

Coughing up blood or mucus

High fever

Difficulty breathing

Inability to breathe deeply

Chills

Extreme and weakening fatigue

Lack of appetite

Clammy skin and frequent sweating

Bacterial and viral pneumonia are treatable with antibiotics and antivirals, respectively. Pneumonia can be very serious and even life-threatening for the elderly, very young children, and those with chronic lung conditions. Vaccines for pneumonia are available for high-risk patients.

Preventing respiratory illnesses such as the common cold, flu, or pneumonia requires taking proactive steps to reduce the risk of developing and/or spreading these infections, including:

Washing your hands regularly

Avoiding contact with individuals who are sick with any of these respiratory illnesses

Getting your annual flu vaccination

Getting vaccinated with the pneumococcal and Hib vaccines if you are in an at-risk group

If you are experiencing any symptoms of a cold, flu, or pneumonia, you can schedule an appointment with a physician at Jamaica Hospital Medical Center’s Ambulatory Care Center. Please call (718) 206-7001.

All content of this newsletter is intended for general information purposes only and is not intended or implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Please consult a medical professional before adopting any of the suggestions on this page. You must never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking medical treatment based upon any content of this newsletter. PROMPTLY CONSULT YOUR PHYSICIAN OR CALL 911 IF YOU BELIEVE YOU HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY.

Does Nasal Irrigation Effectively Fight the Common Cold?

Posted on January 14, 2026 by Patrick Hercules

As the winter season progresses, so does cold season.

When we come down with a cold, we try different methods to relieve our cold symptoms.

However, using a simple saline or saltwater solution can help reduce the duration of these symptoms.

A pilot study conducted in 2019 found that flushing the nose with a 3% saline solution, which is higher than the standard 0.9% concentration, can reduce cold symptoms in approximately two days.

Additionally, researchers say that saline nasal drops may help reduce transmission rates of cold viruses.

In the same 2019 study, 93% of participants reported that the 3% saline solution made a difference in their symptoms, and 61% indicated that they would use it again during another cold.

Most people may catch a cold two or three times each year, as the cold virus spreads easily via contaminated droplets. Saline solution is an affordable, easy-to-use treatment that may help slow down the spread of the cold virus between family members.

Saline nasal drops may also help to clear up a runny nose. The solution may help reduce viral load, the amount of the virus in a person’s system, by flushing out the nasal passages.

Saline nasal drops help flush out mucous and inflammatory mediators, which are chemical messengers that play a crucial role in initiating and regulating the body’s inflammatory response. This can improve cold symptoms and give the immune system a better chance to fight the infection.

When you are looking to buy saline nasal drops or sprays, it is important to look for a saline percentage or the words “hypertonic” or “extra-strength” on the label. Many brands of saline solutions sell 3% hypertonic nasal spray, but it is important to read the labels carefully to confirm the product does not contain other added medications.

You can also make a saline solution at home with salt, baking soda, and water. It is important to only use distilled or boiled and cooled tap water when preparing the solution, as the quality of tap water varies, and there may be things such as bugs and germs present.

To make the saline solution, combine three tablespoons of salt and one teaspoon of baking soda. Avoid any salts that contain iodine, preservatives, or anti-caking agents because these can irritate your nose. Put one teaspoon of the salt-baking soda mixture into eight ounces of distilled or boiled water. Baking soda helps reduce irritation; however, you may still experience some irritation in the nose or throat after using the saline solution.

Although hypertonic nasal drops or sprays could be prepared correctly, they can still irritate the nose and throat. Some people may even experience a temporary burning sensation. Use the hypertonic saline solution as tolerated. It is important to talk to your healthcare provider about alternative cold remedies if the saline solution doesn’t work well for you and if your cold symptoms persist or get worse.

If you are suffering from common cold symptoms and would like to learn more about nasal irrigation, you can make an appointment with an ENT doctor at Jamaica Hospital Medical Center by calling 718-206-7110.

The Importance of Handwashing During Cold and Flu Season

Posted on December 10, 2025 by Patrick Hercules

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) found that only 31% of men and 65% of women wash their hands after using a public restroom.

Not washing our hands can lead to the spread of germs and increase the risk of getting illnesses that affect our health.

Personal hygiene begins and ends with our hands. Frequent handwashing is one of the simplest and most effective ways to stay healthy and reduce the spread of germs.

Germs can spread easily when we touch our faces, prepare food, or handle shared objects. You can pick up and pass along germs when you:

Touch your eyes, nose, or mouth with unwashed hands

Prepare or eat food with unwashed hands

Touch contaminated surfaces or objects

Blow your nose, cough, or sneeze into your hands and then touch others or shared items

Therefore, it is extremely important to keep you and your loved ones healthy by washing your hands often. There are several instances when it is important to wash your hands, including:

Before, during, and after preparing food

Before eating

Before and after caring for someone who’s sick

Before and after treating a wound

After using the bathroom

After changing diapers or cleaning a child who has used the bathroom

After blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing

After touching animals or handling pet food

After touching garbage

Some other facts that highlight the importance of handwashing include:

80% of spreadable diseases can be transferred by touch

Washing your hands a few times a day can reduce diarrhea rates by 40%

Touching your face with dirty hands can spread sicknesses such as pneumonia, the common cold, and the flu

Pneumonia is the number one cause of childhood death, and is preventable by regular handwashing

When you flush a toilet with the seat up, a bacteria-filled mist is spread over about 6 square meters, and worse, 90% of these bacteria cover the sinks in public bathrooms.

Most bacteria on our hands are under our fingernails, so it is important to scrub under them when washing our hands

Damp hands are 1,000 times more likely to spread bacteria than dry hands, yet only 20% of people dry their hands after washing them

Reusable cloth towels have millions of bacteria in their fibers. Using disposable paper towels is the cleanest way to dry our hands

Studies show that people who wash their hands have 24% fewer sick days because of respiratory illness, and 51% fewer sick days due to a sick stomach

It is important to wash your hands after being in public places where you may touch shared surfaces such as door handles, shopping carts, or checkout screens, and before touching your eyes, nose, or mouth.

Clean hands prevent infections and sickness, so it is important to learn the basics of hand hygiene. Here are five steps to wash your hands the right way:

Wet your hands with clean, warm, or cold running water, turn off the tap, and apply soap

Lather the backs of your hands, between your fingers, and under your nails

Scrub for at least 20 seconds. You can hum or sing the “Happy Birthday” song to time yourself

Rinse your hands well under clean, running water

Dry your hands with a clean towel or dry air

If soap and water aren’t available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol.

Making a habit of good hand hygiene is an easy, effective way to prevent infections and sickness.

If you are sick and would like to be seen by a physician, you can schedule an appointment at Jamaica Hospital Medical Center’s Ambulatory Care Center by calling (718) 206-7001.

How to Prepare for Cold and Flu Season

Posted on October 10, 2025 by Patrick Hercules

As we progress through the fall season and approach winter, it is essential to take proactive steps to protect yourself and your loved ones from seasonal illnesses.

Here are some steps you can take to prepare for the upcoming cold and flu season:

Getting vaccines, such as the flu shot, can help your body’s immune system recognize and defend against a variety of viruses before you get infected. They can also reduce the severity of symptoms if you do fall ill.
Avoiding and preventing the spread of illnesses by practicing good hygiene habits can help reduce your exposure to germs and viruses. Some good hygiene habits you can practice include:
- Washing your hands regularly, especially before eating and after using the restroom
- Covering your mouth when you cough or sneeze, even if it is just seasonal allergies
- Wiping down commonly used surfaces in your home, such as door handles, toilets, faucets, remotes, and other areas you and your loved ones may touch regularly
- Avoiding sharing personal products and utensils with others
- Wearing a mask to help reduce your exposure to respiratory illnesses
- Limiting time in shared spaces, when you can, to help stop germs from spreading around your home
Taking care of yourself by protecting your immune system. Some ways you can protect your immune system include:
- Getting a good night’s rest can help strengthen your body and immune system against illnesses
- Adding vitamin-dense fruits and vegetables to your meals can help you maintain your energy and ward off viral and bacterial infections.
- Staying hydrated, which can help loosen mucus and increase blood flow
- Staying physically active can help your body build resistance and resilience against infectious diseases
- Taking time to relax and manage stress is important to keep your immune system running at full capacity. Experiencing stress may affect self-care routines and lower the body’s resistance to infections

If you do start to feel under the weather, it is important to take quick action to protect your health and prevent the spread of illness to others. By following these simple steps, you can recover more comfortably and help keep you and your loved ones safe.

If you are experiencing any cold or flu symptoms, you can schedule an appointment with a doctor at Jamaica Hospital Medical Center’s Ambulatory Care Center. Please call (718) 206-7001.

Covid and Laryngitis

Posted on September 12, 2025 by Patrick Hercules

As new COVID-19 variants emerge, new symptoms of the virus are being reported. One of those symptoms is acute laryngitis. Laryngitis is the inflammation of your larynx, also known as your voice box, and/or vocal cords.

Laryngitis typically begins suddenly and worsens progressively over the first three days. The symptoms usually go away afterward. Symptoms of laryngitis include:

A hoarse voice
Losing your voice from time to time
A sore throat
A constant need to clear your throat
An irritating, persistent cough

The hoarseness you may experience with COVID-19 is similar to the hoarseness you would experience with the flu or any other upper respiratory illness. COVID-19-causing laryngitis is particularly concerning because the SARS-CoV-2 virus itself causes inflammation. That means that many of the secondary symptoms you will experience, such as coughing, can be quite violent and can irritate your voice box further.

There isn’t much you can do to prevent the development of laryngitis or other throat and vocal cord problems when you have COVID-19. However, there are many ways to treat the condition, including:

Staying hydrated
Using cough drops and other over-the-counter cough suppressants
Avoiding speaking
Avoiding smoking and drinking alcohol
Gargling with salt water
Keeping the air in your house moist by using a humidifier
Eating a healthy diet can help prevent acid reflux, which can worsen your condition

If you are experiencing symptoms of laryngitis, you can make an appointment with an ENT doctor at Jamaica Hospital Medical Center. Please call 718-206-7110.

Home Remedies for a Runny Nose

Posted on November 5, 2024 by Patrick Hercules

A runny nose is caused by excess mucus production in your nasal passages. This leads to watery secretions that drip from your nose and sometimes down the back of your throat.

A runny nose can occur with or without nasal congestion. Nasal congestion is caused by inflammation of the lining of your nasal passages. Many things can cause a temporary runny nose, including:

Viruses
Cold weather
Sinusitis
Certain foods and drinks
Exercise
Medications

Some causes of long-lasting or recurring runny noses include:

Allergies
Hormones
Nasal polyps

If you don’t have any other symptoms, there are several ways to manage a runny nose at home with self-care options, including:

Drinking plenty of fluids
Drinking hot teas
Using a humidifier
Doing a facial steam
Taking a hot shower
Rinsing your nose with a neti pot
Applying a warm compress
Using a saline nasal spray
Taking over-the-counter medication
Getting plenty of rest
Eating spicy food

Many things can cause a runny nose, and it often doesn’t require treatment. However, if you frequently get one, it may be good to seek a medical opinion since chronic rhinitis can make life uncomfortable and lead to infections. You can talk with a physician by scheduling an appointment at Jamaica Hospital Medical Center’s Ambulatory Care Center by calling (718) 206-7001.

Prepare for Cold and Flu Season With These Tips

Posted on September 27, 2023 by Jacob Lobosco

As the fall season begins, so does cold and flu season. There are a few essential steps you should take to prevent the spread of disease among your family and friends during this time. These include:

Getting Your Flu Vaccine: The flu vaccine is updated each year to keep up with new flu mutations and viral strains; it is the most simple, effective step you can take to protect against the flu. You can receive the flu vaccine from your doctor, local clinics, or at many major pharmacies.

Practicing Regular Hand Hygiene: Physical contact with other people, either directly (as with a handshake or hug) or indirectly (as when you hold a handrail on a bus or train), can be extremely difficult to avoid, but both of these methods of contact can spread germs that spread colds or the flu, particularly when those germs come into contact with your hands. You can keep your hands clean by washing them frequently with soap and water. If soap and water are not available, hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol can also help, but is less effective.

Maintaining Healthy Lifestyle Habits: Good nutrition, as well as the avoidance of substances such as tobacco or alcohol, can keep your immune system strong and better able to defend against disease. Regular exercise also boosts your immune system, in addition to providing numerous other benefits; however, if you’re sharing exercise equipment with other people, such as at a gym, make sure to sanitize both your hands and the equipment you’re using before and after usage.

You can receive the flu vaccine, as well as medical treatment for the flu, a cold, or other illnesses and conditions, from Jamaica Hospital Medical Center’s Ambulatory Care Center. To schedule an appointment, please call (718) 206-7001.

Winter Cold or Allergy?

Posted on February 14, 2018 by Joann Ariola

The winter months can be challenging to your health. The drop in temperatures often results in symptoms that could be either a winter cold or allergies.

While many of the symptoms of colds and allergies are similar, the causes of each are very different.

Colds are contagious and they are contracted when a person is exposed to an individual infected with a cold virus. Our body’s immune system will launch a counter attack against the virus. This response usually brings on the classic symptoms, such as a runny nose or cough.

An allergic reaction is caused by an overactive immune system that mistakes harmless things, such as mold or dust mites and attacks them. To combat what it thinks are germs, your body releases chemicals called histamines as a defense. The release of these histamines can cause a swelling of the nasal passages and result in coughing and sneezing. While many of the symptoms are similar, the easiest way to determine if you have a cold or are suffering from allergies is the duration of your condition. While most colds last from three to 14 days, allergies can last for months as long as the person is in contact with the allergen. Other differences are:

An allergic reaction will begin immediately after exposure to an allergen while cold symptoms usually take approximately three days to appear after exposure
A cold virus can sometimes cause fever and body aches while allergies never do
An allergic reaction can often result in itchy, watery eyes, which a cold rarely produces this type of reaction
Allergies are not contagious.

Once a determination between cold or allergy is made, the appropriate treatment can be applied.

There is no cure for a cold, but there are medications that can help alleviate the symptoms. Cough syrups, pain relievers, decongestant sprays, or multi-symptom cold relief medicines can all be used to help, but should only be taken after consulting your doctor, especially if you are taking other medications or if you have other underlying health conditions. Drinking plenty of liquids also speeds up the recovery process.

To treat allergies, your doctor may recommend an over-the-counter antihistamine to block the reaction to the allergens. There are many forms of antihistamines and some may cause drowsiness so be sure to look for the non-drowsy formula or only take them at night. Decongestants may also be suggested to relieve nasal congestion and avoid an infection.

If you are not sure if you have a cold or allergies, please speak with your doctor. If you do not have a doctor, Jamaica Hospital’s Ambulatory Care Center can help. To make an appointment, please call 718-206-7001.

True or False – We Lose Most of our Body Heat From Our Head?

Posted on December 1, 2017 by Michael Hinck

Now that the colder weather has arrived, we all are reminded to cover our heads to stay warm. One of the reasons we do this is because of the age-old theory that we lose approximately half of our body heat through our heads, but is this bit of advice really true?

The origin of this belief comes most likely from an old U.S. Army Field Manual from the 1950’s based on arctic survival research. The problem with the study is that while the research was performed on subjects wearing cold weather gear, they were not wearing hats. Naturally, in circumstances like this, body heat will escape from whatever area is exposed – in this case, the subjects uncovered heads.

Since our heads represents only 10% of our body’s total surface area, it would have to lose about 40 times as much heat per square inch as other parts of the body for this theory to be true.

Another factor in why this myth is thought to be true by many has to do with how our blood vessels are composed. We tend to feel colder in places where blood vessels are densely packed, like the head, and less where aren’t such as the legs.

Even though there is no factual basis to the concept of losing excess body heat through our heads, most will agree that if you want to stay warm this winter, you should cover your entire body to prevent heat from escaping…including your head.

How Does Sleep Affect Your Immune System?

Posted on November 17, 2016 by Zakiya Hazel-Jemmott

Lack of sleep can affect your immune system, but how? Studies show that people that don’t get quality sleep or enough hours of sleep are more likely to get sick after being exposed to a virus like the flu. The recovery time from a cold is also prolonged as a result of not getting enough sleep.

Sleep deprivation may decrease production of the amount of infection-fighting antibodies and cells that strengthen the immune system. Essentially our bodies need sleep to fight infectious diseases and recover faster from common cold viruses.

How much sleep do you need to bolster your immune system? The optimal amount of sleep for most adults is seven to eight hours of good sleep each night. Teenagers need nine to 10 hours of sleep. School-aged children may need 10 or more hours of sleep.

It’s very common to be told to get some rest when fighting off a cold or infection. Now we know why. As we move through cold and flu season, the key to staying healthy might just be getting a good night’s sleep.

However sleep does not always come easy to everyone. If you or someone you know is experiencing trouble with their sleep patterns, Jamaica Hospital Medical Center’s Sleep Center is available to treat you. This state-of-the-art Sleep Center is a 4-bed unit that features comfortable, homelike rooms with sound proof walls for total privacy. For more information please call, 718-206-5916.

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