As fall progresses, illnesses that are more common in cooler months become more prevalent.

 

Guthrie County Health Services Director Jotham Arber mentions that respiratory illnesses like the common cold, influenza and others become more common as people spend more time indoors together as they can spread more easily. He shares that those aren’t the only illnesses that can be on the rise at this time of year though.

 

“As we get into the colder season and we get into the family season of Thanksgiving, even trick or treating uh during Halloween, and we’re going to get to Christmas and all these wonderful things. A lot of times the viruses that we miss are those gastrointestinal viruses.”

 

Arber mentions that these viruses and sicknesses can come from foods that are undercooked, or aren’t stored properly at big gatherings. He adds that it is also important to remember to wash your hands for at least 20 seconds when preparing or serving food.