Respiratory Illnesses On The Move

By Latoya Silmon, The News On 6

TULSA, OK -- It's that time of year again when you start getting the sniffles, but you could have more than just a cold.  One Tulsa doctor says she's seeing more and more cases of respiratory illnesses.

The respiratory system's job is to deliver oxygen to you, but when problems arise you can become miserable.  People usually start coming down with respiratory problems around this time of year.  In fact, one doctor says she saw more than 10 patients suffering from symptoms in one day alone.

No one is immune.  Everyone from babies to adults can fall prey to respiratory problems.  Common symptoms are sore throat, cough, and nasal congestion. The illness can last anywhere from five to seven days.

Unlike the flu, there's no vaccine to protect you, so Dr. Donna Krutka says you have to be careful with the company you keep.

 "Basically, you want to keep yourself away from groups where there's everybody cough.  So, if you walk into a room where somebody is coughing walk out because very often times you may get it especially if you haven't had protective antibodies from it," said Dr. Donna Krutka.

And, she can't stress the importance of washing your hands enough.  Soap and water can go a long way toward keeping you healthy this fall.  A diet of fresh fruits and veggies is also recommended.

But, if you get sick anyway a trip to the doctor's office may be what you need.

Dr. Krutka says medicines can often get rid of the problem, but sometimes respiratory infections can be viral.  In that case, you have to let it runs its course.