Winter Wellness in Houston: Staying Healthy During Cold and Flu Season

While Houston winters are milder than most of the country, the cooler months still bring unique health challenges for residents of Richmond, Sugar Land, Katy, and surrounding West Houston communities. From increased cold and flu activity to seasonal allergies that confuse many Texans, understanding how to protect your health during winter months helps you stay active and well throughout the season.

At Urgent Care Plus & Wellness in Richmond, founded by board-certified Emergency Medicine physician Dr. Luke Afuwape, we see a predictable surge in certain health concerns every winter. The good news is that many of these seasonal issues are preventable, and those that do develop are highly treatable when you know what to watch for and seek care promptly.

Why Winter Brings More Illness Even in Houston

Many people assume that cold weather itself causes illness, but the relationship between winter and increased sickness is more complex than simply stepping outside without a jacket. Understanding the real reasons winter increases health risks helps you take appropriate preventive measures.

Indoor Crowding and Reduced Ventilation:

During cooler months, people spend more time indoors in closer proximity to others. Schools, offices, shopping centers, and homes have windows closed and heating systems running, which means less fresh air circulation. This creates ideal conditions for respiratory viruses to spread from person to person through airborne droplets and contaminated surfaces.

When someone with the flu or a cold coughs or sneezes in an enclosed space, those viral particles linger in the air and settle on surfaces where they can survive for hours or even days. The more time you spend in these environments, the higher your exposure to circulating pathogens.

Lower Humidity Levels:

Winter air tends to be drier, both outdoors and inside heated buildings. Low humidity affects your respiratory system’s natural defense mechanisms. The mucous membranes in your nose and throat rely on adequate moisture to trap and eliminate pathogens before they can establish infections. When these tissues become dry and irritated, they’re less effective at their protective function, making you more susceptible to respiratory infections.

Dry air also allows viral particles to remain airborne longer and travel further distances, increasing transmission rates. Additionally, many viruses survive longer in low-humidity conditions, remaining infectious on surfaces for extended periods.

Reduced Vitamin D Production:

Even in Houston, winter means shorter days and less intense sunlight. Many people spend less time outdoors during cooler months, reducing their sun exposure and vitamin D production. Vitamin D plays crucial roles in immune function, and deficiency has been linked to increased susceptibility to respiratory infections.

Research suggests that the seasonal pattern of flu outbreaks may be partly related to reduced vitamin D levels across populations during winter months. While Houston residents have an advantage over northern climates, decreased outdoor activity during winter can still impact vitamin D status.

Holiday Stress and Disrupted Routines:

The winter holiday season brings joy but also significant stress for many families. Travel, financial pressures, family dynamics, disrupted sleep schedules, and dietary changes all impact immune function. Stress hormones like cortisol suppress immune response, making you more vulnerable to infections during this busy season.

Common Winter Health Issues in the Houston Area

Understanding the health problems that spike during Houston winters helps you recognize symptoms early and seek appropriate treatment before conditions worsen.

Influenza (The Flu):

Flu season typically peaks between December and February in Texas. Unlike the common cold, influenza causes sudden onset of severe symptoms including high fever (often 101°F or higher), body aches, fatigue, headache, dry cough, and sometimes nausea or vomiting. The flu can lead to serious complications, particularly in young children, older adults, pregnant women, and people with chronic health conditions.

At Urgent Care Plus & Wellness, Dr. Afuwape can perform rapid flu testing to confirm diagnosis and prescribe antiviral medications that reduce symptom severity and duration when started within 48 hours of symptom onset. We also provide flu vaccinations throughout the season to help protect you and your family.

Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV):

RSV causes respiratory infections that are particularly concerning in infants, young children, and older adults. While most healthy adults experience RSV as a mild cold, it can cause severe breathing problems in vulnerable populations. Symptoms include runny nose, decreased appetite, coughing, sneezing, fever, and wheezing.

Parents should watch for signs of respiratory distress in young children, including rapid breathing, flaring nostrils, or the skin pulling in around the ribs with each breath. Dr. Afuwape’s emergency medicine background makes him particularly skilled at assessing respiratory concerns and determining when supportive care at urgent care is sufficient versus when hospital evaluation is needed.

Strep Throat:

While strep throat occurs year-round, cases often increase during winter months when people spend more time in close contact indoors. Strep is a bacterial infection causing severe sore throat, painful swallowing, fever, swollen lymph nodes, and sometimes white patches on the tonsils. Unlike viral sore throats, strep requires antibiotic treatment to prevent potential complications like rheumatic fever.

We perform rapid strep testing at Urgent Care Plus & Wellness, providing results within minutes so you can start appropriate treatment immediately if positive. Prompt antibiotic therapy reduces symptoms quickly and prevents spreading the infection to family members, classmates, or coworkers.

Sinus Infections:

Texas winter weather can be unpredictable, with temperature swings and varying humidity levels that trigger sinus inflammation. What starts as a common cold can develop into bacterial sinusitis, causing facial pressure, thick colored nasal discharge, headache, and sometimes tooth pain or bad breath.

Many people suffer unnecessarily with sinus infections, assuming they’ll eventually resolve on their own. While some do, bacterial sinusitis often requires antibiotic treatment for complete resolution. Dr. Afuwape can distinguish between viral and bacterial sinus infections and provide appropriate treatment based on your symptoms and examination findings.

Winter Allergies:

Many Houston residents are surprised to experience allergy symptoms during winter months. While spring typically brings the most intense pollen seasons, mountain cedar pollen peaks from December through February in Texas, causing significant allergic symptoms. Additionally, spending more time indoors increases exposure to dust mites, pet dander, and mold—common indoor allergens.

Winter allergy symptoms include sneezing, runny or stuffy nose, itchy eyes, and postnasal drip. These symptoms can be confused with colds, but allergies don’t cause fever and symptoms persist as long as you’re exposed to the allergen. We can help identify whether you’re dealing with allergies or infection and provide appropriate treatment.

Norovirus and Stomach Bugs:

Winter is peak season for norovirus and other stomach viruses that cause vomiting, diarrhea, stomach cramps, and sometimes fever. These highly contagious viruses spread rapidly through families, schools, and workplaces. While most cases resolve within a few days, dehydration can become serious, particularly in children and older adults.

At Urgent Care Plus & Wellness, we can assess your hydration status, provide IV fluids if needed, and offer medications to help control nausea and vomiting. Our IV hydration therapy can dramatically speed recovery from stomach viruses by quickly restoring fluid and electrolyte balance.

Preventive Strategies for a Healthier Winter

While you can’t completely eliminate your risk of winter illnesses, several evidence-based strategies significantly reduce your chances of getting sick and help you recover faster if illness does strike.

Vaccination:

Getting your annual flu shot remains the single most effective way to prevent influenza and reduce severity if you do get sick. The flu vaccine is reformulated each year to match circulating strains and is safe for nearly everyone over six months of age. We offer flu vaccinations at Urgent Care Plus & Wellness throughout the season—no appointment necessary.

Consider other vaccinations as well. If you’re over 65 or have certain health conditions, pneumonia vaccines help prevent serious respiratory infections. The COVID-19 vaccine continues to be recommended, particularly for high-risk individuals. Dr. Afuwape can review your vaccination status and recommend appropriate immunizations based on your age and health status.

Hand Hygiene:

Frequent, thorough handwashing remains one of the most effective infection prevention strategies. Wash hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, particularly before eating, after using the restroom, after blowing your nose, and after being in public spaces. If soap and water aren’t available, use alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60 percent alcohol content.

Avoid touching your face, particularly your eyes, nose, and mouth, as these are entry points for viruses. This habit is harder to break than you might think—studies show people touch their faces an average of 23 times per hour—but conscious effort to reduce face touching decreases infection risk.

Adequate Sleep:

Sleep is crucial for immune function. During sleep, your body produces cytokines—proteins that help fight infection and inflammation. Chronic sleep deprivation reduces production of these protective cytokines and antibodies, making you more susceptible to illness and slower to recover when sick.

Most adults need seven to nine hours of quality sleep nightly. Prioritize consistent sleep schedules even during busy holiday periods. If you’re struggling with sleep issues, addressing them isn’t just about feeling rested—it’s a fundamental component of maintaining your health throughout winter.

Stress Management:

While completely eliminating holiday stress isn’t realistic, managing stress levels helps protect your immune function. Chronic stress elevates cortisol and other stress hormones that suppress immune response. Find stress-reduction techniques that work for you, whether that’s exercise, meditation, time in nature, or simply building in margin rather than overscheduling every moment.

Learning to say no to some commitments, maintaining reasonable expectations for holiday perfection, and prioritizing self-care aren’t selfish—they’re essential for staying healthy during demanding seasons.

Nutrition and Hydration:

Proper nutrition supports immune function throughout winter. Focus on whole foods rich in vitamins and minerals, particularly vitamin C, vitamin D, zinc, and antioxidants. Colorful fruits and vegetables, lean proteins, whole grains, and healthy fats provide the building blocks your immune system needs to function optimally.

Stay well-hydrated even when you’re not feeling thirsty. Many people drink less water during cooler months, but adequate hydration supports mucous membrane function and overall health. Aim for at least eight glasses of water daily, more if you’re active or spending time in heated indoor environments.

Regular Exercise:

Moderate exercise supports immune function and overall health. While you don’t need to become a fitness fanatic, regular physical activity—even just 30 minutes of brisk walking most days—reduces your risk of respiratory infections and helps you recover faster if you do get sick.

During Houston’s mild winters, take advantage of pleasant outdoor temperatures for walks, runs, or bike rides. The combination of exercise, fresh air, and sunlight provides multiple health benefits that indoor workouts can’t fully replicate.

When to Seek Medical Care for Winter Illness

Understanding when home care is sufficient versus when you need medical evaluation helps you recover faster and avoid complications from undertreated conditions.

Signs You Should Visit Urgent Care:

• Fever over 103°F or fever lasting more than three days: High or persistent fever may indicate bacterial infection requiring antibiotics
• Severe sore throat, especially with white patches: Could be strep throat or other bacterial infection needing treatment
• Thick, colored nasal discharge lasting more than 10 days: Suggests bacterial sinus infection
• Difficulty breathing or persistent chest tightness: Respiratory symptoms that impair breathing need medical evaluation
• Severe headache with neck stiffness: Could indicate more serious infection requiring immediate attention
• Dehydration symptoms: Inability to keep fluids down, decreased urination, dizziness, or extreme fatigue warrant medical care
• Flu symptoms in high-risk individuals: Young children, adults over 65, pregnant women, and people with chronic conditions should be evaluated promptly
• Symptoms that improve then suddenly worsen: This pattern can indicate secondary bacterial infection developing

Dr. Afuwape’s emergency medicine training means he’s expert at distinguishing between conditions that can be managed with supportive care versus those requiring medical intervention. Don’t hesitate to visit Urgent Care Plus & Wellness if you’re unsure whether your symptoms warrant treatment—we’d rather evaluate and reassure than have you suffer at home or develop complications from delayed care.

Boosting Your Immune System Through Wellness Services

Beyond treating acute illness, Urgent Care Plus & Wellness offers wellness services that support your immune function and overall health throughout winter and beyond.

IV Hydration Therapy:

Our IV hydration formulations can include high-dose vitamin C, zinc, B vitamins, and other immune-supporting nutrients. Many patients use immunity-boosting IV therapy monthly during winter as a preventive measure, finding that it reduces the frequency and severity of colds and flu. If you do get sick, IV therapy can help you recover faster by supporting your immune system and ensuring optimal hydration.

Vitamin D Testing and Supplementation:

Given vitamin D’s important role in immune function, testing your levels and supplementing if deficient can be valuable during winter months. We can check your vitamin D status and provide guidance on appropriate supplementation to maintain optimal levels throughout the season.

Comprehensive Health Optimization:

If you’re dealing with chronic health conditions, excess weight, hormonal imbalances, or other factors that may compromise your immune function, addressing these underlying issues helps protect you during cold and flu season. Our medical weight loss program, hormone optimization services, and comprehensive wellness care support your body’s natural defenses year-round.

Creating a Winter Wellness Plan for Your Family

Proactive planning helps keep your entire household healthier throughout the season. Consider these strategies for protecting your family’s health during Houston’s winter months.

Establish Prevention Routines:

Make handwashing a family habit, particularly for children. Keep hand sanitizer in cars, purses, and backpacks for times when soap and water aren’t available. Teach children proper cough and sneeze etiquette—covering with their elbow rather than their hands. These basic practices reduce illness transmission significantly.

Stock a Sick Day Kit:

Before illness strikes, stock your home with essentials: thermometer, pain relievers and fever reducers, throat lozenges, tissues, hand sanitizer, electrolyte drinks, and comfort foods that appeal when you’re under the weather. Having these items readily available means you don’t need to make pharmacy runs while feeling miserable.

Know Your Healthcare Resources:

Identify where you’ll seek care when illness strikes. Save the location and phone number for Urgent Care Plus & Wellness in your phone so you can easily find us when you or a family member needs treatment. Know our hours and services so you can quickly decide when we’re the appropriate resource versus when emergency care might be needed.

Plan for Sick Days:

Discuss with your employer or school how you’ll handle illness. Staying home when sick isn’t just good for your recovery—it’s essential for preventing spread to others. Having a plan in place reduces stress when illness occurs.

Special Considerations for Holiday Travel

Winter travel exposes you to increased infection risk through airports, airplanes, and time with extended family. Taking precautions helps you enjoy holidays without bringing home unwanted illness.

Air Travel Considerations:

Airplane cabins have low humidity that dries respiratory membranes and reduces their protective function. Stay well-hydrated during flights, use saline nasal spray to keep nasal passages moist, and consider wearing a mask in crowded terminals or on flights. Wipe down your immediate seating area with disinfectant wipes.

Managing Family Gatherings:

Large family gatherings mean exposure to many people who’ve been in different environments. If family members are visibly ill, it’s reasonable to maintain some distance or postpone close contact until they’ve recovered. Wash hands frequently during gatherings and after touching shared surfaces.

Post-Travel Immune Support:

Travel is stressful on your body even without illness exposure. Consider an immunity-boosting IV hydration treatment before or after significant travel to support your immune system during this vulnerable period. Many of our patients schedule these preventively around holiday travel and find they help maintain wellness through the busy season.

Start Your Healthiest Winter Season in Richmond

Winter doesn’t have to mean accepting that you’ll inevitably get sick multiple times. With appropriate preventive measures, prompt treatment when illness does occur, and support for your overall immune function, you can stay healthier throughout the cooler months and fully enjoy the holiday season with your family.

At Urgent Care Plus & Wellness, we’re here to support your winter wellness through vaccination, treatment of acute illnesses, immune-supporting IV therapy, and comprehensive medical care. Dr. Luke Afuwape and our experienced team provide expert evaluation when you’re not sure if your symptoms need treatment and effective care when illness strikes.

Don’t let winter illness keep you from the activities, celebrations, and quality time with loved ones that make this season special. With the right preventive strategies and access to quality medical care when needed, you can have your healthiest winter season yet.

Protect Your Health This Winter at Urgent Care Plus & Wellness

Visit us at 20711 Bellaire Blvd Suite B in Richmond, TX for flu shots, illness treatment, immune-boosting IV therapy, or any winter health concerns. Walk-ins are always welcome, or call (281) 762-2208 if you have questions about our services. Dr. Afuwape and our team are here to keep you and your family healthy throughout the winter season and beyond.