Illness and Elevated Levels of Fatigue – Safe to Drive, or Stay Home?

The flu, cold, and allergy season, along with any regular or intermittent use of over-the-counter or prescription medications, can potentially cause elevated levels of fatigue. 

The average adult gets two to three colds per year, with each lasting an average of seven days. Symptoms tend to peak within the first three days.

What you do in those first three days is paramount to keeping your symptoms and the length of your illness in control.

Early symptoms of a cold or flu can include:

  • A cloudy or heavy head
  • Heightened tiredness
  • Trouble thinking
  • A runny nose (that can lead to a sore throat)
  • Sneezing
  • Loss of taste or smell
  • A headache
  • Body aches
  • Chills without a fever

If these symptoms persist for three consecutive days without taking preventative measures, chances are your symptoms may worsen, leading to a more, prolonged or extensive illness.

These statements are not intended to diagnose, treat, prevent, or cure any illness in the absence of the guidance from your physician. Please refer to your physician for treatment. 

Know Your Warning Signs, and Act Early

The most common type of cold begins in the upper respiratory tract, or your nose and throat. A cloudy or heavy head can be caused (but not limited to) by congested sinuses and simultaneously, a runny nose can occur as a result of the congested sinuses attempting to drain. If there is a “bug” going around, the mucosa in the nose and upper respiratory tract react with inflammation, overly secreting mucus or sinus drainage as a defense mechanism to protect the tissues. While clear mucus drainage is generally not infected, yellow or green mucus is abnormal, and is usually a result of a bacterial or viral infection.

If left untreated, these symptoms could migrate and progress into a sore throat and further, into chest congestion, bronchitis, or pneumonia. Antihistamines are effective in stopping a runny nose, and should be considered a first important step to take when your symptoms haven’t subsided within the first three days, whereas decongestants are effective in draining congested sinuses. Antihistamines, even ones marked non-drowsy, have the potential to make you sleepy. Always consult with your physician as taking them during off-hours may avoid fatigue while driving. 

Washing your hands is the single best defense in keeping yourself healthy any time of the year! A lack of handwashing is the leading cause of passing infections from person to person, as well as any surface or item you touch. Have you browsed through a magazine in the waiting room of your doctor’s office? How many other potentially infected people have handled the same magazine? Everything your hands touch are always a potential contaminant!

  • Keep anti-bacterial wipes handy, and disinfect any shared surfaces you come in contact with
  • Avoid cold and damp environments, and dress appropriately for cold weather conditions
  • Don’t over exert yourself, and get more sleep
  • Avoid crowds, large gatherings, family, and grandchildren. 
  • Stay hydrated by drinking more fluids, namely water and sport drinks than contain electrolytes 
  • Avoid caffeine which can cause dehydration, worsening congestion and headache
  • Avoid heavy or processed carbohydrates that can elevate fatigue and slow recovery
  • Sneeze or cough into your elbow
  • Wear a mask if you need to go out in public
  • Wear a mask in cold outside air. Cold air can increase coughing or wheezing

When to Call Your Physician

If your early symptoms have not resolved after three days, now is the time to call your physician. Calling your physician at this stage can make a critical difference in how quickly your illness is resolved and how fast you recover.

Progressive symptoms can include:

  • Fever
  • Sweating or worsening chills
  • Frequent coughing or coughing with chest congestion
  • Sore throat
  • Nausea, vomiting

Do not wait to call your physician if you experience:

  • Chest pressure or pain
  • Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
  • Wheezing
  • Continual diarrhea
  • Lightheadedness or dizziness
  • A fever greater than 101° F, or if it fluctuates above 101° F several times a day

These statements are not intended to diagnose, treat, prevent, or cure any illness in the absence of the guidance from your physician. Please refer to your physician for treatment.  

Washing your hands is the single best defense in keeping yourself healthy any time of the year. A lack of handwashing is the leading cause of passing infections from person to person, as well as any surface or item you touch.