Cold and Flu Season Is Here: Piedmont Physician Shares Simple Steps to Prevent Seasonal Illnesses
Cartersville, Ga. (Oct. 6, 2026) – As colder weather arrives and respiratory illnesses become more common, Piedmont physicians are encouraging individuals and families to take steps to stay healthy throughout the fall and winter months.
Kyle Taylor, M.D., a primary care physician with Piedmont Primary Care at Cartersville, recommends focusing on prevention to reduce the risk of colds, flu, COVID-19 and other seasonal illnesses.
“Cold and flu season can affect anyone, and illnesses often spread more easily during the fall and winter,” said Dr. Taylor. “Taking simple preventive measures can reduce your risk of getting sick and help protect those around you.”
Good hygiene remains one of the most effective ways to prevent illness. Dr. Taylor recommends washing hands frequently with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, using hand sanitizer when necessary, and covering coughs and sneezes with a tissue or elbow.
Maintaining a healthy lifestyle can also help support the immune system. Eating a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables and whole grains, along with foods containing vitamin D and vitamin C, may help support overall health during the colder months. Regular physical activity is also important, with federal guidelines recommending at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise each week.
Staying hydrated and prioritizing sleep are equally essential. Adults should aim for at least seven hours of sleep each night and drink enough fluids to help their bodies function properly.
Vaccination remains a key component of respiratory illness prevention.
“The flu vaccine can prevent numerous strains of the virus, and it can also lessen the severity of illness for those who still become sick,” said Dr. Taylor. “It does a great job of keeping people out of the hospital and helps those with chronic conditions reduce the risk of serious complications.”
Because symptoms of cold, flu and COVID-19 often overlap, Dr. Taylor encourages individuals to take symptoms seriously and consult a healthcare provider when needed.
For patients with non-life-threatening illnesses, virtual visits can provide convenient access to care while reducing exposure to others.
“If you are sick with a cold, the flu or COVID-19, your best form of treatment includes staying home, taking care of yourself and staying in touch with your doctor,” Dr. Taylor said. “Meeting with a physician through a virtual visit keeps you safe and comfortable while also protecting others.”
Piedmont offers virtual visits through primary care physicians, Piedmont Urgent Care, Piedmont QuickCare and specialty practices, including same-day On-Demand virtual visits. For more information, visit piedmont.org or care.piedmont.org/virtual-care.
About Piedmont
Piedmont is empowering Georgians by changing health care. We continue to fuel Georgia’s growth through safe, cost-effective, high-quality care close to home through an integrated health care system that provides a hassle-free, unified experience. We are a private, not-for-profit organization that for centuries has sought to make a positive difference in every life we touch in the communities we serve. Across our 2,000 physical locations we care for more than 4.5 million patients and serve communities that comprise 85 percent of Georgia’s population. This includes 28 hospitals, 121 immediate care locations, 1,875 Piedmont Clinic physician practices and more than 3,900 Piedmont Clinic members. Our patients conveniently engage with Piedmont online, as they scheduled more than 657,000 online appointments and over 239,000 virtual visits. With more than 50,000 care givers we are the largest Georgia-based private employer of Georgians, who all came for the job, but stayed for the people. In 2024 and 2023, Piedmont has earned recognition from Newsweek as one of America’s Greatest Workplaces for Diversity and also as one of America's Greatest Workplaces for Women. In 2022, Forbes ranked Piedmont on its list of the Best Large Employers in the United States. Piedmont provided more than $844 million in community impact in Fiscal Year 2025.
For more information, or to book your next appointment, visit piedmont.org.
