Becoming a new parent can be overwhelming. Adding on the potential of a winter cold or virus only adds more stress. 

OSF HealthCare doctors share reassuring tips to help treat symptoms this winter season. 

You've probably heard of Bronchitis, an illness that impacts the larger lung airways. This winter, here's another illness with “Bronch” in the title to know, especially if you have young kids: Bronchiolitis. 

Awad Alyami, MD, a pediatrician with OSF HealthCare, shares warning signs to look out for.

“You need to see a doctor if your baby has trouble breathing at any time. Or if your baby is younger than three months and they have a fever. Or if they are older than three months and they have a fever for more than three days. Or if the child has signs of dehydration, like if they are making fewer wet diapers than normal," Dr. Alyami says. 

Treatment involves staying comfortable until symptoms resolve. In serious cases, you may need to go to the hospital and get help to breathe easier. 

But when your symptoms are milder, staying at home is what you need to do to help hospitals and clinics not be overrun. 

Zinc tablets within 24 hours of cold symptoms can inhibit a virus and Vick's VapoRub can help ease breathing and sleeping. Staying hydrated is key, especially for kids. 

Kimberly Walker, MD, a family medicine physician with OSF HealthCare, has tips for treating babies who can't always be given medicine. 

“The biggest thing is going to be nasal irrigation with saline and making sure their airways are clear of mucus," Dr. Walker says. "Really suctioning and getting those airways clear is very important for them."

Dr. Walker says celery can help numb the throat and provide relief for sore throats. She adds that using antihistamines alongside a decongestant like Afrin is helpful, but says Afrin can only be used for three days.

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Kids in the classroom and packed holiday gatherings are a cocktail for sesasonal colds and viruses, including respiratory syncytial virus, or RSV. 

Most symptoms are mild like a cold. You can have a fever, runny nose or cough. 

It can become more serious, though, if you have shortness of breath, a high fever, wheezing and a bluish tint to your skin. 

Dr. Kinnera Are, a pediatrician with OSF HealthCare, says proper hand hygiene and staying home if you don't feel weel are a good start to protecting your kids.

“Some of the things we can do to really increase our immunity is making sure these kids are sleeping well at night and making sure we’re eating healthy, nutritious food as well," Dr. Are says.

RSV is expected to be a problem throughout the winter. 

Hannah High, an advanced practice registered nurse with OSF HealthCare, says it's also important to follow the latest vaccine guidance.

“A lot of vaccines have been thrown at us the last couple years. People may be hesitant. But the RSV vaccine is a good one. I would recommend it," High adds. 

High says to talk to your primary care provider about the RSV vaccine to see if it's right for you. 

She adds, if you can, space out your vaccines this cold weather season.

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The holidays are here, and soon we'll prepare Thanksgiving meals for our loved ones featuring a major staple: turkey. 

Thawing a Thanksgiving turkey can take days. Ashley Simper, Manager of Dietetic Services with OSF HealthCare, recommends keeping the turkey in the freezer until ready to thaw, maintaining a temperature below 40 degrees Fahrenheit. 

To thaw, use 24 hours of thaw time per 4 to 5 pounds of turkey. For larger birds, move it from the freezer to the refrigerator the Friday before Thanksgiving. 

Another option; tightly wrap the turkey in a bag and submerge it in cold water. Change the water every 30 minutes until thawed. Make sure to allow 30 minutes of thaw time for every one pound of turkey and cook immediately after thawing. 

Lastly, if your microwave is large enough, you can use its thaw settings. 

To cook, preheat the oven to 325 degrees. Cover the turkey in foil for two hours so the bird doesn't burn. 

Then, safely remove the turkey and baste it with oil or butter. 

Increase the oven temp to 425 degrees and cook for another 45 minutes if your turkey is 8-10 pounds or more. 

Sara Umphfleet, a registered dietitian with OSF HealthCare, shares food safety tips. 

“You want to make sure before you're cooking it, and setting it up, that you're not washing the turkey. Turkey should never be washed due to cross-contamination," Umphfleet says. 

After baking, rest the turkey for 20 to 30 minutes. Check the internal temp with a thermometer, and make sure it's at least 165 degrees Fahrenheit.

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