By Cynthia Grau/WJEZ News

The weather is cooling down as we get into the fall season, and with that comes common cold weather illnesses.

Tina Barton, infection preventionist with OSF Saint James – John W. Albrecht Medical Center, said the top four illnesses include influenza, pneumonia, RSV and strep throat. Ways to do your best to avoid those illnesses are the same.

“Flu vaccine and pneumonia vaccines are at the top of the list. In settings where there’s a large amount of people, hand hygiene is a must there. Frequent hand washing is just one way to combat that from happening. Cover your cough. If you use a tissue, throw it away and wash your hands. Don’t share food. Don’t share personal items, because you always have to assume that other person is not performing personal hygiene. If you’re sick, stay at home. During peak season when you know the flu is in the community, stay away from those large crowds, because that’s probably the best place to come down with it,” Barton said.

For more information, visit osfhealthcare.org/saint-james.