“If alone Christmas Eve or Christmas there are six simple ways to spend Christmas solo—including a few tried-and-true ideas from Oprah Daily Insiders—all of which will bring joy to your world.

1. Losing yourself in a story (whether it’s a Christmas tale, a spiritual read, or a gripping thriller), can help you escape into an entirely different reality. Stock up before the big day by heading to your favorite local bookstore or library. Try out a buzzy bestseller, indulge in a juicy romance novel, or make your way through some of Oprah’s Book Club picks.
2. Giving back to the community-Levera Sutton, an Oprah Daily Insider, says, “I have a BLAST by myself! I volunteer at a local church or senior center as a food server. I have such a ball, I stay for about eight hours. I’m so tired when I’m done—I take a plate to go and pass out at home.” Check your local food banks and soup kitchens for opportunities.
3. Enjoying the holidays is partially about reliving memories, even if you can’t be with the people you made them with, explains Jeremy Nobel, MD, founder and president of the Foundation for Art and Healing. He recommends compiling old holiday photos into a collage (Shutterfly is a digital solution—or whip out those scissors) or journaling about your memories. Another strategy is going for a walk and taking new pictures that bring back the feelings of those cherished moments. Sharing those pieces of art with friends and family—even when they are not physically present—can allow you to feel connected, says Nobel.
4. Oprah Daily Insider Stephanie Sarazin says, “A holiday spent solo might be hard, but it doesn’t have to be horrible. I learned this the first holiday season after my marriage ended. Adopting a custody schedule was hard, but knowing my three children wouldn’t be with me was harder. That first year, I rejected kind offers of inclusion and wallowed. And I’m glad I did–I honored myself and my grief. Since then, when my children aren’t with me, I accept invitations from friends and family and have created some nice new traditions. But I don’t regret that first, hard holiday when the world felt upside down and I chose to go through it solo.

5. “In the same way we think of caring for and treating our loved ones for the holidays, bring that same thoughtfulness and intentionality to yourself this Christmas,” says Leslie Nwoke, a physician and speaker.

   “If you’d normally make a big deal arranging dinner with friends, use that same energy to plan your brunch or dinner that day,” says Nwoke. Prepare yourself something comforting or decadent, like a childhood favorite.”

Opray Daily (Oprahdaily.com/…590722/alone-on-christmas)

1 – Let’s start with the obvious. Dive into a book.

Picking up a book (whether it’s a Christmas story, one of the seven reads that help Oprah through tough times, or a gripping thriller), can help you escape into an entirely different reality, and one that you don’t usually have time to explore. Didn’t plan ahead? Download a reading app (psst, Harlequin relaunched a great one for steamy reads) and try out a buzzy best-seller, indulge in a juicy romance novel, or make your way through some of Oprah’s Book Club picks. (We also hear these podcasts have some pretty good suggestions, too.)

2 – Be your own version of jolly old Saint Nicholas.

Spread some cheer this holiday season—with a few small acts of kindness. Whether you have a few bucks or a hundred-dollar bill, consider giving to one these hardworking organizations:

• First Book is a nonprofit that provides new books and learning materials to children in need, while Reach Out and Read works with a network of nurses and doctors to distribute books to children living in low-income homes at their regular checkups.
• Achilles International has paired over 150,000 disabled athletes with able-bodied athletes to help them be more active and participate in mainstream sports.
• Feeding America is the nation’s largest domestic hunger-relief organization, which is comprised of more than 200 food banks around the country and feeds more than 46 million people each year.
• Toys for Tots, a program run by the United States Marine Corps, distributes holiday toys to children whose parents cannot afford to buy them.
• Covenant House is an organization that provides housing and resources to homeless youth in 30 cities across the United States.
• The USPS’s annual Operation Santa program, which is going digital for the first time, allows people to fulfill wish lists from kids in need that are addressed to Santa.

On a tight budget? Try volunteering instead. While many in-person volunteer opportunities are out of the question due to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic, there are plenty of virtual volunteer opportunities: Volunteers for Hire Heroes USA help veterans and military spouses excel in their careers by conducting mock interviews and offering general career advice; Tarjimly is a nonprofit with a free app that connects refugees, immigrants, and asylum seekers with multilingual volunteers via video chat; Be My Eyes is a free app that connects visually impaired people who need assistance with everyday tasks (think: reading an expiration date) with sighted volunteers through live video chat; and StoriiTime is a free service that connects children with seniors for a virtual story hour.

“Sharing stories will help you realize you aren’t alone and there is always someone we can find connection with. It just might be in the least expected ways,” says Eryn Eddy Erickson, a speaker specializing in topics of self-care and creativity. Hey, you never know…the gift of your company may be that person’s Christmas miracle.

3 – Binge all those shows you’ve had no time for.

Haven’t caught up on The Bachelorette? Not enough vacation days to watch Emma Corrin in The Crown or escape to Schitt’s Creek? Surround yourselves with friends, even if they are on your television. There’s a definite comfort in allowing yourself to just put on some fuzzy socks and commit to not changing out of your flannel pajamas all day.

4 – Sweat a little.

While your gym might not be open and it could be too cold for a run, consider starting your morning by streaming a workout video or yoga class. After all, as you’ve heard before, exercise increases endorphins, which will help you start your day with your mood already elevated.

5 – Visit a nearby church, if that’s your thing.

“Instead of being cooped up in your home watching reruns of others enjoying the holiday, why not take a trip to a local church,” suggests Ireland. “Spiritual moments have a way of taking your mind off of your needs and centering you on your many blessings,” he says. (Due to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic, many churches have shifted to virtual services and events, so be sure to check with your local church to see what they’re offering on Christmas Day.)

6 – Reminisce or create new memories.

Enjoying the holidays is partially about reliving memories, even if you can’t be with the people you made them with, explains Dr. Jeremy Nobel, founder and president of the Foundation for Art and Healing, whose signature initiative is the UnLonely Project, which addresses the health challenges of loneliness and social isolation.

Nobel recommends compiling old holiday photos into a collage (you can do so digitally on sites like Shutterfly, or whip out those scissors). Or, try writing in your journal about your memories. Another strategy is going for a walk and taking new pictures that bring back the feelings of those cherished moments, like that of a local park where sledding happened. Sharing those pieces of art with friends and family–even when they are not present physically–can allow you all to feel connected, says Nobel, who is also a professor at Harvard Medical School and Harvard School of Public Health.

“If you’re spending Christmas alone, it can be tempting to pull the covers over your head, isolate, or even go on a bender, but maybe it’s better to consider making a memory that gives you joy in the midst of what may be a painful day,” says Ashley Abercrombie, author of Rise of the Truth Teller.

7 – Soak in some self-care.

According to Pinterest, the platform has recorded a 44% increase in searches for meditation, a 60% increase in searches for gratitude, and a 42% increase in searches for positivity just in 2020–meaning that while you might be physically alone, there are tons of people who also need some self-care this holiday season. To turn your home into a spa, treat yourself to an at-home facial and whip up a bunch of DIY treatments, like a sugar lip scrub, a hydrating face mask, and a repairing hair mask. (More of a DIY disaster than master? Check out our list of the best pampering gifts and the best self-care subscription boxes.)

8 – Listen to a joyful playlist, without the carols.

Have you heard? Music is a scientifically-proven way to boost your mood, thanks to the release of neurotransmitters like dopamine (which regulates pleasure) and serotonins (which contributes to wellbeing and happiness). So, try creating your own soundtrack “for a festive me-day” or rock out to this happy songs playlist. (Pro tip: Try Stack your songs days in advance so when the morning comes all you have to do is press “play.”)

9 – Try a well-being activity   

Despite the twinkling lights and endless eggnog, holiday cheer isn’t always guaranteed—which is why you might want to have some mood-boosting activities on hand. Maybe that’s knitting a cozy blanket, working on a challenging jigsaw puzzle, or coloring, which is a known stress buster. (These are some of our favorite coloring books for adults.) You could also look on the Pinterest app, which offers a variety of emotional well-being activities. Simply search for #pinterestwellbeing to jump into exercises for feeling gratitude and self-compassion, along with other interactive practices that could help you lift your spirits.

10 – Change your mental narrative.

“Loneliness is a liar. Acknowledging that you are alone for the holidays in no way indicates that no one cares about you or that you will forever be alone,” says Erickson.“There are people in this world that want your time and attention,” she says. Erickson suggests those alone on Christmas combat negative self-created narratives with truth and opportunity. Here’s the truth: You’re alone on Christmas and that’s okay.

Next, give some thought to the choices or situations which led to spending the holidays alone. “If it’s a decision that you understand or agree with, you can find comfort in the reasoning behind it,” says Nwoke.

“If it’s a situation or decision you’re not happy with, reflect on this and how you’d like to approach it differently. Either way, you have the power to choose how you want things to be moving forward.”

11 – Play an online game.

Using technology to connect with others can give us the illusion we are with someone else psychologically, even if we are physically apart, says Donghee Yvette Wohn, New Jersey Institute of Technology (NJIT) assistant professor of information systems. This feeling can be generated without even looking at the other person, like playing an online game with someone else. Think: Animal Crossing, Mario Kart, or even something simple, like Words with Friends.

12 –  Could always help at as a Volunteer to help out organizations in your community.  Help feed the homeless on the holiday as a example, get involved and occupy your time.  Before you know it you will enjoy what your doing or the time is up to go home and you will feel better inside that you used your time selfishly and wisely.  If you decided to stay home and rest the day than there is nothing wrong with that either.  Just enjoy your day alone or not; its is based on your preference.

No matter what you do, volunteering is a selfless act that will help transform the lives of many people over the holiday season. If you’re in the US, you can search for volunteering opportunities on the Corporation for National and Community Service’s website, and in the UK you can search on sites like Do-It.org

The holidays can be tough. For every Brady Bunch-type family who began making elaborate plans exactly five months ago as Coronavirus pandemic restrictions eased, there’s many more who find the whole thing extremely overwhelming.

If you’ve just suffered a loss, for example, or if you’re unable to be around family – being alone for Christmas can be a pretty tough time. Others might have work obligations, family disputes or simply a lack of funds to hop on a flight home.

If this sounds like you, the most important thing to remember is that you should be patient and gentle with yourself. If you’re feeling low or not in the mood to celebrate, that’s absolutely fine. Just because it’s Christmas, doesn’t mean everything in your life has to be wrapped up in a tightly knotted bow and sparkling under candlelight.

And most importantly, have a happy, healthy festive holiday!

“Dr. Debar, a general practitioner and stress management expert at Mayo Clinic Healthcare in London, recommends considering the environment you will be in and how you are feeling physically and mentally heading into a particular gathering.

Physically, do you feel rested? Are you getting the vitamins and minerals you need or should you top up by making a special effort to eat well? Have you taken preventive measures such as the flu vaccine?

“It’s also important to practice proper hand washing, wear a mask if appropriate, and be conscious of what you’re potentially exposing yourself to,” Dr. Debar says. “Ensure healthy lifestyle factors are in place as best as they can be, given this time of year, but also have some self-compassion. It is a busy time. We are juggling a lot of dynamics. It’s important to have some internal kindness for ourselves as well.”

Often, party food is communal: buffets with shared utensils and appetizer trays that people are reaching onto, for example. How can people protect themselves from norovirus and other illnesses spread through food and physical contact with germy surfaces?

Poor hand hygiene, undercooked food and food left out too long are among the causes of foodborne illnesses. This is another area where a mindful approach can help you stay healthy, Dr. Debar says.

“This is where it’s important to be conscious of the decisions we are making and questioning, `Do I really want to go to the party? Do I have to go?’” she explains. “If something feels dodgy, be in touch with your intuition. If you’re going to eat at the buffet, think about your choices. When you bring awareness to it, then you might decide you’re not even hungry or you actually don’t even want to be there. If you do go, make sure you’re washing your hands.”

The party season is a time when people may indulge in sweet treats, fatty foods and alcoholic beverages. How can people avoid overdoing it?

“I would sit down and think through the consequences of overdoing it and the actual cost to you,” Dr. Debar says. “For example, do you know that if you drink too much, the next day you’re sluggish, you don’t sleep well, you’ll get into arguments, you won’t be functioning well. Then, consider the upshot: The pleasure or benefits of that drink may not be what they seem. It’s useful to do that exercise and start consciously choosing when you are going to drink and when you are not going to drink.”

If you are going to drink, stay hydrated with water, avoid drinking on an empty stomach, and be aware of what you’re drinking and how it might affect you, Dr. Debar says.

“When you know what your individual reactions to drinks or late nights or overindulgences are, then you can make sure that you rest the next day and put other strategies in place to help your health,” Dr. Debar adds. “And try not to overcommit the next day as well; often it’s when people have subsequent parties that it’s a problem.”

With food, try to avoid sugar highs, because that’s when cravings can start, she advises.

“If you can start your day right with adequate protein, good fats and avoiding a massive sugar spike, then you’re not playing catch-up or at the mercy of sugar spikes. Maximize fruit, vegetables, protein and good fats and then the rest can be treats,” Dr. Debar says.

For some people, social situations can cause anxiety. What steps can people take to calm themselves and enjoy the moment?

“This will really depend on the individual. Interactions are good for us. It’s also a very good opportunity for people to step out of their comfort zone, but it can be dose-dependent,” Dr. Debar says. “If you’re an introvert, know your limits: How many events are you comfortable doing?”

Tell yourself that you only need to speak to one person, and promise yourself that you can leave early if you are not having fun, she advises. Relaxation methods such as breathing and visualization techniques can help ease anxiety, Dr. Debar says.

“Also, break it down into little manageable steps. For example, you’re only going to a party for five minutes tonight,” Dr. Debar says. “Then if it goes well, it increases your confidence, and then you’re going to go for 10 minutes, and so on. Also, see if you can go with a friend. It’s important to expose yourself to social situations because connection is really good for us and connection with like-minded people is actually a buffer of stress.”

Holding a party can also prove stressful. How can party planners power through it?

Mindfulness can also help here. That includes managing your expectations, considering what others might do that tends to set off negative emotions in you, and having a strategy that helps you, Dr. Debar says.

“You’re often managing lots of other people’s beliefs and expectations and emotions and feelings. It can help to have a mantra that you can only do your best,” she explains. “You’re not responsible for whether someone has a good time. You can only do what you can do.”

Dr. Debar also recommends breaking the party project into manageable chunks, delegating where you can, and approaching tasks with a spirit of fun and playfulness.

“Energy is infectious,” she says. “If I am happy and joyful, then that will have a knock-on effect to others, because we communicate via our nervous system and our body language.”

MAYO CLINIC (Health tips and lookouts to help you power through the holiday season – Mayo Clinic News Network)

Food is as much a part of holiday gatherings as football, decorations and caroling. This holiday season, keep food safety in mind every step of the way, including proper planning, safe shopping, working in the kitchen and wrapping up leftovers.

Regarding the people being the host and hostess cooking the meal for the holiday remember this:

Christmas grocery shopping

For fresh turkey, you need to cook it no later than two days after buying. If you are buying it in person, bring the turkey home as quickly as possible in a separate cool bag. Store your turkey in the bottom of the fridge away from other cooked foods and fresh produce to avoid cross contamination.

What size turkey?

In buying, storing and defrosting your turkey, here is helpful advice for dealing with birds of all sizes in the run up to Christmas. If defrosting, it is important to allow at least 24 hours for every 4/5 lbs (2/2½ kg) of weight. If in doubt, check out turkey defrosting time and tbe calculations listed on the directions of the turkey.

No Matter Vegan food or Meat food, to keep everyone safe follow these steps:

1. When you have cooked food and you are not going to eat it straight away or if there are leftovers after serving, place on a clean plate, cover and refrigerate within 2 hours.
2. Throw away any high-risk food that has been standing at room temperature for more than 2 hours and throw away all food scraps.
3. Remember to use clean dishes and utensils for cooked food to prevent cross-contamination.
4. Dividing food into smaller portions and putting it in a shallow dish can help to make it cool more quickly.
5. When you are cooling a turkey or other large bird, removing the legs will help it cool more quickly. It is important that leftover cooked rice is quickly cooled and then refrigerated.
6. Remember not put food in the fridge when it is still hot, because it could raise the temperature of the fridge and allow other foods to get too warm.
7. Never reheat leftovers more than once.
8. Leftovers stored in the fridge should be eaten within three days.

Proper Planning

Make sure your kitchen is equipped with what you need for safe food handling, including two cutting boards (one for raw meats and seafood and the other for produce and ready-to-eat foods), a food thermometer, shallow containers for storage, paper towels and soap. Store foods in the refrigerator at 40°F or below or in the freezer at 0°F or below. Check the temperature of both the refrigerator and freezer with an appliance thermometer.

Safe Shopping

It’s important to keep food safety in mind as you shop. Keep raw meat, poultry and seafood separate from ready-to-eat foods like fruit, vegetables and bread. Embrace fruits and vegetables that are oddly shaped but don’t purchase bruised or damaged produce, or canned goods that are dented, leaking, bulging or rusted, as these may become a breeding ground for harmful bacteria.

Choose cold foods last and bring foods directly home from the grocery store. Always refrigerate perishable foods, such as raw meat or poultry, right away.

Working in the Kitchen

In a holiday kitchen filled with family and friends, all hands may be on deck, but are those hands clean? Make sure everyone washes their hands thoroughly with clean, running water and soap for 20 seconds before and after handling food.

And when baking delicious holiday treats, remember that no one should eat raw cookie dough or brownie batter.

From the pollens and molds released from the tree, to the plants and flowers given as gifts, we can bring lots of potential allergens into the house at this time of year. It’s a good idea, then, to keep some antihistamines on hand over Christmas and, if it’s been prescribed for emergencies, an epipen, in case you develop allergy symptoms.

Many people like to use scented candles and reed diffusers during the holiday season to fill our homes with festive fragrances like cinnamon, ginger and allspice. While they might give a nice effect, home fragrances can contain volatile organic compounds that can be harmful to health. Be particularly careful if you have pets or anyone with respiratory issues, such as asthma or COPD visits—being near a scented product can make some people ill.

One of the most common causes of allergic reactions, though, is the bowl of nuts that everyone seems to have at Christmas, not to mention the nuts found in so many festive foods such as mince pies, Christmas pudding and stuffing. Keep some nut free alternatives in the cupboard too.

Most of us will have our fair share of overindulgence over the holidays. It’s estimated that the average person will consume nearly 6,000 calories on Christmas day, three times the recommended daily amount. Associated weight gain and raised blood cholesterol, can increase the risk of heart attack and stroke. Try to keep the high calorie indulgence to one or two days only.

Christmas excess may also include increased consumption of spicy and fatty food and drinks which can irritate the gut and trigger indigestion.

You can try over-the-counter antacids to help combat the symptoms of indigestion, but seek medical advice for any severe symptoms or those which persist beyond the Christmas period.

A Swedish research group suggested that higher stress levels during the holidays could increase the risk of heart attacks. Given the financial pressure, inevitable family dramas and dietary overindulgence, the increased strain on our bodies is perhaps not surprising. But, it’s not yet clear whether there’s a spike in heart attacks at Christmas. Be on the safe side and consider taking time out to relax to help combat rising stress levels. Never ignore the associated symptoms, such as chest pain, either.

There is always food poisoning around Christmas.  There is the under-cooked turkeys to over-filled fridges and unwashed hands delving into shared snack bowls, there’s no shortage of food hygiene risks at Christmas. If you do fall foul of food poisoning over the festive period, then you’ll know about it. Symptoms include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, stomach cramps and high temperature. It’s crucial to avoid dehydration, so make sure you have lots of fluids and again, seek medical advice if symptoms are present.

Then there is choking, from inhaled nibbles to bits of plastic from presents and crackers, Christmas is actually full of choking hazards. It’s important, then, to be aware of these small pieces, especially if you have young children tearing around the house.

And bear in mind it’s not just children who can choke—adults can too.

Encourage the choking person to cough but be ready to perform back slaps and abdominal thrusts to try to dislodge the block—and to call 911 if the obstruction isn’t clearing.

We always have alcohol lovers.  Some of us are guilty of enjoying festive spirits a little too much over Christmas.

The current recommendation is spread out rather than consumed in one binge.

Consider planning ahead to decide what and where you’re going to drink. Including some alcohol-free days and New Year abstinence could also help to reduce the ill effects of any festive drinking.  Watch out for those especially on medications; if you’re on medication, check whether there are any harmful interactions with alcohol.

Also watch out for the one who is the designated driver.

Not to sound “bah hum bug” here but be careful and watch out for your health while having a Happy Holiday season as well!

We all know that the holidays are a very busy time of year.

And if you follow me, you know that I am all about simplifying the holidays while maintaining the magic.

When it’s time to make the holiday dinner, we are often already exhausted and overwhelmed…not the best time to be cooking a difficult meal.

So simple but great ideas are like:

1.  Slow Cooker Roast Beef
2.  Parmesan Chicken Casserole
3. Christmas Chile Cheese Enchilada Recipe
4. Instant Pot Garlic Rosemary Pot Roast
5. Instant Pot Turkey Breast with Gravy Recipe
6. Slow Cooker Lasagna

Simply Well Balanced (25 Easy Non-Traditional Christmas Dinner Ideas – Simply Well Balanced)

Remember Safety for all!

   Bacteria

2

Plan a “bacteria-free buffet” with these easy tips for food safety when entertaining.  Bon appétit!

Entertaining is one of the mainstays of the holiday season — and helps commemorate milestone events throughout the year, too. With proper preparation, you can be creative and tempt your party guests with an array of fun platters while still keeping food safety in mind!

Size Matters

If you’re planning a buffet at home and are not sure how quickly the food will be eaten, keep buffet serving portions small.

• Prepare a number of small platters and dishes ahead of time, and replace the serving dishes with the fresh ones throughout the party.
• Store cold back-up dishes in the refrigerator and keep hot dishes in the oven set at 200 °F to 250 °F prior to serving. This way, your late arriving guests can safely enjoy the same appetizing arrangements as the early arrivals.

Take Temperatures

Hot foods should be kept at an internal temperature of 140 °F or warmer.

• Use a food thermometer to check. Serve or keep food hot in chafing dishes, slow cookers, and warming trays.
• Be aware that some warmers only hold food at 110 °F to 120 °F, so check the product label to make sure your warmer has the capability to hold foods at 140 °F or warmer. This is the temperature that’s required to keep bacteria at bay!
• Eggs and egg dishes, such as quiches or soufflés, may be refrigerated for serving later but should be thoroughly reheated to 165 °F before serving.

Chill Out

Cold foods should be kept at 40 °F or colder.

• Keep cold foods refrigerated until serving time.
• If food is going to stay out on the buffet table longer than 2 hours, place plates of cold food on ice to retain the chill.

Keep It Fresh

Don’t add new food to an already filled serving dish.

• Instead, replace nearly empty serving dishes with freshly filled ones.
• Be aware that during the party, bacteria from people’s hands can contaminate the food. Plus, bacteria can multiply at room temperature.

Watch the Clock

Remember the 2-Hour Rule: Discard any perishables left out at room temperature for more than 2 hours, unless you’re keeping it hot or cold.

• If the buffet is held in a place where the temperature is above 90 °F, the safe holding time is reduced to 1 hour.
• Watch the clock with leftovers, too! Whether you’re sending “doggie bags” home with guests or are saving them for yourself, leftovers should be refrigerated as soon as guests arrive home and/or within 2 hours!

Adapt “Old Family Recipes” Safely

Some of your favorite traditional recipes may call for raw or lightly cooked eggs. These may include homemade Caesar salad dressing, ice cream, custards, rice pudding, chocolate mousse, eggnog, and some sauces.

However, some raw eggs can contain harmful bacteria. These can be particularly dangerous when consumed by those at higher risk for foodborne illness – such as pregnant women, young children, older adults, and those who may have a weakened immune system because of organ transplants or diseases like diabetes, cancer, or HIV/AIDS.

Help keep your party guests safe by adapting your favorite egg containing recipes (or substituting prepared products for some items).    Here’s how:

• Add the eggs to the amount of liquid called for in the recipe, then heat the mixture until it reaches 160 °F on a food thermometer.OR
• Use store-bought products of the foods listed above, which are often already cooked or pasteurized. (Check the label to be sure.)
• Purchase pasteurized eggs. These eggs can be found in some supermarkets and are labeled “pasteurized.” Here are several types consumers can buy:
  • Fresh, pasteurized eggs in the shell (found in the refrigerator section).
  • Liquid, pasteurized egg products (found in the refrigerator section).
  • Frozen, pasteurized egg products (found in the frozen food section).
  • Powdered egg whites (found in the baking section).

Bronchitis is an inflammation of the lining of your bronchial tubes. These tubes carry air to and from your lungs. People who have bronchitis often cough up thickened mucus, which can be discolored. Bronchitis may start suddenly and be short term (acute) or start gradually and become long term (chronic).

Bronchitis is more common in winter and often develops after a cold, sore throat, or flu. The main symptom is a hacking cough, which may bring up yellow-green mucus (phlegm).

Acute bronchitis, which often develops from a cold or other respiratory infection, is very common. Also called a chest cold, acute bronchitis usually improves within a week to 10 days without lasting effects, although the cough may linger for weeks.

Chronic bronchitis, a more serious condition, is a constant irritation or inflammation of the lining of the bronchial tubes, often due to smoking. If you have repeated bouts of bronchitis, you may have chronic bronchitis, which requires medical attention. Chronic bronchitis is one of the conditions included in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).

If you have acute bronchitis, you may have cold symptoms, such as:

• Cough
• Production of mucus (sputum), which can be clear, white, yellowish-gray or green in color — rarely, it may be streaked with blood
• Sore throat
• Mild headache and body aches
• Slight fever and chills
• Fatigue
• Chest discomfort
• Shortness of breath and wheezing

While these symptoms usually improve in about a week, you may have a nagging cough that lingers for several weeks.

For chronic bronchitis, signs and symptoms may include:

• Cough
• Production of mucus
• Fatigue
• Chest discomfort
• Shortness of breath

Chronic bronchitis is typically defined as a productive cough that lasts at least three months, with bouts that recur for at least two consecutive years. If you have chronic bronchitis, you’re likely to have periods when your cough or other symptoms worsen. It’s also possible to have an acute infection on top of chronic bronchitis.

When to see a doctor:

Contact your doctor or clinic for advice if your cough:

• Is accompanied by a fever higher than 100.4 F (38 C).
• Produces blood.
• Is associated with serious or worsening shortness of breath or wheezing.
• Includes other serious signs and symptoms, for example, you appear pale and lethargic, have a bluish tinge to your lips and nail beds, or have trouble thinking clearly or concentrating.
• Lasts more than three weeks.

Before you go in, your doctor or clinic can give you guidance on how to prepare for your appointment.