BOUNTIFUL -- Coughing doesn't always signify a cold. One of Lakeview's physicians explained to community members last week in a free seminar the difference between minor and serious respiratory illnesses and how to prevent them. Distinguishing between a minor cold and a serious illness can be a matter of paying attention to signs and symptoms. "Symptoms such as fevers, weight loss, blood with the coughing, shortness of breath and blueness in the skin can all be signs of more serious illnesses," said Dr. Steve Lore with Lakeview Hospital.

Examples of potential illnesses could be heart failure, asthma and, in the most severe case, even a tumor.

The influenza virus and colds are more prevalent from the months of October through March.

"An old myth is that colds are caused by the cold weather," said Lore. "The reality is that specific viruses tend to be more active when the weather changes. Germs cause the cold, not the weather."

An individual is less likely to have exposure to infections outdoors. People who spend time indoors in the winter can be more suspectible to colds. "When individuals are in closed places with lots of people, you will see an increase of respiratory illnesses, rarely severe or critical."

Inversions and the shifting of air pollutants can also activate respiratory illnesses. Individuals with existing respiratory conditions are more suspectible to these types of illnesses and should take extra precautions.

"People should try to stay inside on high pollution days and properly ventilate their home with fans and air ventilators," said Lore. "Prevention measures such as these are more important to people with asthma, emphysema, or chronic bronchitis."

General prevention measures involve regular exercise, careful attention to taking vitamin C, a high-protein diet and a good dietary sense, according to Lore.

Lakeview officials were surprised to see a larger number of elderly individuals at the seminar with questions about chronic coughs.

Many of the elderly participants had been experiencing heartburn and acid reflux which will activate a cough reflex. The acid can damage the esophagus and patients should consult a physician in these cases.

This year there is a shortage of flu vaccines. Individuals over age 50 or with any chronic medical illness should be first in line to get flu shots, according to Lore.

sclarke@davisclipper.com