Rural Health Matters: When Winter Colds Just Won’t Go Away

University of Nebraska President Dr. Jeffrey Gold discusses lingering winter illnesses, shares strategies to boost immunity, and advises rural communities on when to seek medical care on Rural Health Matters.

Winter sunrise under a red sky

dzmitrock87 - stock.adobe.com

LINCOLN, NEB. (RFD NEWS) — As winter illnesses linger across rural communities, many are finding it hard to shake persistent coughs, fatigue, and other lingering symptoms. Understanding when a common cold becomes more serious can be critical for maintaining health during these months.

Dr. Jeffrey Gold, President of the University of Nebraska, joined us for this week’s Rural Health Matters segment to provide guidance on managing lingering winter illnesses.

In his conversation with RFD NEWS, Dr. Gold explained why some colds or respiratory infections seem to linger, whether repeated sickness is due to back-to-back infections or temporary immune suppression, and the warning signs that should prompt a call to a healthcare provider. He also offered practical tips for recovery, ways to support the immune system, and advice on when to seek further medical care if symptoms persist.

Finally, Dr. Gold emphasized the importance of proactive health measures during the winter season to help rural residents stay strong and healthy.

Related Stories
It’s National FFA Week, and today we’re celebrating Alumni Day by highlighting some inspiring former FFA members making an impact in agriculture and beyond.
Alan Bjerga of the National Milk Producers Federation discusses the Dairy Margin Coverage program, recent improvements, and what producers need to know ahead of this week’s enrollment deadline.
William Lee Golden joined us to talk about his farming roots, his storied career with the Oak Ridge Boys, and how his new book and music continue to reflect the values that have guided him throughout his life and career.
Glyphosate and phosphorus are deemed critical to U.S. national defense, ensuring farmers’ access while signaling a shift toward regenerative agriculture. RealAg Radio host Shaun Haney shares insight on the Trump Administration’s move and what it could mean for U.S. farmers moving forward.
Claire Woeppel, Central Region Vice President with the National FFA Organization, joined us to discuss Alumni Day, the lasting impact of FFA supporters, and why honoring that legacy matters during National FFA Week.
UNL Extension’s Troy Walz discusses the Nebraska Ranch Practicum, where sessions are held, how producers can get involved, and what ranchers can gain from participating in the program.

Marion is a digital content manager for RFD News and FarmHER + RanchHER. She started working for Rural Media Group in May 2022, bringing a decade of digital experience in broadcast media and some cooking experience to the team.

LATEST STORIES BY THIS AUTHOR:

USDA’s 2026 Food Price Outlook projects food prices rising 3.1%, with higher beef costs and falling egg prices shaping consumer trends.
House Agriculture Chairman Glenn “GT” Thompson says the 2026 Farm Bill is bipartisan, with 82% of the bills incorporated into it receiving bipartisan support.
High beef prices are squeezing South Texas restaurants, but Texas Farm Bureau says consumer demand remains strong despite record costs.
According to the Louisiana Department of Agriculture and Forestry, fire crews remain on alert statewide as Red Flag conditions persist. Officials warn that even contained fires can reignite quickly under current weather conditions.
Stephenville FFA students showcase robotics skills at the San Antonio Stock Show, blending teamwork, technology, and competition for the next generation.
The Ranger Road Fire in the Oklahoma Panhandle is now 65% contained after burning nearly 300,000 acres over the past week. Kevin Charleston of Specialty Risk Insurance Agency discusses wildfire recovery, livestock insurance considerations, and the importance of preparedness for producers across the Southern Plains.
More Shows
FFA
RFD-TV News is proud to provide viewers across Rural America with gavel-to-gavel coverage of the 98th National FFA Convention & Expo in Indianapolis, Indiana on Oct 29 – Nov 1, 2025.
“Texas Our Texas” – a magical place. A place of land and legend. A place like no other. People come here to touch it, to feel the passion, to soak it in and be a part of it. Hosted by Texas Agriculture Commissioner Sid Miller. Let’s ride!
The Knighten Industries Heritage Cup presented by Bass Boat Technologies is the second of four Major League Fishing post-season invitational events in the Fishing Clash Team Series presented by Bass Pro Shops. Catch it LIVE on RFD-TV.
Meet the Major League Fishing Bass Pro Anglers Teaming up to compete in the MLF Team Series’ Folds of Honor Patriot Cup. Catch the action LIVE only on RFD-TV and streaming on the RFD-TV Now app.
“Today’s Wild West” is a documentary-style, half-hour TV seres on all-things-Western: horseback adventures, cattle drives, dude ranches, Western art, artisans, music, movies, historic sites, Native American culture and more.
Madison Brown grew up on the road and now invites viewers to follow along with her as she continues to indulge her love of exploring new places, including behind-the-scenes at big events and tourist attractions, and celebrity interviews with the likes of country star Toby Keith, former NBA player Karl Malone, former MLB pitcher Greg Maddux, and “Brady Bunch” star Christopher Knight (Brown’s uncle).
The 2025 Major League Fishing Fishing Clash Team Series Presented by Bass Pro Shops is comprised of four Cup events, each featuring two-man teams of Bass Pro Tour anglers competing from the same boat and working together to claim part of a season purse of more than half a million dollars.
Catch it LIVE on RFD Network
Discover the untold stories of farm families across the United States as they face tough decisions, adapt in unexpected ways, and fight to secure a future — for the next generation to carry on the farm. This unscripted documentary-style TV show follows the lives of ambitious farmers from diverse backgrounds across the US, highlighting the challenges, triumphs, and unique stories of these farmers as they navigate the world of agriculture.