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
Congressman Dusty Johnson of South Dakota joined us to discuss key ag policy developments and his outlook for agriculture in 2026.
House Agriculture Committee Democrats are calling for action on the Farm and Family Relief Act, warning that proposed SNAP cost shifts to states could reduce food assistance for low-income families amid ongoing tariffs and trade disruptions that continue to strain U.S. farmers.
A disciplined, breakeven-based marketing plan helps protect margins and reduce risk, even when markets remain unpredictable.
Expanded school access to whole milk provides modest but reliable demand support for U.S. dairy producers.
StockShowAuctions.com takes us to the Midland County Junior Livestock Show in West Texas, where young producers are showcasing their dedication, skill, and champion livestock.
Alissa White with American Farmland Trust joined us to provide insight into climate resilience efforts and strategies to help farmers manage weather-related risks.

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:

Matt Brockman, Communications Director for the Fort Worth Stock Show and Rodeo, joined us with a look at how the legendary event is moving forward—weather and all.
Strong White House backing supports ethanol demand, but timing now hinges on Congress resolving procedural — at the same time as they push toward a spending bill to avert another federal government shutdown.
Roger McEowen, with the Washburn School of Law, offers an in-depth look at two of the top legal issues of 202. Today, he walks through last year’s Waters of the United States (WOTUS) ruling and “lawfare.”
Lewis Williamson of HTS Commodities joined us with an update on the historic winter storm impacts and his outlook on today’s ag markets.
Marilyn Schlake with the UNL Department of Agricultural Economics joined us for a closer look at the evolving role of livestock sale barns.
Texas Farm Bureau President Russell Boening joined us with the latest update on storm conditions and impacts across the state.
More Shows
It’s one of our favorite times of the year – Winter Stock Show Season! And to celebrate the hard work of the future of agriculture, we’re streaming live from some of the biggest livestock shows in Texas.
Through scholarships, grants, endowments, junior livestock auctions, calf scramble program and show premiums, The San Antonio Stock Show & Rodeo impacts over 22,000 youth in Texas annually.
Dedicated to preserving the western way of life and promoting agricultural education to the Youth of Texas, the San Angelo Stock Show and Rodeo Association works year round to continue to bring top notch events to the West Texas Area.
Twisted Skillet brings a straightforward, hands-on approach to kitchen television, rooted in food and fire. Hosted by Texas chef Sean Koehler, the series explores open-fire outdoor cooking techniques, regional ingredients, and the people who raise, prepare, and inspire the food found across America.
Special 3-part series tells the story of the Claas family’s legacy, which changed agriculture forever.
In the harsh Australian Outback, water drillers Danyelle and Anthony Haigh give up their nomadic life of searching for water for cattle ranches, to offer their two sons, Heath and Theo, a more settled life. They swap water drilling for something they’ve never done before – farming.
Analiese Gregory is taking one of the biggest risks of her life: she’s left her successful career as a restaurant chef and bought a century-old cottage at the bottom of the world, in pristine Tasmania, Australia. We share her journey of discovery as she gets under the skin of her new home – and learns to live seasonally off the land, by hunting, fishing, and foraging.
The fourth and final event in Major League Fishing’s Fishing Clash Team Series. Catch the final round each day LIVE only on RFD-TV.
Hosted by Emmy Award-winning journalist Tanji Patton, “Goodtaste with Tanji” focuses on chefs and popular dishes from restaurants across the culinary spectrum, along with wines, cocktails, and spirits, too. As a travelogue, the show visits restaurants, diners, and eateries across the Lone Star State in fun and adventurous settings, plus the program occasionally travels to neighboring states like Louisiana and New Mexico. In addition, the show educates viewers on wine pairings and value buys available in current wine trends.
The Folds of Honor Patriot Cup presented by B&W Trailer Hitches is the third 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.