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
Jim Rothermich with the American Society of Farm Managers and Rural Appraisers joined us to share the latest on farmland real estate markets across the Midwest.
Roger McEowen with the Washburn School of Law reviews key highlights from the House Agriculture Committee’s latest farm bill proposal.
Cold-driven spikes in gas prices can quickly raise fertilizer and energy costs.
The USDA’s Farm Service Agency (FSA) has issued final Emergency Livestock Relief Program (ELRP) payments totaling more than $1.89 billion.
Formally dubbed “Farm Bill 2.0” by committee leadership, the draft surfaces after a high-stakes legislative dance that saw much of the traditional farm bill’s funding, specifically for crop insurance and safety net programs, carved out and passed in last year’s One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA).
The National Farm Machinery Show is underway in Louisville, Kentucky, bringing together the latest in agricultural equipment, technology, and innovation. Here are some highlights from the trade show floor so far!

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:

FBN co-founder Charles Baron previews the upcoming Farmer2Farmer event and how technology and AI are shaping the industry, offering growers practical insights and farmer-led strategies for modern agriculture.
The USDA Agricultural Outlook Forum highlights modest price support from tighter supplies across cotton, grains, dairy, livestock, and sugar into 2026.
Farm Bureau Economist Faith Parum discusses the latest Farm Bill proposal and the path ahead for Congress and U.S. agriculture.
The Ranger Road Fire spreads from the Oklahoma Panhandle into Kansas as high winds and red flag conditions persist
Small Business Administration Deputy Administrator Bill Briggs joined us with an update on how the SBA is working to support rural communities and small businesses across the country.
President Donald Trump signed an executive order this week to accelerate domestic production of phosphorus and glyphosate, signaling that farm input availability is now treated as a national security risk.
More Shows
Looking for a quick rundown of the top agriculture, news & rural lifestyle stories on RFD-TV last week? Check out our weekly Rural Wrap-Up!
Dive into the key international agribusiness headlines shaping agriculture, the markets, and global trade with RFD-TV’s World News coverage.
Love a program on RFD-TV? Here are some other great shows that we hope you’ll watch next when they air or stream anytime on RFD-TV Now!
“Gentle Giants” explores the world of draft horses on the farm, in the field, and in the arena. Hosted by champion equestrians Pam Minick and Kadee Coffman, “Gentle Giants” travels across America to see draft horses--from the Legendary Budweiser Clydesdales to hearty Belgian draft horses plowing the fields--at work and at play.
Explore the latest cutting-edge equipment in agricultural machinery with RFD NEWS and uncover the insights and innovations shaping modern farming.
Grow your knowledge of crops with RFD NEWS! Discover expert tips on cultivation, innovation, and the latest trends and analysis on crop production and demand that are shaping the markets.
Glean cattle, pork, and poultry-industry insights and discover stories celebrating the vital role of livestock in rural communities with RFD NEWS.
Since some of the world’s most wondrous places lie just outside the back door, Exmark created its Backyard Life website, developed to inspire homeowners to realize the full potential of their own backyards.
Find the latest news and lifestyle stories from RFD Network on the sports and outdoor activities important to Rural America, like livestock shows, equine, pro fishing, hunting, and more.