Doctors at Stamford Hospital warn that as more people stay indoors to avoid the cold weather, upper respiratory illnesses have a better chance of spreading.

Hospital doctors say they see more cases of the viruses during the holiday season because the germs are easily spread from one person to another. They say the upper respiratory illness is similar to the flu, but it doesn?t pack the same punch.

Doctors say no medication can cure the actual virus, but there are over-the-counter drugs people can take to lessen the symptoms.

Health officials recommend washing hands frequently and urge residents to avoid touching their eyes, mouths and noses to prevent getting sick.