One thing to keep in mind when you’re writing a novel is that some illnesses are seasonal. So if your book covers an obvious time of year– say the summer. It may behoove you as an author to be aware of the illnesses that are and aren’t around.

Croup: AKA laryngitis. Used to be seasonal but we typically see it year round. No time restrictions needed here.



fyi.utah.edu

RSV: The leading viral cause of bronchiolitis typically starts in late fall, early winter and lasts approximately 20 weeks. This is what healthcare professionals happily (maybe?) term “respiratory season”. It means gowns, gloves and masks need to be worn for patient’s that present with cough and fever. Another fact to keep in mind.

Influenza: Influenza is truly a respiratory illness and not a gastrointestional (GI) one. You know an author has thoroughly checked their facts when they have a summer illness with vomiting and diarrhea and don’t call it influenza. This is why flu shots are given Sept-Nov… to help prevent the transmission of this illness.

Keep seasonal illnesses in mind when you’re writing a novel that occurs during a specific time of year. It may behoove you to ask if that contagious illness you’re killing off your characters with would actually occur during your time frame.

Have you used a contagion, known or “created” in your novel?