Clevelanders Are Experiencing a Rough 2025 Winter Cold

The holidays have come and gone, but for many, the spirit of the season was dampened by something unwelcome: a long-lasting, brutal cold. A recent Reddit post in the r/Cleveland subreddit has garnered significant attention from users who are sharing their experiences with a cold that just won’t quit. With over 70 upvotes and an influx of comments, the conversation has painted a vivid picture of the winter illness that’s sweeping across Cleveland and beyond.

The Symptoms: A Battle Against Fatigue and Congestion

The original post describes classic cold symptoms—coughing, mucus, irritated eyes, and congestion—lingering for weeks. Commenters quickly chimed in to say they were experiencing the same thing.

One commenter noted that despite testing negative for flu, COVID, and RSV, the illness had completely knocked them out for over a week. “It’s like a supercharged head cold,” they said, citing fatigue as a significant part of the ordeal.

Another Redditor shared that their mild head cold developed into a bacterial infection after two weeks. Many respondents confirmed they had to seek medical attention, receiving prescriptions for antibiotics, inhalers, and steroids to recover.

Cleveland’s Infamous ‘Crud’

Some locals have affectionately (or not-so-affectionately) dubbed this seasonal sickness the “Cleveland Crud.” This term seems to perfectly capture the sentiment of feeling bogged down by persistent congestion and exhaustion.

One user joked, “Sounds like someone needs sauerkraut and black coffee,” while others suggested familiar remedies like Sudafed and nasal sprays. For many, however, these at-home remedies weren’t enough to keep the cold at bay.

A Healthcare System Under Pressure

A recurring theme in the comments was the widespread frustration with healthcare workplace policies. A nurse’s family member revealed that Cleveland Clinic employees are penalized for taking sick days, leading many to work while visibly ill. This led to heated discussions about the harsh reality of sick leave policies in healthcare.

One commenter wrote: “I’m off with COVID right now, getting penalized for every day I’m off even though it’s mandatory.” Another added that working through illness is a national problem, not just a regional one.

The pressure to work while sick may be contributing to the spread of illness. Some shared that despite masking, the contagious nature of respiratory illnesses makes it nearly impossible to avoid spreading germs in clinical settings.

Long-Lasting Effects

Many users noted that this cold seemed to last much longer than usual. Some described lingering symptoms for up to three weeks, including coughing fits and sinus infections.

One commenter shared their experience: “I felt like I was drowning and had five-minute coughing fits. I’ve never had so many prescriptions in my life.” Others said that this illness was worse than any previous case of COVID or flu they had experienced.

The Importance of Seeking Care

Several contributors emphasized the importance of monitoring symptoms and seeking medical care if conditions worsen. Though many started with over-the-counter treatments like Mucinex, some found themselves needing stronger medications after their symptoms escalated. One Redditor even recommended getting a chest X-ray to rule out pneumonia if symptoms persisted.

The Role of Weather and Lifestyle

Some users pointed out environmental factors, such as cold weather and indoor air quality, as potential contributors to prolonged sickness. Allergens, dust, and mold can exacerbate respiratory symptoms, making it difficult to recover. Another common suggestion was to stay hydrated, avoid processed foods, and take vitamins to boost immunity.

The Broader Picture

The Reddit thread highlights an ongoing issue in American workplace culture: inadequate sick leave policies that force employees to choose between their health and their paycheck. This conversation has sparked broader concerns about how contagious illnesses are handled in essential fields, such as healthcare.

What Can We Learn?

If there’s one takeaway from the discussion, it’s the reminder to listen to your body and take time to recover fully. Whether it’s labeled the ‘Cleveland Crud’ or a supercharged head cold, this illness has served as a reminder that sometimes, rest and proper care are the best medicine.

In the meantime, Redditors recommend staying vigilant and prioritizing health, even if the system doesn’t always make it easy. And if you’re feeling overwhelmed, you’re not alone—the community is here with shared stories, advice, and a bit of humor to get you through the worst of it.