Mainly asking for research and writing purposes (story takes place during medieval times), but how were winters spent in medieval Europe?
Whenever someone got a cold or a sickness during those months, how were they treated? What medicines, herbs, or any other treatments were used?
Also, how did the people stay warm? Any particular foods they ate during winter?
Not to discourage any further discussion, but you might be interested in these previous answers:
What would an English serf do to occupy his time during the long periods of darkness in the fall and winter? by u/sunagainstgold
How did the people in Scandinavia live during the winter in the 12th century? also answered by u/sunagainstgold
What did European peasants typically eat prior to the age of exploration? How would they deal with the monotony? by u/gothwalk with lots of followup questions