9 Common Winter Illnesses To Keep An Eye Out For

Producer: Priyanka Das Editor: Manuj Yadav

As the winter season blankets the world, it brings forth not only the magic of snowflakes and cozy blankets but also a set of health challenges.

Common Cold: Adults often experience two to three colds per year during winter, marked by symptoms like sneezing, runny nose, sore throat, and cough.

Influenza: The flu, a more severe viral illness than the common cold, presents symptoms such as high fever, chills, fatigue, muscle aches, headache, and cough. In severe cases, it can lead to complications like pneumonia.

Respiratory Infections: The cold temperatures contribute to ailments like the common cold, flu, and worsened asthma conditions. Practicing precautions such as regular handwashing, wearing face masks, staying warm, and getting vaccinated against the flu can significantly reduce these risks.

Norovirus: The highly contagious norovirus is often transmitted through contaminated food. It results in symptoms like vomiting, diarrhea, and stomach cramps.

Bronchitis: Caused by viral or bacterial infections, bronchitis manifests with symptoms like cough, chest pain, and wheezing.

Seasonal Allergies: There is a surge in allergens during winter, like indoor mold due to increased moisture. This uptick can trigger allergic reactions, including allergic bronchitis, asthma exacerbations, urticaria, and allergic rhinitis.

Joint Pain and Arthritis: Cold weather tends to exacerbate joint pain, particularly in the elderly and those with arthritis. For arthritis patients, physiotherapy under professional guidance is advisable.

Dry Skin Conditions: The drop in humidity during winter often leads to dry skin, causing irritation and flakiness. You can combat this by taking regular baths, maintaining cleanliness, moisturizing regularly, and staying adequately hydrated.

Heart Problems: There is extra strain on the heart during cold weather, especially for individuals with pre-existing heart conditions. This strain can be intensified by respiratory infections in cold weather.

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