Winter can be a beautiful time of year, but it also brings several common illnesses. Knowing which diseases to look out for and how to protect yourself is important to stay healthy during the colder months. Let’s explore five common winter diseases and what you can do to avoid them.
Common Cold
The common cold is characterized by sneezing, coughing, runny nose, sore throat, headaches, and mild body aches. While it’s not particularly serious, it can still be quite unpleasant and cause you to feel fatigued for several days. The best way to prevent the common cold is by washing your hands regularly and avoiding sick people. In addition, if you catch a cold, get plenty of rest and drink lots of fluids to recover faster.
Influenza (the Flu)
Influenza is an infection caused by the influenza virus that affects the nose, throat, and lungs. Symptoms include fever, chills, body aches, headache, sore throat, and dry cough. To reduce your risk of getting the flu this winter season make sure you get a flu shot every year to build up immunity against the virus. Maintaining good hygiene habits, such as washing your hands regularly and avoiding contact with people who are already sick or showing symptoms, is also essential.
Pneumonia
Pneumonia is an infection in one or both lungs that can cause difficulty breathing due to inflammation in the air sacs where oxygen passes into your bloodstream from your lungs. Common symptoms are chest pain when breathing or coughing, fever, chills, and fatigue. To lower your chances of getting pneumonia, vaccinate against the disease and other severe illnesses like whooping cough or measles that may lead to pneumonia if contracted first. Additionally, practice good hygiene habits such as washing your hands often, so germs don’t spread from person-to-person contact.
Bronchitis
Bronchitis is an inflammation of the bronchi tubes that connect your windpipe (trachea) with each lung. They carry air throughout your respiratory system while removing carbon dioxide from your body when you exhale. Symptoms include frequent coughing (with mucus), shortness of breath, and chest discomfort when breathing or coughing deeply. The best way to protect yourself from bronchitis is by avoiding smoking cigarettes or other tobacco products; secondhand smoke may also increase your risk for this illness, so try staying away from smoky environments as much as possible during wintertime too! Additionally, try eating healthy foods rich in fruits & vegetables, so your immune system stays strong all season long!
Norovirus
Norovirus is a highly contagious virus that causes stomach pain, nausea, diarrhea, and vomiting – often referred to as “stomach flu“ or “food poisoning,“ even though it’s not related to influenza or other food-borne pathogens. Norovirus spreads quickly through contact with contaminated surfaces or people infected with it. Frequently washing hands can help prevent its spread. If you become infected with norovirus, staying hydrated is essential by drinking plenty of fluids such as water or clear broth soup until symptoms subside.
Winter comes with challenges, but proper precautions can help keep you healthy throughout this season! However, prevention will always be better than cure. If you want to prevent these diseases from happening, consider these options.
Keep Warm
The cold can jeopardize your immunity, so it’s essential to protect yourself against the elements. Here are some tips for keeping warm during the winter:
Wear Winter Clothes
Clothes for the winter are an essential factor in staying warm. Layering your clothing, such as a sweater and coat, can help you stay toasty all day long.
Use a Hot Bathtub
Hot baths are one of the best ways to warm up on a cold winter’s day. Soaking in a bathtub full of warm water can help ease your muscles and relax your body, helping you feel warmer throughout the day. You can also use various healthy bathtub chemicals to enhance your experience. These concoctions often have natural ingredients, such as lavender and lemongrass, to help you feel more relaxed, soothe your skin, and ease minor aches.
Get Vaccinated
Vaccination is a means to protect yourself from severe illnesses like the flu and pneumonia during wintertime. Talk to your doctor about what vaccinations are recommended for you based on your age, health conditions, and lifestyle habits. You should also get a flu shot yearly to reduce your risk of getting sick.
Eat Healthy Foods
Eating healthy foods can help boost your immune system, making you less likely to get sick during wintertime. Ensure you eat plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables and lean proteins like chicken or fish. In addition, limit your consumption of sugary drinks and processed foods, as these can weaken your immune system over time. And be sure to drink lots of water throughout the day—staying hydrated helps keep your body functioning correctly in cold weather!
Winter is a challenging time of year, but with the proper precautions and habits, you can stay healthy and strong despite the cold weather. By taking care of yourself throughout this season, you can better protect yourself against illness and enjoy all that winter has to offer!
