Winter Health Top 5 common Winter Health Problems and How to Prevent them

“To appreciate the beauty of a snowflake, it is

necessary to stand out in the cold.” Aristotle

Common cold and flu seem almost the same, but there is a difference. Common colds are less severe and last only a few days. 

Although there are many viruses causing cold, a popular virus causing it is the rhinovirus.  The upper respiratory system is infected in common cold and causes a lot of discomforts

•     Runny nose

•     Sneezing

•     Tiredness

•     Cough

•     Sore throat

•     Body pain 

1.     Wash hands frequently as cold viruses are contagious.

2.     Stay a few feet away from the one having a cold.

3.     Take fluids in good amounts.

4.     Vitamin C, zinc, and other immunity-boosting foods are also good ways to prevent colds.

5.     Keep home surfaces clean and maintain hygiene. 

Similar to a cold, the flu is also an upper respiratory infection. However, the flu lasts for longer periods. Generally, it lasts up to weeks.  Like a cold, flu is also contagious, but more severe. 

Additionally, it remains untreated, could also turn into pneumonia in certain cases

Hence, never leave the flu untreated. If you can’t meet a doctor personally, then an online health consultant is always there to help you.

•     Chills

•     Fever

•     Fatigue

•     Cough

•     Runny nose

•     Sore throat

•     Vomiting or diarrhea in children 

1.     Maintain hygiene as flu is contagious.

2.     Take special care of the elderly, children, pregnant women, asthma and heart patients, and those with immunity weakness as they are more prone.

3.     Boost immunity.

4.     Take good sleep to avoid dropping immunity levels.

5.     Always keep the air around you clean. 

Generally, coughing is a way of clearing foreign particles and mucus. But severe coughing could be a result of the flu, cold, respiratory infection, or a serious disease.

Factors like cold, acid reflux, asthma, and allergies also cause coughing. A cold virus could also keep cough persistent for weeks.

•     Fever

•     Uneasiness

•     Dry cough 

•     Wet cough

•     Blood with coughing

•     Tiredness

•     Pain in the chest 

1.     Drink fluids.

2.     Avoid caffeine, cold beverages, or acid-causing foods.

3.     Don’t avoid treating a cold or flu condition.

4.     Take appropriate treatment for asthma, allergies, or persistent heartburn problems.

5.     Don’t overuse nasal decongestion sprays. 

Sore throats are common in winter as the air is very dry. The throat has mucus membranes just like the nose, and their job is to provide filtration and lubrication. Often, a sore throat is a painful condition and doesn’t heal itself.

Viral or bacterial infections are the most common factors causing it. But it could also be a result of the flu, cold, strep throat, dehydration, or allergies.

•     Pain in the throat

•     Scratchy throat

•     Difficulty swallowing

•     Fever

•     Coughing

•     Runny nose

•     Redness in the throat

•     Swollen jaw or neck glands 

1.     Don’t sleep with your mouth open.

2.     Always keep throat hydrated with fluids.

3.     Avoid dust, smoke, and packed indoors.

4.     Avoid keeping the mouth open while exercising as it dries out the throat.

5.     Use room humidifiers.

6.     Boost immunity to keep sore throat infections away. 

•     Runny Nose

•     Nasal congestion

•     Headache

•     Facial pain

•     Thick nasal discharge

•     Post-nasal drip 

•     Wet cough

•     Lack of smell or taste 

1.  Take care of yourself so that you don’t get a common cold, as it could make the condition more severe.

2.  Maintain cleanliness inside the home.

3.  Keep the air inside the home clean if possible with air filters.

4.  Use room humidifiers.

5.  Keep the body hydrated.

6.  Boost immunity to fight allergies.

Avoid pollution, chemicals, dust, and other allergens

And remember the well said quote —“Prevention is

Better than Cure.”