The risk of seasonal diseases increases manifold in winter. Problems like common cold, fever, stomach ache are common in this season.
Due to growing cold and lack of sunlight, our immune system weakens. Due to this, infectious diseases spread rapidly. One of the reasons is that the virus becomes more active in the cold. So it is necessary to take special care of health in winter.
So let's go today In work news Let's talk about what diseases risk increases in changing weather? You will also learn that-
- How can we identify these seasonal diseases?
- What should be done to avoid these diseases?
Expert: Dr. Vicky Chaurasia, Consultant, Internal Medicine, Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital (Mumbai)
These causes increase the risk of diseases in changing climate The risk of viral and bacterial infections increases with changes in weather. People with weak immune systems are at the highest risk of seasonal diseases. By staying indoors, the virus can easily spread from one person to another.
The risk of these diseases increases in winter Illnesses are more common in winter because bacteria are more easily spread in dry air when a sick person coughs or sneezes. Symptoms of any disease are not immediately visible. It can often take a few days or up to a week. Also winter can trigger many pre-existing health problems. See graphic below-
Let's talk in detail about the symptoms, prevention and treatment of the diseases given in the above graphic.
common cold The common cold is a common problem caused by rhinovirus, which can cause chills or fever. The main reason for this is less sunlight in winter. Due to which vitamin D deficiency occurs and immunity weakens.
Common cold symptoms
- Sore throat
- runny nose
- Frequent sneezing
- Mild fever
- Body aches
- headache
What to do to escape
- Wash your hands regularly to prevent the common cold.
- Avoid contact with people suffering from cold, cough or fever.
- It can also catch you through coughing or sneezing.
What is the treatment? Usually the effects of common cold last for 2-3 days. Adequate rest is advised. If symptoms persist for more than 3 days, consult a doctor immediately.
Joint pain In winter, the blood vessels of hands and feet shrink. It can increase joint pain. Apart from this, due to less exercise in winter, muscle pain, stiffness or swelling can also increase. For people who already have arthritis, cold weather can cause more problems.
Symptoms of joint pain
- Knee pain while walking
- Swelling of the knee
- Tired quickly
What to do to survive?
- The most common way to avoid this is to keep yourself and your feet warm.
- Apart from this, regular exercise can provide relief from joint and muscle stiffness.
What is the treatment? Joint pain can be severe for arthritis patients. It would be better to consult a doctor and get tested.
Norovirus It is a contagious virus. Due to which the problem of gastroenteritis can occur. Due to the moisture in the air during the winter season, the virus remains active for a long time.
Symptoms of norovirus
- Nausea
- Vomiting and diarrhea
- Abdominal cramps
- mild fever
- It feels cold
- headache
- Muscle aches
What to do to survive?
- The best way to prevent this disease is to keep the immune system strong.
- Apart from this you have to maintain cleanliness around you.
- Wash your hands regularly and keep your surroundings clean.
What is the treatment? The disease gets cured within a few days. However, if the symptoms persist for a long time or the problem worsens, it is better to get tested and get treatment.
Pneumonia This is an infection of the lungs caused by bacteria, viruses or fungi. Pneumonia is usually very serious. It can spread from person to person. This disease can affect a person of any age. Its symptoms usually last for several weeks, gradually becoming more severe.
Symptoms of Pneumonia
What to do for protection?
- Eat nutritious food to keep the body warm from inside in winter.
- Wear warm clothes. Keep ears, head and feet covered.
- Avoid going out in cold weather.
- If cold and cough persist for a long time, get tested immediately.
- Do not eat cold things.
What is the treatment? In pneumonia, doctors prescribe antibiotic, antiviral or antifungal drugs.
Ear Infections Colds and coughs increase the risk of ear infections. Not protecting the ears in cold and windy weather can lead to infection. It is important to treat it as it can take a serious form.
Symptoms of an ear infection
- Ear pain
- Dizziness
- Tenderness in the ear
- headache
- Swelling in the ears
- Abnormal bleeding
- Itching in the ears
What to do for protection
- Always cover your ears in winter.
- Wear a muffler or cap when going out.
- Do not allow water to enter the ears. Take special care while bathing.
- Wash your hands with soap.
What is the treatment? If an ear infection occurs, consult a doctor immediately. Don't ignore it and try any home remedies. It can become serious if not treated on time.
Throat infection Polluted air in winter has a bad effect on our respiratory system, which can lead to throat infections. Apart from this, viruses and bacteria grow faster in dry and cold air, which can lead to throat infections.
Symptoms of a throat infection
- Throat pain and burning sensation
- Swelling in the throat
- Change the voice
- Difficulty swallowing anything
- Respiratory distress
What to do for protection
- Keep yourself hydrated to prevent throat infections.
- Gargle with warm salt water to keep your throat clear.
- Include fruits and vegetables rich in vitamin C and antioxidants in your diet.
What is the treatment? Throat infections may require antibiotics. In case of any problem, consult an ENT doctor immediately.
Heart attack Arteries constrict in cold weather. Due to this the blood flow slows down. During this season, the heart has to work twice as hard to pump oxygen throughout the body. According to a study published in the journal Public Library of Science, cold weather increases the risk of a heart attack by 31% in those who already have heart disease.
Heart attack symptoms
- Respiratory distress
- Severe chest pain
- unconscious
- Heart failure
- Sweating or dizziness
What to do for protection
- Exercise regularly and eat a healthy diet.
- Do not do heavy work in cold if you already have heart related problems. Relax the body.
- Do not smoke and stay away from alcohol.
What is the treatment? If a heart attack occurs, it is necessary to consult a doctor immediately, otherwise it can be fatal. This requires that all members of the family are aware of its symptoms and remain alert at all times.
Apart from this, see the graphic below for general precautions and things to keep in mind to keep the body healthy during the winter season.
Image Credit: (Divya-Bhaskar): Images/graphics belong to (Divya-Bhaskar).
