Winters are beautiful for many, also problematic for a few. In India, the winter season is from mid-November to the last week of February. During these months, people face health issues because of climate change. Shorter days and longer nights impact people’s health in some or other ways. In the winter season, the body’s immune system becomes weak. So, a proper diet is required to maintain good health. The winter season brings lots of seasonal fruits and green vegetables that improve digestion. Exercise is mandatory for the heart and other organs to function normally.

Some Common Winter Health Issues:

Common Cold:

The common cold is the primary health issue we suffer in the winter season. Many viruses can cause cold, but rhinoviruses are the most common cause. During the winter season, the absorption of Vitamin D is less due to long nights and short days. Runny nose, Cough, Sneezing are the common symptoms. So, for common cold and cough, it is suggested to use medications preferred by your doctors like Paracetamol and other tablets.

Flu:

Winters are commonly known as the flu season. Flu is a respiratory health issue caused by an influenza virus. Flu viruses spread through the air. Closing doors and windows during the winter season and not allowing fresh air and sunlight can lead the germs to stay in the room. To avoid these common health problems, make sure to eat a healthy and nutritious diet, drink enough water, and exercise regularly.

Also read: seasonal influenza: causes, symptoms, and treatment

Pneumonia:

Pneumonia is a bacterial infection that often follows a cold or flu infection. Bacteria, viruses, and fungi can cause pneumonia. Pneumonia is a life-threatening condition because it blocks the alveoli in the lungs. The primary cause of viral pneumonia in adults is the influenza virus. The common symptoms are severe cough, green phlegm, coughed-up lungs, diarrhea, vomiting, and purple skin. Be sure to talk to your doctor if you have cold or flu symptoms if they last long.

Sore Throat:

Sore throat is one of the most common winter health issues caused by viral infections. The group A streptococcus bacteria is the causative agent for sore throat. Allergies, dust, dryness in the air, pollutants, and throat cancer are some factors responsible for sore throat. There is no need to see a medical professional about a sore throat. See a doctor if it is severe, else you can take general medications like TusQ, aspirin, and ibuprofen.

Asthma:

Cold, dry air can trigger asthma attacks for people with asthma. Winters come with many allergens in the air that are a major causative factor for asthma. Wear an air-purifying mask outside to avoid inhaling any allergen. Take the medication prescribed by your physician and carry a rescue inhaler if you have one. Tightness in the chest, breath shortness, extreme tiredness are the symptoms.

Joint Pain:

Joint pain is the most common in rheumatoid arthritis patients. The synovial fluid in knee joints works as a protective fluid that gets thicker in winter. Drastic temperature fall triggers joint pain and leads to immobility in some cases. Always make sure you wear warm clothes and exercise daily to keep your body warm. Smoking tobacco becomes more harmful as it aggravates joint pains.

Dry Skin:

Dry skin is one of the most common health issues in winter. Cracked skin, bleeding, pain and infection are apparent due to dryness. Using moisturizers, mild moisturizing soap than a regular one, or applying hand lotion can help you avoid this problem.

How to prevent winter health problems?

We can avoid winter health issues by bringing lifestyle changes. Let us know how we can prevent healthcare issues:

• Take a bath daily and keep yourself clean and maintain hygiene. Do not take a bath with cold water early in the morning.
• Cover your mouth with tissue paper or handkerchief when you cough or sneeze.
• Wash your hands properly before and after eating. Also, wash your hand after coming home from outside.
• Drink plenty of water and keep yourself hydrated.
• Drink tomato or mixed vegetable soup by adding black pepper, garlic, and ginger.
• Include green leafy vegetables, dry fruits, turmeric, jaggery, ginger, garlic, and ghee in your diet.
• Avoid eating ice creams and drinking cold drinks
• If you have a sore throat, gargle with lukewarm saltwater to get relief.
• If your fever does not get down in 2 days, consult your doctor immediately.

By reaching the end of the article, I hope you have received good information on winter health issues and steps to avoid these issues.