Top Most Common Winter Illnesses

Winter is the season when cold and flu are of high-rise; conditions such as asthma, sore throat, and cold sore are common during cold weather or winter. Many health problems are triggered by the weather, changes happen in temperature, which can have effect on health. Eating fruits and vegetable rich in nutrients could help to reduce or fight some of the cold weather conditions. Here are some common winter illnesses:

Asthma can be triggered in cold weather and develop to symptoms such as wheezing and shortness of breath.  Asthma condition tends to be really bad in winter, which can result to bed-ridden or require hospital care. Cold air is a major trigger of asthma symptoms.  

Sore throat and tonsillitis are common in winter caused by viral and bacterial infections causing swelling of the tonsils. When suffers from sore throat, avoid hot foods and drinks as this could cause irritation to the throat.

Coughs and colds - Infection of the nose, throat and sinuses caused by virus. To ease the symptoms of cold, drink plenty of fluids and get enough rest. To avoid cold spreading, wash your hands thoroughly, sneeze and cough into tissue and dispose properly.

Flu - Another viral infection very common during winter, Flu spread quickly to the environment when the infected person coughs or sneezes. If you are 65 or over, and suffers from long-term health condition such as diabetes or kidney disease, speak to your doctor. Ensure you have enough rest, stay warm and keep hydrated.  

Norovirus - Also known as the winter vomiting bug common in the winter, it is an infectious stomach bug; also cause watery diarrhoea. Norovirus spread quickly in public places. Drink plenty of water to avoid dehydration.

Advice

Ways to avoid winter illnesses:

• Keep warm.
• Wash your hands to avoid carrying germ and bacteria.
• Drink plenty of water, doctors recommend drinking about eight glasses of water a day to stay healthy and hydrated.
• Have enough sleep as lack of sleep makes you more prone to infection.
• Ensure taking daily multivitamins to boost the body during winter when we are less likely to eat enough fresh fruits and vegetable.