Winter is a time that many people might fondly associate with colder temperatures and comfort foods. However, winter can also be a time for an increased risk for certain typical winter-time diseases. The risk of bronchitis, pneumonia, or severe flu can increase during winter. Early treatment for winter illnesses is considered much safer than treating the condition with a course of strong antibiotics. Here’s how the immune system reacts during winter and how you can better your body’s ability to prepare for common winter illnesses.
The Importance of Early Treatment for Winter Illnesses
The Immune System During Winter
Immune systems react differently during winter and might be exposed to various potential infections during the winter season. While cold itself doesn’t impact the likelihood of contracting a disease over winter, peoples’ behaviors during colder months might.
For example, people are likely to spend more time indoors during winter. When one person brings home the flu from school or work, it’s shared when they huddle around the television for Netflix on a cold night.
Winter is also a potential hotbed for exposure to cold air, which can shock the lungs and worsen certain respiratory conditions like bronchitis or the flu. When outside temperatures drop, the body must fight harder to keep up.
The Importance of Early Treatment For Winter Illnesses
Winter illnesses like bronchitis, pneumonia, or severe flu can have similar symptoms. Most associated symptoms are of a respiratory nature, and place-specific added pressure on the lungs and heart.
Early medical care and treatment for these illnesses is best. Untreated flu can quickly lead to other complications and a much worse infection with added side effects to treat, such as:
- Pneumonia
- Bronchitis
- Sinus or ear infections
Once the system has been compromised by one infection, it’s easier for that particular infection to worsen in intensity. Sometimes, one illness also increases the likelihood of contracting other conditions.
From there, it can be a difficult-to-treat downward spiral for the immune system. Early treatment can stop symptoms in their tracks, closing the route for other potential infections or worsening of your existing symptoms during winter.
For the elderly, young children, those with weakened immune systems, or other health conditions, early treatment is crucial.
Typical Winter Illnesses
People are more likely to consider a cough or shortness of breath “normal” during colder temperatures and could also be more likely to ignore their symptoms.
The following illnesses are typically associated with winter because of their likelihood during this time:
- Bronchitis
- Pneumonia
- Flu
- Common cold viruses
- Viral infections of the nose and throat
- Bacterial infections such as strep throat
Why risk your symptoms getting worse if you could have made sure you didn’t get most of the symptoms in the first place?
Minor respiratory illnesses can become huge health problems when ignored or left untreated. This is especially true if your immune system isn’t as strong as it could be just before the winter season.
Tips for Better Preventative Care
Preventative care is better than treating any of the typical winter-associated illnesses, including severe flu and pneumonia. Strengthen the immune system and follow these preventative care tips:
- Follow a healthy diet: Eat healthy and stay hydrated.
- Avoid anything that could compromise your immunity: This includes smoking and excessive consumption of alcohol.
- Optimal hygiene measures: Hand-washing and wearing a mask (with compromised immunity) are effective ways to lessen your chances of infection with common winter illnesses.
- Using vitamins and other “immune-boosters”: These can also complement a balanced diet. Adding them can help to strengthen the immune system naturally.
If I Start To Feel Sick, What Is The Treatment For Winter Illnesses?
- Stay home: If you’re sick, staying home slows the spread of winter illnesses.
- Rest: Get plenty of rest
- Stay hydrated: Drink plenty of fluids. Avoid alcohol, coffee, and soda.
- Treat the symptoms: There is no cure for the common cold, but you can treat the symptoms with over-the-counter pain relievers for colds that include fever. Saline nasal sprays can help with a stuffy or runny nose.
- Consult a medical professional: For the best advice to match your daily routine with what’s best for your optimal health. Seek treatment immediately if you have wheezing or difficulty breathing.
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