During the winter, with the arrival of the cold, there are diseases that become more present, especially those that affect the respiratory tract. The most popular, without a doubt, the common cold and flu which each year represents a challenge for public health due to the high number of cases that occur. But these are not the only common diseases in winter.
Viruses, bacteria and environmental factors mean that these are not the only diseases with the highest incidence in winter. Inflammation of the pharynx and tonsils are relatively frequent. Also asthma and bronchitis that often go hand in hand. Know them!
Cold
We can catch a cold at any time of the year, however, with the first cold of the year the number of cases increases. Caused mainly by rhinoviruses, It can affect people of all ages and they can infect others through nasal secretions or saliva.
This infectious disease affects the upper respiratory system: the nose, sinuses, pharynx, and larynx. The most frequent symptoms are sneezing, nasal congestion, cough and watery eyes. Most people get through it without fever and in a few days where it is always advisable to drink plenty of water to keep the body hydrated.
Flu
If we talk about common diseases in winter, we cannot not talk about the queen: the flu. It affects more than a million people in Spain each year, which is why in autumn each year a vaccination campaign massive. And this is the best remedy to avoid an epidemic.
the flu is caused by the influenza virus and can affect the respiratory tract: the nose, throat, bronchial tubes, and less frequently, the lungs. It usually manifests itself a couple of days after the viral infection has occurred with symptoms such as fever, muscle aches, chills, sore throat, headache, and fatigue.
It usually lasts between 3 and 5 days and to alleviate its symptoms, rest and the consumption of water and broths are recommended to stay hydrated. If the fever is high or it lengthens, it is always advisable, in addition, to consult with our family doctor how to treat this symptom. A combination of paracetamol and an analgesic is usually the winning solution but always, and especially if you have other health problems, it is advisable to consult it.
Pharyngitis
It's not uncommon for pharyngitis to be associated with the flu, but it doesn't have to be. Pharyngitis is most often caused by a virus, but it could also be caused by a bacterial infection or an allergic reaction. The result is the same: the inflammation of the pharynx.
The symptoms are clear: swollen lymph nodes in the neck and throat pain. In addition, a fever picture may sometimes appear that would force us to rest as in the case of fever. Staying hydrated and avoiding cold in the mouth and throat are key to overcoming it.
Bronchitis
When the bronchi become inflamed due to a bacterial infection or for other reasons such as asthma, bronchitis appears. This common disease in winter affects the lower airways and produces symptoms such as continuous coughing, fatigue, wheezing, chest pain, difficulty breathing and sometimes fever.
It is a contagious disease when its origin is bacterial, so it is recommended to stay at home until the disease disappears to avoid transmitting the infection to other people. In these cases, it is also important treat disease with antibiotics or the picture could get worse quickly.
In cases of asthma It is also very important to use bronchodilator inhalers or steroids to avoid suffocation and inflammation. Therefore, it is always mandatory to see a doctor when symptoms are detected.
Take care this winter! Wrap up well, take care of your diet and try to avoid these diseases that are so common at this time of year. And if you don't get it, see your GP before they get complicated to find out how to alleviate them.