Common Winter Diseases: Prevention and Cure
It is that time of the year when you can read your favorite books and enjoy that freshly made hot cup of ginger tea or brewed coffee. However, along with numerous joys, the season also brings diseases with it. If you think that the common cold is the only “common” disease in winter, then you are highly mistaken.
A majority of winter ailments occur due to a weak immune system and flagging health. A strong immune system can not only shield the body against common ailments and infections but also ward off other, more serious disorders and diseases. The immune system can be kept healthy by eating good, healthy food. A balanced meal can help a person keep fit. Taking plenty of rest and exposing the body to adequate sunlight can also improve immunity.
Let us find out the most common diseases in winter and how to prevent them.
Stomach Flu
Stomach flu is most prevalent in winter in temperate climates and in summer in the tropics. For this reason, it used to be called winter flu. What is most often called stomach flu is actually a viral gastroenteritis. That just means an irritation of the stomach and intestines by a virus. It is very contagious and is commonly spread when people are gathered together in close proximity through person to person contact or fecal contamination of foods or water. Sometimes food borne illness/food poisoning that is due to bacteria is also mistakenly called the stomach flu. The viruses most commonly associated with viral gastroenteritis are norovirus and rotavirus.
Prevention:
- Washing your hands.
- Scrub all contaminated surfaces.
- Toss contaminated clothes in the laundry.
- Wash and cook food properly.
Heart Attack
Most of us are unaware of the fact that winter is one of the prime seasons for heart attacks. As the temperature falls, the arteries become constricted making it difficult for the heart to pump the blood. Experts suggest, people over the age of 30 should avoid exhausting themselves during winter season. Instead of going for a walk in chilly mornings, shift it to a time when it is slightly sunny. Also, do not overeat food during winter and preferably eat in small quantities.
Asthma
If you are asthmatic, you would probably know that asthma attacks mostly happen during winter. The cold and dry air leads to the tightening of airways and makes it even worse while breathing. Making some changes can surely be helpful. Keep your homes smoke free as smoke can travel even through closed doors. Wash all your bed covers at least once a week.
Itchy Skin
One of the most common problems that people face during winter is itchy skin. Cold temperature with low humidity result in winter itch. The best way to prevent yourself from itchy skin is to follow some of the remedies passed on by your grandmother. Avoid eating oily street food, apply almond, coconut or olive oil on your skin to avoid flakes and drink tea made with jaggery.
Joint Pain
There is no scientific evidence to joint pains in winter season but there are many people who do suffer from the pain in winter. One of the most common remedies to get relief from joint pains is keeping yourselves and your feet warm. Also, wear two or three pairs of thin clothing instead of one pair of heavy warm clothes. Exercising is another way to get rid of all joint and muscle stiffness during winter time without overdoing it. Basking in the sun is also a great way to get rid of the joint aches.
Sinusitis
Congestion, headaches, coughing, running nose as well as post nasal drip symptoms make people feel miserable during winter. Sinus problems occur when homes are closed and there is no proper ventilation. To stay clear of sinusitis this season, make sure you get enough rest, eat healthy and drink plenty of fluids to avoid catching a cold. Stay away from dust.