A cool nip in the air is nature’s its own way of manifesting that winter is around! This is the time of the year when people love to indulge in rich foods, festivities, fun and frolic; but then we also need to take care of ourselves as it is also the time of different ailments that the cold climate brings with it.

Let’s throw light on the following aspects-

·         common winter illnesses,

·         ways to prevent them

·         And easy steps on how to keep healthy. 

1. Common Cold

Common cold is the most common illness during winters and often we ignore it as something that is a part of changing season. The symptoms include a sore throat, chest congestion, headache, sneezing, runny nose etc. it affects the adults and children alike, and is expected to subside in a couple of days and doesn’t actually need for any serious medical consultations.

Steps to prevent:  

·         It is best to take proper rest, eat home cooked food, and drink ample fluids to get over the problem.

·         A common cold can be cured by many home remedies that are time tested and proven safe by doctors. Our ancestors were wise enough to invent medicines that helped way before the advent of modern medical science. Here are some simple home remedies through which you can cure a bad cold at home.

·         Consume hot liquids

·         Add black pepper to hot milk and consume before it cools

·         Gargle with lukewarm salt water as it does have an anti-inflammatory property that gives a soothing feel and relief in the throat.

2. Flu

Although, similar to common cold, flu also is not a serious health ailment, but it should not be under estimated as it is a contagious respiratory illness caused by a virus that goes by the name ‘influenza’. It can be mild or severe as well. Similar to the cold, a flu patient also complains of body ache, sore throat, fever, headaches etc. and these are enough to ruin the season.

Steps to prevent:

·         Always maintain respiratory hygiene, i.e., wash your hands frequently to avoid flu germs and bacteria, especially if in contact with someone already infected.

·         Ensure to keep your mouth covered with your hands when you happen to cough or sneeze

·         Exercise daily to strengthen your immunity

3. Bronchitis

Bronchitis is a respiratory infection that is caused by RSV or the respiratory syncytial virus. Typical symptoms include difficulty in breathing due to the inflammation airway passage in the lungs as they get clogged. Patients suffering of bronchitis experience mild fever, congestion of the nasal passage, wheezing and coughing.

Steps to prevent:

·         Take enough rest

·         Sleep more

·         Stay hydrated

4. Pneumonia: Another lung infection that spreads its wings during the winter season is Pneumonia:

A disease caused by bacteria can be mild or severe in nature, which means it can be treated at home if mild, but hospitalisation too is likely at times if it becomes severe. People with weaker immunity are more prone to contract pneumonia if they have health issues such as asthma, heart ailments or cancer. If a patient persistently experiences cold or fever in spite of the ongoing prescribed medication, a second medical opinion must be sought for. 

Steps to prevent:

·         Wash your hands every time after you use the washroom

·         Regular exercise helps a lot.

·         Eat good food, seasonal vegetables, and fruits

·         Quit smoking immediately, if you do.

5.      Winter Skin Ailments

It’s not only the respiratory issues, winter also brings with it a host of skin troubles such as itching, flaring of eczema, psoriasis etc. Flaky, itchy skin, dehydrated skin, and UV damage & chapped lips are the most common skin ailments in winter.

Steps to prevent:

·         Eat well, drink ample fluids and moisturize yourself. In a nut shell, stay well hydrated, inside out.

·         You must make it a point that you continue to wear your sunscreen before you step out.

·         Keeping the skin moisturized is the most basic skincare requirement for this season.

·         Products with vitamin A & Edo help if you have chapped lips.

·         Bathing in very hot water will lead to dry patches on your skin, so it should be avoided as much as possible.

·         Using a natural cleanser and a heavy moisturizer, helps too.

SAFEGAURADING HEALTH

There are some simple tips that can be practiced even at home that will safeguard you as well as your family from any winter infection. Simple things like washing hands at regular intervals can ensure a healthy and safer family future.

·         Make it a habit to wash your hands with soap at regular intervals

·         If you are suffering of a bad cold, then you need to cover your mouth while sneezing and coughing.

·         Be very sure that you use your own utensils when it comes to eating and drinking

·         Keep drinking plenty of water to keep yourself hydrated