7 Main diseases that happen in winter (and how to avoid them)

The main winter diseases are communicable respiratory diseases, such as colds and flu, in addition to the worsening of others such as rhinitis, asthma, sinusitis, otitis and pneumonia, as this period favors the circulation of viruses and bacteria, as the temperature gets lower, the air gets drier and there is a greater tendency to stay indoors.

The people most likely to suffer from these diseases are children and the elderly, as they have a weaker immune system. The period of greatest proliferation of microorganisms can vary according to the region of Brazil, since in the South and Southeast the coldest months can vary from May to October, while in the North and Northeast the months between April and June there are more chances of rain and falling temperatures.

1. Colds and flu

The flu are infections of the upper respiratory tract, such as nose and throat, caused by influenza-like viruses, and cause symptoms such as fever of around 37.8ºC, nasal discharge, runny nose, sore throat and pain in the muscles and joints, which lasts about 5 to 7 days.

Colds, on the other hand, are the same type of infection, but milder, caused by viruses such as adenovirus, rhinovirus and respiratory syncytial virus, and causes symptoms such as runny nose, sneezing, sore throat and conjunctivitis, which last an average of 3 to 5 days.

How to treat: there is no specific treatment for colds and flu, requiring rest, use of analgesics to relieve pain, as well as decongestants and nasal wash to fluidize and remove secretions.

2. Allergic rhinitis

Allergic rhinitis is the inflammation of the mucosa that lines the nose, caused by an allergic reaction, which causes symptoms such as sneezing, runny nose and itchy nose, symptoms that can last from a few minutes to several days. The substance that causes allergy varies for each person, being, generally, the pollen of plants, dust, mites or animal hair.

How to treat: this disease is chronic and has no cure, however there are treatments that can help treat and control your symptoms, such as antihistamines, nasal corticosteroids and, mainly, avoid contact with allergic substances. Find out more about the main treatment options for allergic rhinitis.

3. Sinusitis

Sinusitis is inflammation of the mucosa of the sinuses, which are structures around the nose, causing symptoms such as pain in the region of the face, nasal discharge and headache. Typically, people who already have a degree of allergic rhinitis are more likely to develop this inflammation in winter.

This disease is mainly caused by viruses, flu and colds, and allergies, with only a small part being caused by bacteria. Check out how to identify the symptoms of each type of sinusitis.

How to treat: the use of antihistamines, anti-inflammatories, decongestants and nasal lavage with saline is usually advised by the doctor, with antibiotics being indicated only when bacterial infection is suspected.

4. Pneumonia

Pneumonia occurs when inflammation and infection of the respiratory tract reaches the lungs, usually caused by bacteria, viruses or, more rarely, fungi. Symptoms of pneumonia include coughing with yellow or greenish phlegm, fever of about 38ºC or more and chills, and, if the infection is severe, it can also cause shortness of breath, difficulty breathing and wheezing.

How to treat: treatment depends on the cause, most often done with antibiotics and painkillers at home, with medical advice. In more severe cases, in which there are warning signs, such as impaired blood oxygenation, mental confusion or kidney failure, for example, hospitalization may be necessary to undergo treatment with direct medicine in the vein or use of oxygen.

5. Otitis

It is the infection that usually happens by viruses or bacteria that infect the throat and migrate to the ear. This infection can cause pain at the site, fever and secretion production, and is more common in children.

How to treat: generally, the doctor advises the use of painkillers, such as Paracetamol or Ibuprofen, and antibiotics are used only when bacterial infection is suspected.

6. Asthma

Asthma attacks happen in predisposed people, who have inflammatory lung disease, and can be triggered by allergic factors, such as cold or dust, for example. These attacks are more common in children, although they also happen in adults, and cause symptoms such as wheezing, shortness of breath and cough.

How to treat: treatment is carried out under the guidance of the pulmonologist, which may involve the use of bronchodilators and corticosteroids, for example. Better understand how to identify and treat asthma.

7. Meningitis

Meningitis is the infection of the membranes that surround the brain by viruses, bacteria, fungi or parasites, and causes symptoms that can appear suddenly, such as high fever, severe headache, body pain or vomiting.

It is more common in children, however it can happen in adults, transmitted through contact with saliva droplets, from the infected person, through coughing, sneezing or speaking. Understand what meningitis is and how to protect yourself.

How to treat: the treatment depends on the type of microorganism that causes it, which may be the use of injectable antibiotics, such as Penicillin, analgesics and anti-inflammatories, guided by the doctor.

How to avoid common winter diseases

To protect yourself and prevent these diseases, some measures include:

• Avoid closed places and with excess of people; Leave the environment as ventilated and airy as possible; Wash or sanitize your hands with alcohol several times a day, especially after being in public places; Cover your mouth and nose when sneezing or coughing, preferably with disposable tissue paper; Eat well and healthily, with a diet rich in fruits and vegetables, as they are rich in antioxidants and minerals that help improve immunity; Drink a bristle of 2 liters of water a day; Avoid going unnecessarily to the emergency room, as it is an environment with a high probability of contamination; avoid close contact with other sick people.

In addition, an annual flu vaccination is recommended, capable of protecting against the main influenza-causing viruses in the period. This vaccination is especially important for people at higher risk for the development of more severe influenza and viral pneumonia, such as the elderly, children, pregnant women, diabetics and those with lung, heart or autoimmune diseases.