How to prevent respiratory diseases in winter

Respiratory diseases are caused mainly by viruses and bacteria that are transmitted from one person to another, not only through droplets of secretion in the air, but also by contact of the hands with objects that may contain microorganisms that cause infections..

Some of the most common respiratory infections are colds, flu, sinusitis, tonsillitis, laryngitis, otitis and pneumonia, which mainly affect children and the elderly, as they have a weaker immune system.

In addition, although they can appear at any time of the year, these diseases are more common in the winter, as it is a colder, drier period and when people try to stay in more closed environments, facilitating the proliferation of microorganisms. Thus, the main measures to prevent respiratory infections are:

1. Wash your hands thoroughly

It is common for people to believe that respiratory infections only happen through the air, but forget that one of the main forms of contamination is through the hands, when touching something that contains microorganisms and then bringing it to the mouth, nose or eyes.

So, to avoid a respiratory infection, it is recommended to wash your hands well, or at least use alcohol gel, especially when going to public places, or when touching door handles, telephones, handrails or when using public transport, for example.

Check out the following video for the right way to wash your hands:

2. Avoid crowds and closed places

Frequent environments with many people, especially if it is a place without a lot of air circulation, makes it easier to contract respiratory infections, as they are favorable to the proliferation of microorganisms, such as viruses, bacteria and fungi.

Thus, it is common to acquire these types of infections in places such as schools, daycare centers, nursing homes, shopping malls, parties or at work, as they tend to contain more people in closed places. Therefore, to avoid airway infections, it is recommended to keep the environment ventilated, ventilated and light, in order to reduce the accumulation of microorganisms.

3. Don't smoke

Smoking facilitates the development of respiratory infections, as well as hinders recovery, as it causes inflammation of the airways, irritation of the mucosa and also the reduction of its protective mechanisms.

In addition, those who live with those who smoke are not free from their ills, as passive smoking also causes these effects on the airways. Therefore, it is recommended not only to stop smoking, but also not to be around those who are smoking.

Also check out 10 serious diseases caused by smoking.

4. Keeping allergic rhinitis under control

Rhinitis is inflammation of the airway mucosa, especially the nose, and its presence facilitates the development of respiratory infections, as it reduces the effectiveness of the region's defenses.

Thus, it is important to avoid the factors that trigger rhinitis, such as dust, mites, mold, pollen or pet hair, for example, as well as to properly treat this inflammation if it is present, as a way to prevent it from becoming a cold or a sinusitis, for example. Check out the causes and how to treat allergic rhinitis.

5. Get the flu shot

The flu vaccine can protect against influenza-like viruses, which cause the flu and can cause pneumonia, such as H1N1.

It should be remembered that the vaccine protects only from the viruses programmed in the vaccine formula, which are, generally, the most infectious and dangerous of that period. Thus, it does not protect from other viruses, so some people may get a cold even if they have had the vaccine.

Ask questions about the flu vaccine on who can get the flu vaccine.

6. Stay hydrated

Keeping the body hydrated and with a balanced and balanced diet prevents falls in immunity that can facilitate an infection.

Thus, it is recommended to take about 2 liters of fluids a day, including water, juices, coconut water and teas, and also adopt a diet rich in vegetables, as it contains vitamins and minerals, which help to protect the body.

7. Sleep 7 to 8 hours a night

Sleep at least 6 hours, and preferably between 7 to 8 hours a night, is recommended for the body to be able to balance its metabolism and recover its energies and immune system.

Thus, those who sleep very little are more likely to acquire infections, and the body tends to yield much less for any activity.

8. Maintain moisture in the air

The very dry air facilitates the proliferation of organisms and the dryness of the respiratory mucous membranes, therefore, it is recommended to avoid the excessive use of air conditioning and keep the environment more ventilated.

A tip is the moderate use of the air humidifier, on the driest days, in order to balance the humidity. Also check out homemade ways to humidify the air.

9. Use antibiotics only with medical advice

Using antibiotics without the proper guidance of the doctor is very harmful. It should be borne in mind that most infections are caused by viruses, and using antibiotics will have no advantage and, on the contrary, will expose the body to its side effects that can be dangerous.

In addition, the misuse of antibiotics causes the body's bacterial flora to become unbalanced, facilitating the appearance of a worrying bacterial infection.

10. Does using vitamin C protect you from infections?

There is no scientific evidence that only the use of vitamin C can protect against a specific infection. However, the consumption of vitamins and minerals, such as vitamin C, vitamin A, vitamin E, omega-3, flavonoids, carotenoids and selenium, for example, are beneficial to the immune system, as they are antioxidants.

Antioxidants prevent the accumulation of free radicals in the body, which is useful in preventing disease and premature aging. Vitamin C and other antioxidants can be consumed in the form of supplements, however, they are easily found in food, especially in vegetables. Check out which foods are rich in antioxidants.