Winter or the cold season is a period when the weather becomes colder than usual, and in some areas, it may drop suddenly, causing our body temperature to adjust quickly. This can make it easier to get sick than usual, especially among children, the elderly, and those who are already ill or have weak health. There are 6 common diseases that come with winter:
Common cold, Influenza, pneumonia, measles, diarrhea, and chickenpox Therefore, we should study the symptoms and treatments to prevent these diseases before they affect our loved ones or ourselves.
- Common Cold
The common cold can occur in almost every season, but in winter, the chance of getting it is twice as high and more frequent than usual. If not properly cared for, the symptoms may worsen. The common cold is caused by viruses that infect the respiratory tract, with the most common virus being the “rhinovirus,” which usually causes nasal congestion, runny nose, coughing, sneezing, and sore throat as initial symptoms. Some patients may also experience fever, chills, headache, and body aches.
Treatment
This disease can be treated by getting enough rest, drinking plenty of fluids, wiping the body every hour when having a fever, and taking medication according to symptoms. However, if the fever persists at a high level for a long time, see a doctor immediately for further examination.
How to take care of yourself
Eat nutritious food, exercise regularly, avoid polluted environments, and avoid coughing or sneezing on others because the common cold is highly contagious through sneezing or coughing. It is best to wear a mask when going to crowded places if you are sick. Also, focus on eating fruits high in vitamin C, as vitamin C helps alleviate cold symptoms effectively.
- Influenza
Influenza has symptoms similar to the common cold but is more severe and can be fatal Influenza is caused by an acute respiratory infection with the causative agent being the “influenza virus,” which causes symptoms such as high fever, chills, sore throat, severe muscle and headache pain, and may also include nausea and vomiting.
Treatment
Treatment is similar to the common cold. When symptoms start, drink plenty of fluids to reduce body temperature, wipe the body when fever rises, and take medication according to symptoms. If the fever becomes high, see a doctor immediately.
How to take care of yourself
For those with low immunity, young children, pregnant women, the elderly, and those with chronic illnesses, get the influenza vaccine at hospitals or health stations nationwide. Also, avoid sharing personal items such as glasses, handkerchiefs, towels, and spoons. Always cover your mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing, wear a mask when going out if symptoms appear, wash hands frequently with soap or alcohol gel, and use wet wipes to clean frequently touched surfaces and objects.
- Pneumonia
Pneumonia is an inflammation of the lungs caused by bacterial or viral infections that become excessive, leading to pus formation in the alveoli. The pathogens are usually found in the saliva and sputum of patients and can spread through coughing, sneezing, or aspiration of saliva, food particles, and digestive fluids. The main symptoms are coughing, sneezing, excessive phlegm, chest tightness causing difficulty breathing, shortness of breath, and high fever. Pneumonia may occur after chronic colds or in people with chronic lung diseases. It is common in winter, especially among the elderly and young children aged 5 – 10 years or younger.
Treatment
This disease is quite severe and requires careful treatment. If unwell, closely monitor symptoms. Drink water frequently, get enough rest, eat easily digestible food, and if fever occurs, wipe the body regularly and take fever-reducing medication to relieve symptoms. Symptoms will gradually improve and recover within 1 week. However, if symptoms worsen, such as lethargy, high fever, inability to eat or drink, rapid breathing, or noisy breathing, see a doctor immediately as these are early signs of pneumonia. Those suspected of having pneumonia should consult a doctor for immediate treatment.
How to take care of yourself
When you start having cold symptoms, seek treatment promptly and see a doctor regularly. Drink warm water and stay in well-ventilated areas. For young children, get the pneumonia vaccine at hospitals or nearby health stations. Avoid crowded places and wash hands every time you return home.
- Measles
Measles is a viral disease with symptoms similar to the common cold, which starts with fever followed by a runny nose, usually a dry cough all the time, red eyes and nose. In children, there is a high fever for about 3 – 4 days, then red rashes appear behind the ears, spreading to the face and body. The rash gradually enlarges and darkens. Some patients may have clear blisters inside the mouth on the cheeks and upper molars, which are specific to “measles” and appear rapidly within 24 hours. After the rash appears for about 2 – 3 days, symptoms gradually improve. Complications to watch out for include pneumonia, diarrhea, encephalitis, or middle ear infection
Measles is usually transmitted through respiratory droplets from coughing, sneezing, or close contact. The risk period for this disease is “winter,” especially in January, when the number of cases increases every year. The high-risk group includes young children and school-aged children between 5 – 9 years old.
Treatment
Take fever-reducing medication, treat symptoms, see a doctor, and attend follow-up appointments regularly to monitor the condition.
How to take care of yourself
Avoid crowded places with infections, wear a mask when necessary, wash hands frequently when returning home, and get the combined vaccine for measles, German measles, and mumps, which all children should receive between 9 -12 months of age and a booster at 6 years old.
- Diarrhea
Most diarrhea cases in children are caused by “rotavirus” and are commonly found in children under 5 years old, especially those aged 6-12 months. This age group is in a learning phase and tends to put everything in their mouths. The virus is present in the environment around children and is most common from October – February. Symptoms include watery diarrhea accompanied by fever and vomiting, often with a red bottom. Usually, diarrhea symptoms resolve within 3 – 7 days. However, close monitoring is necessary to check if there is blood or mucus in the stool. If blood is present along with cold symptoms, see a doctor immediately for treatment.
Treatment
If the child has frequent diarrhea causing dehydration, give small, frequent sips of oral rehydration solution throughout the day to prevent dehydration. Signs of dehydration include dry mouth, thirst, and reduced urination. If the child cannot take oral rehydration, intravenous fluids are necessary. Avoid giving food that worsens dehydration; instead, focus on foods rich in starch and protein and avoid high-fiber foods. Children who are still drinking milk can continue as usual.
How to take care of yourself
Maintain hygiene at home, wash hands every time after handling dirty items, clean toys and frequently used items regularly, avoid taking young children to crowded places, and have children vaccinated at hospitals. The vaccine is given to children aged 2 – 4 months, but the vaccine cost is relatively high, so parents should consider accordingly.
- Chickenpox
Chickenpox is caused by the “varicella virus” and is transmitted by direct contact with clear blisters or by touching personal items such as glasses, handkerchiefs, towels, blankets, bedding, or inhaling airborne virus particles. It is common in children aged 5 – 15 years. Adults are less commonly affected and usually those who have never had the disease before. Chickenpox occurs mostly in late winter, from January – March, but can be found sporadically throughout the year. Symptoms include low-grade fever, loss of appetite, body aches, similar to early influenza symptoms, followed immediately by rashes or blisters. Initially, red rashes appear, then turn into clear blisters that itch, later becoming pus-filled. The blisters appear on the hairline and spread to the face, arms, legs, torso, and back, gradually covering the entire body within 4 days. Then they dry and scab over within 5 – 10 days, while the fever gradually subsides.
Symptom treatment
Treat symptoms accordingly. Take fever-reducing medication when fever occurs. Avoid sharing personal items with others. Rest until fully recovered. Do not scratch or pick at the blisters as this may cause infection and scarring. Most cases do not require a doctor’s visit as the illness is short-lived, without complications, and will resolve on its own.
How to take care of yourself
There is now a vaccine to prevent this disease, which can be given to children aged 1 year and older. Adults who have never had chickenpox can also get vaccinated for protection. This disease is highly contagious through contact, so avoid sharing items and physical contact with infected individuals. However, those who have chickenpox can live normally with others who have the disease.
Diseases that come with winter are easily transmitted through coughing, sneezing, or just touching. Therefore, the Department of Disease Control issues warnings about these diseases every winter, especially for high-risk groups and those with chronic diseases such as diabetes, heart disease, lung disease, and anemia, as they have low immunity. They should take special care of themselves by keeping warm, maintaining good health, exercising regularly, eating a balanced diet with all five food groups, maintaining cleanliness, washing hands after touching dirty items, and avoiding alcohol and all intoxicants to keep the body fresh and strong to effectively resist diseases and complications.
