THE arrival of Winteris closely related to the increase in cases of respiratory diseases. This is due to the fact that in winter, in addition to changes in temperature, we have a reduction in the relative humidity of the air and an increase in air pollution.
Added to these factors, on cold days, it is common for people to remain indoors, which ends up favoring the transmission of diseases.
Among the common winter diseases, we can mention:
The flu
Cold ordinary
Bronchitis acute
rhinitis allergic
Sinusitis
Next, we'll learn more about these diseases.
Read too:Winter Feeding Tips
→ The flu
Flu is a viral illness caused by the virus Influenza, which has different subtypes. Its transmission occurs from one person to another through the air, through droplets expelled by the patient when coughing, talking or sneezing. It can also be transmitted through contact with the patient's secretion, and the hand is an important vehicle, therefore, for contamination.
The flu is very similar to a cold, however, in colds, fever is not common and the causative agent is not the Influenza virus.
Among the flu symptoms we can mention fever, cough, sneezing, sore throat, head and body, in addition to chills. THE fever usually presents above 38º C and usually lasts about 3 days.
One of the main ways to prevent the flu is vaccinationYearly. The flu vaccine protects against the major influenza virus subtypes that are circulating. In addition, other simple measures can be taken to prevent this disease, such as: washing well hands, do not share personal items and avoid poorly ventilated environments and agglomeration of people.
The flu vaccine must be taken annually,one of the reasons for this recommendation is the mutation that the virus undergoes. |
Read too:How to Prevent Viral Diseases
→ common cold
The cold is a diseaseviral very similar to the flu and is often confused. One of the main differences is in its etiological agent. While the flu is caused by the Influenza virus, in most colds we have as an etiological agent the rhinoviruses.
The main symptoms of a cold are: runny nose, nasal congestion, sneezing and sore throat. Generally speaking, colds do not cause fever, and when they do, they are low. It is noteworthy that nThere are no cold vaccines, simple attitudes such as always washing your hand, not sharing personal items and avoiding contact with sick people are essential for prevention.
Avoid being indoors completely. An airy environment helps reduce transmission.are from a number of diseases. |
→ acute bronchitis
Bronchitis can be defined as a respiratory infection characterized by inflammation of the bronchi, which ends up impairing breathing. The acute form of bronchitis can be caused by viruses or bacteria, the latter being less common agents.
A person with bronchitis may have discomfort, cough, and shortness of breath.
Among the symptoms caused by this problem are shortness of breath, wheezing, coughing, fatigue, chest pain, malaise and fever. Treatment, in general, aims to treat symptoms such as fever and difficulty breathing. Antibiotic use will be recommended when bronchitis is caused by bacteria.
Healthy living habits, as a good nutrition and hydration are essential to prevent diseases in winter and also in other seasons. |
Read too: Tips on how to prevent illnesses in school-age children
→ Allergic rhinitis
Rhinitis is characterized by being a nasal mucosa inflammation. This health problem presents symptoms such as sneezing, itchy nose, nasal obstruction and runny nose, symptoms very similar to a common cold. Generally, rhinitis has an allergic or infectious cause, being in the first case classified as perennial or seasonal and in the second as acute or chronic.
In the case of allergic rhinitis, symptoms appear when a person comes in contact with an allergen (a substance that induces an allergic reaction). One of the facts that can lead to an increase in rhinitis in winter is the use of clothes and blankets that were kept for a long time and are taken out of the closets only in the cold period, often with dust, fungi and mites.
In winter, it is common to remove that clothing and that blanket stored since the previous winter. However, it is important to wash and dry them well before using them, in order to avoid allergic problems.s. |
Read too:Five contact-borne diseases
→ Sinusitis
Sinusitis is an inflammation of the lining of the sinuses. The sinuses can be defined as bony cavities located around the nose, cheekbones and eyes. Sinusitis can be caused by bacteria, viruses, fungi or allergic processes. It is noteworthy that rhinitis can trigger sinusitis.
Sinusitis is inflammation of the sinuses.
Among the symptoms observed in the case of sinusitis, headache, heavy headache, nasal obstruction, yellowish or greenish discharge, eye pain, malaise, fatigue and reduced appetite. Sinusitis can be classified as acute or chronic. In acute sinusitis, symptoms last up to four weeks, while in chronic sinusitis the duration of symptoms is longer than 12 weeks.
By Ma. Vanessa Sardinha dos Santos
Source: Brazil School - https://brasilescola.uol.com.br/saude-na-escola/5-doencas-comuns-no-inverno.htm