10 Cold-Weather Illnesses You Should Know
Winter is a season many look forward to, with its cold, refreshing air offering a sense of comfort and relaxation. However, it is also a time when viruses and other pathogens thrive, increasing the risk of illness for children and adults. Children may show disease symptoms after returning from school, and adults might notice colleagues often coughing or sneezing.
What are the common illnesses during winter? How can we protect ourselves?
Why are we more prone to illness in winter?
During winter, many people fall ill more frequently than at other times. One reason for this increased susceptibility is the dry air of the colder weather, which facilitates the transmission of respiratory droplets. When an infected person coughs or sneezes, these droplets can linger in the air and more easily spread pathogens. Additionally, many viruses have an incubation period of 2-3 days or sometimes up to a week, meaning that everyone can unknowingly carry and transmit the virus to others before symptoms even appear. Given these factors, it is crucial to prioritize health and take preventive measures during the winter to protect ourselves and others.
What can we do to prevent and minimize the transmission of germs?
Preventing the transmission of germs during sickness is critically important. When you are ill, it is essential to follow these guidelines to minimize the transmission of infections as much as possible:
- If you are unwell, rest at home until your symptoms improve or you are no longer contagious. If you must go out or be near others, especially those with weakened immune systems, wear a mask to prevent spreading the illness.
- Cough or sneeze into the crook of your elbow instead of your hands if you do not have tissue paper. This practice helps prevent the spread of germs as you might forget to wash your hands and inadvertently transfer the germs to surfaces and objects frequently touched by others.
- Frequently disinfect high-touch surfaces and objects, such as tables, doorknobs, and remote controls.
- Do not share utensils, drinking glasses, dishes, towels, or other personal items with others to prevent cross-contamination.
- Wash your hands regularly with soap and water or use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer to reduce the risk of spreading infections.
10 Common Winter Illnesses
1. Common Cold (Rhinovirus)
Common cold, medically referred to as rhinovirus infection, is a frequent ailment during cooler or humid weather conditions. There are over 200 strains of cold viruses, which explains why individuals may experience colds 2-3 times a year. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), there are approximately one billion cases of common colds annually, with the majority affecting children due to their underdeveloped immune systems.
Common colds spread readily during the rainy and winter seasons, which provide an ideal environment for virus proliferation. Infected individuals can transmit the virus during the incubation period, but the risk of transmission is highest on the third day when symptoms are most severe.
It is advisable to stay well-hydrated to alleviate the symptoms. Drinking warm fluids can soothe a sore throat and relieve nasal congestion. Using a humidifier to increase air moisture and gargling with salt water can also help reduce throat irritation and expel mucus
2. Influenza (Flu)
Although influenza typically peaks between October and May, it can occur year-round. The World Health Organization (WHO) reports that approximately one billion cases of influenza occur globally each year. Individuals with the flu can transmit the virus even before symptoms emerge. The best preventive measure is to get an annual influenza vaccination, which helps build immunity against the strains of the flu virus circulating during the season.
3. Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19)
COVID-19 is a highly transmissible infectious disease, similar to influenza or RSV. While individuals who have received the COVID-19 vaccine can still contract the virus, their symptoms are generally milder, and hospitalization is often not required. Vaccination remains crucial in mitigating the severity of the disease. COVID-19 is transmissible 1-2 days before the onset of symptoms. Those asymptomatic or who have mild symptoms typically spread the virus for approximately 5 days, whereas patients with moderate to severe symptoms may transmit the virus for up to 20 days.
During the COVID-19 outbreaks of 2020 and 2021, with many infections and deaths, wearing masks in public settings or around individuals with weakened immune systems proved effective in reducing transmission. Once patients are symptom-free and have completed a 10-day isolation period, they can resume normal activities without the need to wear a mask.
4. Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV)
Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) can cause symptoms similar to common colds in healthy adults and children. However, in high-risk groups, such as infants, seniors, and individuals with weakened immune systems, RSV can lead to severe inflammation of the bronchi and lungs, which can be potentially life-threatening.
In Thailand, RSV commonly circulates from the rainy season through early winter (June to November), with a notable prevalence in young children. In 2020, the incidence of RSV among children surged to 2-3 times the previous year's. Annually, approximately 58,000 to 85,00 children require hospitalization for RSV, along with around 177,000 cases in individuals over 60.
RSV can be transmitted 2-3 days before symptoms appear, with an average infectious period of 8 days. However, infants and immunocompromised individuals may continue the viral spreading for up to 1 month even after symptoms have resolved.
Effective prevention of RSV includes vaccines and monoclonal antibodies, which help bolster immunity and reduce the risk of infection.
5. Bronchitis
Patients with the common cold, influenza, or COVID-19 may be at risk of developing bronchitis, especially if symptoms are severe or untreated. Common signs of bronchitis include inflammation of the bronchial tubes, mucus accumulation, and a persistent cough lasting more than three weeks. While bronchitis is not contagious, the underlying infections—such as the common cold, influenza, or COVID-19—are infectious.
6. Pneumonia
Pneumonia is an infectious disease caused by bacterial or viral infections. Children under the age of 2, adults aged 65 and older, and individuals with weakened immune systems should receive the pneumococcal vaccine to prevent severe complications associated with this condition.
According to the Department of Disease Control in Thailand, there was a 15-20% increase in pneumonia cases between December 2020 and January 2021. Children and seniors were at a higher risk of experiencing more severe symptoms.
For patients with bacterial pneumonia, transmission of the infection generally ceases after at least 2 days of antibiotic treatment or once the fever subsides.
7. Conjunctivitis
When bacterial or viral infections affect the eyes, the blood vessels in the conjunctiva become inflamed, causing the white part of the eye to turn pink or red. Bacterial conjunctivitis is contagious from the incubation period until symptoms manifest.
However, once patients have been on antibiotics for 24 hours, the infection is no longer transmissible.
Individuals with conjunctivitis should avoid touching their eyes and face and practice frequent hand washing to prevent the spread of infection and reduce the risk of further complications.
8. Sinusitis
Colds or seasonal allergies can lead to sinus infections, causing acute sinusitis. While sinusitis is not contagious, individuals with acute sinusitis often have accompanying colds, which can spread the cold virus to others.
To alleviate symptoms, patients can use saline nasal irrigation to reduce mucus congestion and pressure in the nasal passages. In addition, applying a warm compress to the nasal area can help open the sinuses, facilitating easier breathing.
9. Strep Throat
Strep throat or Streptococcal pharyngitis is a relatively uncommon but contagious condition. According to the Department of Disease Control in Thailand, there was a 10-15% increase in cases of streptococcal pharyngitis during the winter of 2021, with most cases occurring among children and adolescents due to school outbreaks.
This bacterial infection leads to inflammation of the throat and tonsils, causing pain during swallowing, fever, and swollen lymph nodes. If left untreated, it can progress to scarlet fever, characterized by a widespread rash. Streptococcal pharyngitis remains contagious until the patient is fever-free or has been on antibiotics for at least 12 hours.
10. Norovirus Gastroenteritis
Norovirus gastroenteritis, often known as "stomach flu," is caused by norovirus, inducing symptoms such as diarrhea, vomiting, and abdominal pain. This virus is highly contagious and can survive on surfaces like door handles for several weeks.
Norovirus spreads rapidly within 2-3 days of symptom onset through vomit or feces of infected individuals. Symptoms may last up to 2 weeks before complete recovery.
Therefore, maintaining hygiene and preventing the spread of the virus is crucial for controlling outbreaks.
When to Seek Medical Attention
- Infants under 3 months should have medical attention if they have a fever.
- For children under 3 years old, consult a physician promptly if their temperature reaches 37-38°C (98.6-100.4°F).
- For adults, see a doctor if experiencing a fever higher than 38.5°C (101.3°F) lasting more than 4 days.
- Experiencing wheezing, difficulty breathing, or pain in the chest.
- Developing severe fatigue or lethargy.
- Having signs of dehydration, such as dark urine, dizziness, or a sunken fontanelle in infants.
Conclusion
Preparing for winter illnesses is crucial. Vaccination remains an effective strategy to bolster immunity and reduce the risk of infections. Additionally, frequent handwashing is a simple yet highly effective measure for preventing the spread of germs and minimizing the risk of illness.
In addition to vaccination and hand hygiene, attention to personal hygiene practices is essential. These include wearing masks in crowded settings, maintaining physical distance from those showing symptoms, and avoiding unnecessary face-touching. Comprehensive health management, including adequate rest, a nutritious diet, and regular exercise, is vital for strengthening the immune system and effectively combating winter diseases.