Commonly Confused Winter Illnesses

So winters are finally here with all its chills and thrills and we all love getting a little cold after a long spring and summer. But with winter comes not its some common health problems and almost every one, anywhere around the world somehow suffers from flu, fever and cold. Seasonal allergies and diseases are a common health issue we are faced with as the weather changes. There is a common misconception among people, that all allergies and health problems are just cold or seasonal flu. Due to this confusion people try to treat all kinds of winter diseases as seasonal cold and flu, when it can be something else and requires serious treatment.

In order to get this confusion resolved, here are some of the most common winter illnesses, with their symptoms and precautionary measures.

Common Cold:

The most common of seasonal illness is “Common Cold” or generally known as cold. When you upper respiratory tract, including: nose and throat are infected by viruses causing a scratchy throat. The most common symptoms are: runny nose, sore throat, coughing, sneezing and congestion; a person can experience some or all of its symptoms at once. Common cold is usually contagious and ca spread from person to person or through contact with infected objects and areas. People having nose and throat allergies are most likely to be infected by the virus. The exhaustion and cold felt by the body during a common cold, is not a symptom itself but is resulted from the body constantly straining out mucus and regular coughing and sneezing. Children are highly susceptible to common colds as their immune system is not fully functional and strong enough to fight the virus and they spend most of their time at school, possibly with kids suffering from colds. Most common cold cases are reported in the beginning of fall and winters. People confuse common colds being bacterial when they are a viral disease, so it’s better to not take antibiotics when you are suffering from common cold. It usually lasts till 7 till 10 days with the symptoms eventually getting less and less visible. However, if your cold stays for more than 2 weeks, you should probably consult a doctor. For people with allergies, it is better to keep their nose covered most of the time, especially when going out in cold and chilly winds. The time when colds and other infections are common, make a habit of washing your hands as many times as possible as this reduces the risk of getting infected.

Influenza:

Another commonly confused winter illness is: influenza or generally known as “Flu.” Influenza or flu is also a viral disease caused mostly during winters. This respiratory illness, caused by the influenza virus is again contagious and can spread from person to person. However flu, if not taken care of, can result in serious outcomes, eventually leading to hospitalization or regular doctor visits. As most people suffer from this viral infection, every year in winter; therefore it is better to get vaccinated with the influenza vaccine before the start of the season. Although the symptoms of influenza and common cold are more or less similar, but influenza infected people also suffer from fever, headaches, nausea,vomiting and muscle soreness. With Influenza being at peak during extreme cold and winters, it is better to keep yourself warm, vaccinated, and hygienic. Being a viral disease, better not try to cure it with self-medication, specifically through antibiotics. Viral infections need prevention and care more than medicines. If you experience worsening of symptoms like constant vomiting, breathing difficulty, high temperature, and dizziness; you should consult your doctor immediately.

These two are the most common and most confused infections people experience during winters. People try to understand the nature of their illnesses on their own, which can make them vulnerable to worsening of a health problem. It is better to do your proper research or consult a doctor in matters of health. Have a safe and healthy winter!