The main winter diseases are communicable respiratory diseases, such as colds and flus, as well as aggravating others such as rhinitis, asthma, sinusitis, otitis and pneumonia, as this period favors the circulation of viruses and bacteria because the temperature drops, the air becomes drier and there is a greater tendency to stay indoors.
The most likely people to develop these diseases are children and the elderly because their immune system is weaker.The period of greatest proliferation of microorganisms may vary by region of Brazil, as in the south and southeast the coldest months may vary from May to October, while in the north and northeast the months of April to June are more prone to rain and lower temperatures.
- Influenza is an upper respiratory tract infection.
- Such as the nose and throat.
- Caused by flu-like viruses.
- And causes symptoms such as fever of about 37.
- 8 degrees Celsius.
- Runny nose.
- Runny nose.
- Sore throat and pain in the muscles and joints.
- Lasting about 5 to 7 days.
Colds, on the other hand, are of the same type of infection, but lighter, caused by viruses such as adenovirus, rhinovirus and respiratory syncytial virus, and cause symptoms such as runny nose, sneezing, sore throat and conjunctivitis, which last an average of 3 to 5 days.
How to treat: there is no specific treatment for colds and flu, requiring rest, the use of pain relievers, as well as decongestants and nasal washes to fluidize and eliminate secretions.
Allergic rhinitis is an inflammation of the mucosa of the nose caused by an allergic reaction, which causes symptoms such as sneezing, runny nose and itching, symptoms that can last from a few minutes to several days.The substance that causes an allergy varies for each person, usually pollen from plants, dust, dust mites or animal hair.
How to treat: this disease is chronic and not curable, however there are treatments that can help treat and control its symptoms, such as antihistamines, nasal corticosteroids and, mainly, avoiding contact with allergic substances. Learn more about the top treatment options for allergic rhinitis.
Sinusitis is an inflammation of the lining of the sinuses, which are structures around the nose, causing symptoms such as facial pain, runny nose and headaches.In general, people who already have some degree of allergic rhinitis are more likely to develop this inflammation.in the winter.
This disease is mainly caused by viruses, flu, colds and allergies, and only a small part is caused by bacteria.Learn how to identify the symptoms of each type of sinusitis.
How to treat: The use of antihistamines, anti-inflammatory, decongestants and nasal washing with saline solution is generally recommended by the doctor, as antibiotics are only indicated in cases of suspected bacterial infection.
Pneumonia occurs when inflammation and infection of the airways reach the lungs, usually caused by bacteria, viruses or, more rarely, fungi. Symptoms of pneumonia include coughing with yellow or greenish mucus, fever about 38 degrees Celsius or more, and chills., and if the infection is severe, it can also cause shortness of breath, shortness of breath and wheezing.
How to treat: treatment depends on the cause, most of the time it is done with antibiotics and painkillers at home, with medical advice; In more severe cases, where there are warning signs, such as impaired blood oxygenation, mental confusion or kidney failure, for example, hospitalization may be necessary to follow treatment with a direct medicine in the vein or the use of oxygen.
Throat infection is the infection that usually occurs through viruses or bacteria that infect the throat and migrate to the ear.This infection can cause on-site pain, fever and secretion production, and is more common in children.
How to treat: In general, your doctor advises the use of painkillers, such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen, and antibiotics are only used when a bacterial infection is suspected.
Asthma attacks occur in people predisposed with inflammatory lung disease and can be triggered by allergic factors, such as cold or dust.These seizures are more common in children, but they also occur in adults and cause symptoms such as wheezing, shortness of breath and coughing.
How to treat: Treatment is done under the direction of the pneumologist, which may involve the use of bronchodilators and corticosteroids, for example, to better understand how to identify and treat asthma.
Meningitis is infection of the membranes surrounding the brain by viruses, bacteria, fungi or parasites, and causes symptoms that may appear suddenly, such as high fever, severe headache, body pain or vomiting.
It is most common in children, but can occur in adults, transmitted by contact with saliva droplets, the infected person, coughing, sneezing or talking.Understand what meningitis is and how to protect yourself.
How to treat: Treatment depends on the type of microorganism that causes it, which may be the use of injectable antibiotics, such as penicillin, analgesics and anti-inflammatory drugs, guided by the doctor.
To protect yourself and prevent these diseases, some measures include:
In addition, an annual flu vaccine, capable of protecting against the main influenza viruses of the period, is recommended, this vaccine is particularly important for people at increased risk of developing more severe influenza and viral pneumonia, such as the elderly, children, pregnant women., diabetics and people with lung, heart or autoimmune diseases.