Winter’s Chill: Navigating Winter Health Issues in India

Ah, the chilly season of the year, winter is all set to knock on your doors. But the season of cozy blankets and hot chai also brings health problems. The dropping temperatures can also affect your health status. So, if you want to enjoy the winter vibe, taking preventive measures to protect yourself is important. The season comes with its own set of challenges. So, let’s scroll through the winter hazards you may need to know.

Common Health Problems In Winter:

Common Cold & Cough: When the temperature drops, it first hits your respiratory system. It increases the risk of respiratory infections like common cold & cough. You’ll agree that with the change in weather, you’ll meet every second person coughing or sneezing. With less daylight and long nights, vitamin D consumption decreases, leading to poor immunity and making you prone to cold & cough. It is often associated with a Runny or stuffy nose, Sore throat, Cough, Sneezing, Fever, Body aches, or Mild headaches.

How to prevent it?

• Wash hands frequently.
• Switch to immunity-boosting foods.
• Keep nose and mouth covered while coughing or sneezing.
• Avoid close contact with those who are sick.
• Take sufficient rest.

Flu: The flu seems like a forever mate of winter that affects the infected person’s respiratory tract, leading to several problems. While it is not serious, it is still contagious, which is mild anyway and can be severe if left unaddressed. The common symptoms associated with seasonal flu are Fever, Cold Sweats, Headache, Exhaustion, Gastrointestinal Discomfort, Body Aches, etc.

How to prevent it?

• Practice good hygiene.
• Keep a safe distance from people showing flu symptoms.
• Maintain respiratory hygiene.
• Eat foods that boost and protect your immunity.

Pneumonia: Another health issue that takes the highest spot during the winter is Pneumonia, a type of lung infection that can be life-threatening if left unaddressed, especially in children below 5. Severe cough, green phlegm, coughed-up lungs, difficulty breathing, high fever, and vomiting are some commonly associated symptoms.

How to prevent it?

• Make season fruits and vegetables your friend.
• Avoid smoking and exposure to secondhand smoke.
• Practice good hand and respiratory hygiene.
• Get vaccinated and visit your doctor if symptoms persist.

Sore Throat: A common visitor that winter brings is a sore throat. This pain and discomfort sneak in winter silently, making the throat sore and scratchy. Dryness in the air, air pollution, and allergies are some major causes that contribute to it and lead to severe pain in the throat, swollen throat, tonsils, and more.

How to prevent it?

• Drink warm water or soups.
• Avoid exposure to sudden temperature changes.
• Keep nose or mouth covered in cold weather.
• Gargle with warm salt water to ease irritation.

Asthma Attacks: Winters can be challenging for people with asthma, as chilly winds can trigger breathing problems and asthma attacks. So, being prepared is essential to prevent complications and manage the condition better. While the symptoms and severity can vary, some common signs that most people complain about are shortness of breath, wheezing, coughing, or chest tightness. The symptoms can worsen with time; therefore, consulting a doctor is essential.

How to prevent it?

• Keep indoors clean and free from allergens.
• Limit outdoor activity, especially when air quality is poor.
• Always keep your inhaler and prescribed medicines handy.
• Keep mouth or nose covered.

Seasonal Depression: Don’t be surprised. We are not making it up; it is a thing that makes you feel more lethargic and less happy during the chilly winter season. While the clear cause of Seasonal Depression, also called Seasonal Affective Disorder or SAD, is still unknown, less sunlight and shorter days are major factors that might contribute to it.

How to prevent it?

• Get regular exposure to natural light.
• Stick to a tight sleep schedule.
• Engage in regular physical activity.
• Practice stress-relieving techniques.
• Eat healthy and seek professional help.

Pain In Knee: Ah, the winter season brings not just chilly winds but also an unwelcome companion called joint pains. Many, from our parents to grandparents, nod in agreement with us when winters are blamed for those achy knees, hips, or shoulders. The season can freeze our joy and mobility and needs immediate attention for better protection.

How to prevent it?

• Stay physically active with low-impact exercises.
• Maintain a healthy weight.
• Practice proper posture.
• Apply heat packs or take warm baths.

Itching Skin: As winter sets in, dryness or itchy skin is another problem that hits you. Thanks to the cold air and heated indoor environment can weaken the skin’s protective barrier, causing irritation and itchiness.

How to prevent it?

• Keep skin moisturized.
• Take shorter, lukewarm showers.
• Wear appropriate clothing.
• Avoid excessive use of heaters.
• Stay hydrated.

Conclusion:

Winters are not just about cozy blankets, chilly winds, and hot cocoa; they come with their own health challenges. But don’t let these challenges dampen your winter vibes. Take simple preventive measures and bundle up against the cold to protect your skin and joints. With a little care and small steps, you can enjoy the magic of winter without experiencing any health troubles. Besides all these, make Winter Health Packages a part of your winter regimen to avoid health complications.

Redcliffe Labs – Your Partner For Winter Health Screening

With Redcliffe Labs, Healthy India Ki Trusted Lab, you can book a Winter Care Package to get tested comfortably from home. The package includes different parameters to assess your health and check for infections, inflammations, and other diseases common in winter, even before symptoms appear. So, do follow them to embrace the season of winter with wellness.

Stay warm, stay healthy, and embrace the season!