The Season of Cough, Colds, and Fever

CEBU, Philippines — At the onset of the cold season, health authorities always warn the public against a possible increase in cases of fever and other ailments brought about by the dropping temperatures. The Department of Health says that the cold weather usually triggers respiratory problems unless appropriate preventive measures are taken. Children and adults may become susceptible to cough, colds, and fever.

But Joanna Hlavacek, in article at the website www.lmh.org, lists other ailments that usually come with the cold weather:

Seasonal Allergies. Allergies tend to kick off the whole shebang of cold-weather ailments, making way for the onslaught of viral diseases that tend to hit as the rains become frequent and the breeze gets colder into December.

Those suffering from seasonal allergies are more likely to contract a virus because their immune systems are already under attack. Often, patients experiencing prolonged viral symptoms may also be battling allergies, without even realizing it. Mold, ragweed and dust mites, all prevalent in the wet season, are some of the most common seasonal-allergy triggers.

Bronchitis and Pneumonia. While cold weather does indeed constrict blood flow, leading to higher blood pressure, the majority of cold-weather ailments tend to be respiratory in nature – mostly bronchitis and pneumonia. Chronic conditions like asthma and COPD exacerbate these ailments making them become acutely worse.

Gastroenteritis. As temperatures cool down, there’s sometimes an occasional flare-up of gastroenteritis, a.k.a. stomach flu. Sometimes people think they’ve got the flu, but most of the time it’s a different virus that causes the diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, abdominal cramps and fever (not all at once, necessarily) associated with gastroenteritis.

While young children, the elderly, and those with chronic conditions such as asthma and COPD are probably the most vulnerable, health professionals find that the seasonal flu can infect pretty much anyone, and with serious consequences. Interestingly, it’s the healthier people who tend to get the sickest. There have been cases where a young, healthy person with normal lung function ends up in the ICU.

That’s why flu shots are very important. These are available at any doctor’s office or pharmacy around town. It is recommended that everyone 6 months and older be vaccinated.

Another thing to watch out for in the cold season is lung infections, most commonly cough and colds, according to Dr. Aruna Sud, MD, in an article at www.lybrate.com. Fortunately, all it takes to prevent these ailments is to plan a little so that the body can get used to the change and not react with a cough or cold, Dr. Sud writes.

Dr. Sud shares an advice to help avoid catching cold:

• Avoid sudden exposure to cold, from a heated room to the cold outdoors, especially in the evening and morning. Those who are used to a morning and evening walk may have to change the routine.

• Avoid cold food items such as cool drinks, milk shakes and ice-creams.

• Having a warm bath, early morning and late evening is advisable.

• Avoid foods such as sour stuffs, pickles and fried foods.

• Eat small, frequent meals that are prepared fresh, are nutritious and of moderate temperature.

• If there are infected people in your neighborhood, avoid being in close contact with them as you might get infected as well.

• Wash your hands enough to keep them free of germs.

• As much as cold weather does not make you thirsty, drink enough fluids so that your body stays hydrated. If water is not appealing enough, drink warm water or tea or lime.

• Ensure that the house is clean and disinfected, especially kitchen and bathroom.

• Avoid exposure to dust and pollen as they carry lot of germs.

• Avoid staying in a poorly ventilated room; enough circulation ensures germs are not concentrated in one room.

As the saying goes: “An ounce of prevention is better than a pound of cure.” But once the ailment is there, cure just has to be sought. In that case, the doctor is a best source of help.