With the arrival of cold weather, it is important to take extra care of your health, especially for children, the elderly, and people with chronic diseases. Being alert to symptoms and seeking medical advice at the slightest sign of worsening can prevent serious complications.
June marks the arrival of winter and is considered the coldest month of the year in Brazil. With lower temperatures, it is also common to see a significant increase in cases of respiratory diseases. But is there really a direct link between the cold and these illnesses?
Experts say yes. Cold weather favors an increase in respiratory infections for several reasons. First, dry winter air dries out the respiratory tract, reducing natural protection against viruses and bacteria. In addition, people tend to spend more time indoors in poorly ventilated environments, which facilitates the spread of microorganisms.
Among the most common respiratory diseases at this time of year are:
- Common cold –caused by viruses, with symptoms such as a runny nose, sneezing, mild cough, and general malaise.
- Flu (influenza) –also viral, it is more aggressive than the common cold and causes high fever, body aches, chills, and intense fatigue.
- Allergic rhinitis –common in dusty, low-humidity environments, causes sneezing, nasal congestion, and itchy eyes.
- Asthma –can be triggered or aggravated by cold weather, with symptoms such as shortness of breath, wheezing, and coughing.
- Bronchitis and pneumonia –more serious infections, with persistent cough, fever, chest pain, and difficulty breathing.
Most viral respiratory diseases are treated symptomatically, with rest, hydration, and medication prescribed by a healthcare professional. In more severe cases, such as bacterial pneumonia, antibiotics may be necessary.
Prevention is the best approach. Some effective measures include:
- Wash your hands frequently;
- Keep rooms well ventilated;
- Avoid crowds in enclosed spaces;
- Use humidifiers or bowls of water to improve air quality;
- Keep your vaccinations up to date, especially against the flu.
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