The arrival of cold fronts and low temperatures makes us more susceptible to some respiratory illnesses. Therefore, we provide you with information about these diseases, the symptoms they produce and the preventive measures you can take during this period.
The most common respiratory illnesses in winter are infections such as bronchitis (the bronchial tree is affected) or pneumonia (the lung parenchyma is affected, detectable on chest X-ray). In turn, symptoms of other pre-existing respiratory infections, such as asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), may increase during this season. The root cause may be infectious or inflammatory, and some of the symptoms seen during winter are:
The cough worsens.
Increased phlegm.
Shortness of breath.
There was a whistling sound in his chest.
Nocturnal awakening.
Is the cold making us sick?
Until recently, it was thought that hypothermia had no connection with the development of respiratory diseases. However, it has recently been shown that they do have an effect on such conditions. The cold causes us to breathe dry air, which encourages bacteria that can cause infections like bronchitis or pneumonia to enter our bodies during inhalation.
How can we prevent the next cold air coming?
While the spread of respiratory illnesses is common with the onset of cold temperatures, we have an effective way to prevent them: vaccines.
Flu vaccine
The influenza vaccine is given once a year and is available to people 65 years and older and under 2 years of age, or to people 2 to 65 years of age who are immunosuppressed or have certain comorbidities.
pneumonia vaccine
The pneumonia vaccine is available for children under 2 years of age and those above 65 years of age or those with comorbidities. There are two types of vaccines that prevent 69% of pneumococcal infections.
Wear appropriate warm clothing: A coat or jacket made of closed fabric, preferably windproof, layered with lightweight warm clothing, gloves, hat, scarf and waterproof boots.
Avoid contact with cold people and people with respiratory symptoms. If you are sick, it is not recommended to visit older adults, who often have underlying medical conditions that make them more likely to develop severe symptoms from respiratory illnesses.
Room ventilation: In order to ventilate the room and avoid catching cold, it is recommended to dress warmly and open the doors and windows.
Regarding home ventilation when the weather is cold, it is recommended to open doors and windows for 30 to 60 minutes at noon (the obviously coldest time) and then close them to prevent the room from cooling down. Too much, as it is not recommended to spend too much time in a very cold room.
handwashing: Wash frequently with soap and water.
Cover your mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing: Fold with the inside of your elbow, never your hands, to prevent expelled bacteria from affecting other people and reaching the object.
Stay hydrated even on cold days: the airways (nose and mouth) are the main defense system against the emergence of viruses, so it is recommended to drink 2 to 3 liters of water per day to hydrate the body.
Water maintains the function of your respiratory tract and is the best expectorant when you have the flu, which is why it’s crucial to stay hydrated every day.
Room heating: To maintain ambient heating during very cold seasons, incandescent devices that emit heat, such as stoves or air conditioners, must be used at an ideal temperature between 25° and 26°, a temperature that the human body can adapt to. It is important to avoid placing them at temperatures above these; allergy sufferers and asthma sufferers can develop symptoms of bronchial obstruction when temperatures are very high. In hot environments, it is recommended to use a humidifier.
The use of fire pits and wind-generating heaters in the home is discouraged as they can make the environment very dry, ultimately leading to dryness of the upper respiratory tract.
Disinfection of “high-touch” surfaces: Such as railings, door handles, tables, keyboards, computer mice, toys, etc.
Use a mask that covers your nose, mouth, and chin when visiting a health care facility or when you have respiratory symptoms.
If you have a fever or any respiratory symptoms (runny nose, cough, sore throat): Do not travel to the workplace or study in these settings until symptoms resolve to prevent the spread of illness. After consulting your doctor, rest at home.
