Cold season begins in Guatemala, Insivumeh shows how long it will last

In fact, he explained, the rains in Guatemala begin to subside in the first half of November and the cyclone season ends at the end of next month; so they are constantly monitored.

READ: Guatemala’s climate: Cold front moves into Petén and how it affects rainfall

Chinchilla said the country will officially enter the cold season starting in November and lasting until early March 2024, with cold fronts and low-pressure systems expected to increase wind speeds; this can also cause respiratory illness, and it is important to follow recommendations.

Respondents explained that the coldest months are expected to be January, February and early March.

In other years, the lowest temperature ever recorded in the capital is 7 degrees Celsius. Among the provinces, Quetzaltenango recorded the lowest temperature at -8 degrees (minus 8 degrees), while Ixchiguán in San Marcos recorded -2 ​​degrees.

Rodolfo García, spokesman for the National Disaster Reduction Coordinator (Conred), said they will open shelters in November so homeless people can use them during the cold season.

Most common respiratory diseases

In this context, the Ministry of Public Health and Social Assistance (MSPAS) through the Acute Respiratory Infection Program proposes several measures to prevent acute respiratory infections.

These authorities declared that the most common diseases of the time were:

• common cold
• Flu or influenza
• Tonsillitis or tonsil infection
• Laryngitis or throat infection
• acute otitis media
• pneumonia

The health department warns that respiratory infections vary in severity and can start out as mildly uncomfortable or even life-threatening, advising people to pay attention to symptoms and see a doctor if symptoms persist without relief.

“The virus is spread through droplets of saliva or mucus that are shed from a sick person when coughing, sneezing, speaking less than a meter away from an infected person, or touching surfaces contaminated with secretions from an infected person. virus on another patient and then touching their eyes, mouth or nose without washing their hands,” said professionals in the programs.

Likewise, it has been reported that the most vulnerable groups are pregnant women, newborns, infants and children under 5 years old, as well as people over 60 years old and people with chronic medical conditions, including respiratory disease, cardiovascular disease, diabetes, asthma , among others.

suggestion

• Breathe through your nose (not your mouth) so that warm air reaches your lungs.
• At night, hang curtains or cardboard over your windows to prevent heat loss.
• Cover holes and cracks in walls to prevent cold from entering.
• Protect yourself from the dawn night sky.
• During the day, ventilate the house and open windows and curtains to let in sunlight.
• Wear appropriate clothing such as a sweater, jacket, dog coat, or parka, including using gloves, hats, and scarves to protect your head, face, and mouth.
• Protect children and the elderly.
• Protect your skin with moisturizer.
• Keep lips lubricated and moisturized.
• Don’t expose yourself to sudden changes in temperature, especially from hot to cold.
• Eat more liquids, and fruits and vegetables rich in vitamin C, such as citrus fruits: guava, peppers. Broccoli etc.
• Wash your hands often with soap and water or alcohol gel; and teach young children how to do this.
• When coughing or sneezing, cover your nose and mouth with paper or disposable tissues and put them in the trash.
• Stay home, recover and avoid infecting others.
• Do not spit on the floor or other exposed surfaces.
• Do not share cutlery, straws, glasses, plates, food or drinks.
• Separate girls and boys from other minors or patients with respiratory infections.
• Use a facial mask.
• Maintain a physical distance of 1.5 to 2 meters between people.
• Avoid wood lighting: stoves, heaters and campfires in enclosed spaces.
• Do not self-medicate.
• If necessary, go to the nearest medical service.