COMMON ILLNESSES DURING WINTER

During winter, the colder weather, close indoor proximity, and debilitated immune
systems help to cause the increased spread of certain illnesses. Some of the most common
illnesses during the winter, among children are:

Flu

Common Cold

Prevention against common cold

Strep Throat:

1) Flu:

Flu is caused by influenza virus. It is a very communicable respiratory virus. It infect nose, throat and sometimes the lungs. It can cause mild to severe illness. It is more common in winters. The onset of the flu is often sudden and associated with  the following symptoms:

• Fever with chills.
• Cough.
• Sore throat.
• Runny or stuffy nose.
• Muscle or body aches.
• Mild conjunctivitis.
• Headaches.
• fatigue (tiredness)
• Vomiting or Diarrhea in children.

Prevention against Flu:

• The most effective way to prevent the flu is to get the flu vaccine each year. For 6 months and older, CDC recommend the flu shot.
• Good hygiene practices (hand washing)
• Covering Coughs and Sneezes.
• Avoid Close Contact with Sick Individuals.
• Strengthen Immune System (taking healthy diet).
• Use of Masks (If Necessary).
• Keep Flu Medications on Hand.

2) Common Cold:

It is caused by various viruses, such as rhinoviruses. It is disease of the upper respiratory tract that primarily affects the respiratory mucosa of the nose, throat, sinuses, and larynx.

Symptoms of common cold are following:

• Runny Nose
• Cough
• Mild Fever
• Sore throat
• Congestion

Prevention against common cold:

Preventing the common cold in children involves strategies focused at reducing vulnerability to the viruses that cause it (usually rhinoviruses) and supporting their immune system

• Frequent hand washing
• Cover coughs and sneezes
• Maintain a healthy environment
• Boost the immune system
• Encourage hydration.
• Use a humidifier(in child’s bedroom)
• Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV):

It is a single-stranded RNA virus. It is also called as human orthopneumovirus. It is a common cause of chest infection in babies. It infect respiratory tract particularly nose, lungs and throat.

3) Strep Throat:

It is a bacterial infection which is caused by Group A Strptococcus bacteria. It is more common during fall and winter and it is highly contagious. It affect tonsils and throat. Strep throat is common among children ages 5 to 15 years.

Symptoms are:

• Fever
• Sore throat
• Headache
• Swollen lymph nodes
• Rashes
• Abdominal pain
• Swollen and red tonsils
• General malaise

Preventions from Strep Throat:

Cover coughs and sneezes

Ensure child get plenty of rest.

The prescribed medicines for strep throat are penicillin or amoxicillin, that kill the bacteria and reduce the acuteness of symptoms.

Make sure the child stays hydrated (drinking fluids).

Wash the hands frequently.

Make sure that child stay away from people who are suffering from this disease.