Warm clothes, hats, gloves and handkerchiefs in your pocket. He winter arrived a few days ago and, with it, the low temperatures, the icy breeze and the typical diseases of the respiratory system that have thousands of people coughing, feeling sick and, the most unfortunate, in bed resting.
And it is that The cold creates the right environment for viruses and bacteria to easily attack the immune system. weakened.
This is why Dr. Malek Akhal, a specialist in family medicine at the prestigious Loyola Medicine medical center in the United States, gave his best recommendations to overcome the 5 most common diseases that spread in winter.
Bronchitis is one of the most common illnesses in winter. Its symptoms are usually mild fever, chest congestion, cough with colored mucus, and wheezing.
According to Dr Akhal, Most cases of this disease resolve on their own within a few days or weeks, so treatment consists of resolving the symptoms To feel relief: it is best to drink plenty of water, rest, use a humidifier and, if necessary, buy a cough suppressant to improve cough.
“Since bronchitis is a viral infection, “antibiotics are not effective,” the doctor warned.
This virus, which has been one of the most predominant in recent weeks in the country, does not have an immediate cure. Once infected, the person will need time for the condition to pass.
The doctor’s indication is drink plenty of fluids, over-the-counter pain relievers for muscle pain and headaches, plenty of rest and, if necessary, see a doctor to evaluate whether other medications are necessary.
The flu vaccine will not make the person recover faster, however, it will help prevent the symptoms from being as severe and the chances of contagion being reduced.
This disease is caused by a bacteria. It is easy to recognize, because the throat usually has white spots. Requires medical attention as soon as possible to resolve the symptoms and prescribe an antibiotic. The patient should feel better in a couple of days.
“Don’t suddenly start interacting with others. Strep throat is extremely contagious and is spread through respiratory droplets from sneezing, coughing, or even just breathing near another person. Stay home until you have taken antibiotics for at least 24 hours and no longer have a fever. Your doctor can explain in more detail how long you should stay home.”explained the Loyola Medicine doctor.
Pneumonia is a disease that inflames the air sacs in the lungs. It can be caused by bacteria or viruses, so a doctor must determine which medications will be appropriate.
Usually, people with mild cases can recover at home with over-the-counter medications, fluids and plenty of rest. Nevertheless, If the case is serious or worsening, the patient may need to be hospitalized. and candidate for oxygen therapy and intravenous medications.
Although it is not a disease in itself, Dry, itchy skin is a very common condition in the winter. If you suffer from it, your doctor recommended installing a humidifier at home—which releases steam into the air—if your home has low humidity. This may help relieve symptoms.
Other indications are Avoid long showers or baths with very hot water and moisturize all dry areas of the skin with recovery creams.several times a day.
