How to prevent winter illnesses? Natural tips to include in your routine

The coldest time of the year arrives, and it usually brings with it the so-called winter illnesses, the real fear of those who suffer at the thought of having a congested nose.

The big problem with winter illnesses is that they tend to bring discomfort, pain and difficulty breathing, so avoiding them is always the best way.

In today’s content we will see 5 natural tips to prevent this type of disease, and thus get through the winter with more health and energy. Check it out below!

What are winter illnesses? Which are the most common?

You certainly know people who are passionate about winter, but they most likely don’t suffer from winter illnesses.

This is because the cold temperature can bring bad memories to those suffering from this type of disease, as the symptoms involve pain, nasal congestion, difficulty breathing and many other discomforts.

When we talk about winter diseases we are referring to respiratory diseases caused by increased virus transmission and reduced immunity due to low temperatures.

But, contrary to what is believed, viruses do not become more active in winter, what happens is that we tend to gather more together at this time of year in an attempt to escape the cold.

In this way, the transmission of viruses is facilitated, since people are closer and air circulation is less.

The most common winter illnesses are:

• Flu and colds caused by the Influenza virus;
• Coronavirus Infections;
• Gastrointestinal viruses;
• Pneumonia;
• Rhinitis;
• Sinusitis;
• Bronchiolitis;
• Among others.

It is important to say that some of these diseases/conditions are not caused by viruses, as they are genetic. In this case, the increase in discomfort in winter is due to the reduction in immunity caused by the low temperature.

Read too: Balance between personal and professional life: what it is and why it’s important – SpreadKnow.

Is it possible to prevent winter illnesses?

As we saw previously, the higher incidence of viral respiratory diseases in winter is not due to the increase in the number of viruses in the air.

In fact, the real problem is the crowding at this time of year. A good example is restaurants, which close their windows when the temperature is low.

So, we can say that it is possible to prevent winter diseases, and in this case, the best solution is to focus on reducing the means of transmission, when it comes to viral causes.

For those who face genetic issues, it is not possible to prevent diseases, but there is the possibility of reducing discomfort.

5 natural tips to prevent winter illnesses

As we saw earlier, the best way to prevent winter illnesses is through practices that aim to reduce virus transmission.

Official treatment for respiratory illnesses should always be recommended by a doctor, but there are natural ways to prevent common health discomfort at this time of year. See 5 tips below.

1. Once cooled, discard toothbrushes

Most people who suffer from recurring colds in winter are experiencing this because of contamination caused by the things themselves.

There’s no point in getting rid of your cold and continuing to use the same toothbrush, which will be full of viruses. 

Therefore, after ending a cycle of respiratory illness, try to replace your toothbrush and properly clean all your personal objects that come into contact with the oral and nasal mucous membranes.

This way, objects will be clean and free of viruses, which reduces recurring contagion.

2. Keep the environment airy 

We’ve already talked about this a lot, but many people still insist on keeping all the windows in the house closed in winter.

We must remember that breathing releases humidity into the environment, so that all the air becomes contaminated with the fluids of those who are there.

So, being in a closed environment with someone who is sick is the way to end up catching the same disease.

As uncomfortable as it may be, it’s worth putting on some extra layers and opening the windows to avoid the accumulation of viruses, dust and saliva in the environment, which represent the perfect combo for nasal congestion, difficulty breathing and repeated sneezing.

3. Hydrate regularly 

If you tend to drink less water in winter, know that you are not the only person in this situation. The cold makes us less likely to hydrate, especially with cold or room temperature liquids.

However, drinking water is essential to ensure cell renewal and strengthening immunity, which works against contamination in the body.

Furthermore, by drinking water regularly you prevent the production of mucus and promote recovery from colds and respiratory discomfort.

If you can’t drink as much water, opt for heated teas. It will certainly help keep your hydration up to date.

4. Invest in a healthy and balanced diet 

You must remember that we said that part of winter illnesses are caused by low immunity due to the temperature.

Therefore, it is important that you invest in ways to strengthen your immunity to prevent this type of disease, and healthy eating is a powerful weapon for this.

Try to have a balanced and varied diet, this way your body will have the necessary nutrients to produce efficient defense cells.

5. Get to know nasal washing 

Nasal washing is a procedure that consists of removing dirt and agents that are dangerous to health from the respiratory tract.

The human nose has protective features, which capture part of the microparticles that enter the body through breathing. 

Nasal washing prevents residues trapped in nasal mucus from entering the body, which reduces the incidence of respiratory infections.

For this reason, we recommend that you wash your nose with saline solution regularly to prevent winter illnesses. 

There are several videos on YouTube where specialized doctors teach how to do it correctly.

Preventing winter illnesses is a complex task, so don’t hesitate to look for a trained professional to help you deal with common health discomforts at this time of year.

FAQ: Natural Tips for Preventing Winter Illnesses

1. What are winter illnesses, and what are some common examples?

• Winter illnesses are respiratory and other health conditions that tend to increase during the colder months. Common examples include flu, colds, coronavirus infections, gastrointestinal viruses, pneumonia, rhinitis, sinusitis, and bronchiolitis. Some conditions may also be genetic, with symptoms exacerbated by colder temperatures and reduced immunity.

2. Why do winter illnesses become more prevalent in cold weather?

• Winter illnesses become more common not because viruses are more active, but due to increased indoor crowding and reduced air circulation, which facilitates the spread of viruses. The tendency to gather indoors in heated environments contributes to the higher incidence of these illnesses.

3. Can winter illnesses be prevented?

• Yes, winter illnesses can be prevented by reducing virus transmission and improving overall health. For genetic conditions, while prevention may not be possible, managing discomfort can be achieved through various strategies.

4. What is one natural tip for preventing winter illnesses related to personal hygiene?

• Discard your toothbrush after recovering from a respiratory illness. Toothbrushes can harbor viruses and bacteria that may cause recurring infections. Replace your toothbrush and clean personal items that come into contact with your oral and nasal mucous membranes.

5. How important is it to keep the environment airy during winter?

• Keeping your environment airy is crucial. Proper ventilation helps prevent the accumulation of viruses, dust, and saliva in enclosed spaces. Although it might be uncomfortable, opening windows helps reduce the concentration of contaminants and lowers the risk of catching illnesses from others.

6. How can hydration help prevent winter illnesses?

• Staying hydrated is essential for maintaining cell function and strengthening immunity. Drinking water regularly helps prevent mucus production and supports recovery from colds and respiratory issues. If you find it hard to drink cold water, opt for heated teas to stay hydrated.

7. What role does diet play in preventing winter illnesses?

• A healthy, balanced diet is vital for boosting immunity and preventing winter illnesses. Consuming a variety of nutrients helps your body produce effective defense cells. Focus on a diet rich in vitamins and minerals to support overall health.

8. What is nasal washing, and how does it help prevent winter illnesses?

• Nasal washing involves using a saline solution to remove dirt and harmful agents from the nasal passages. It helps clear out residues trapped in nasal mucus, reducing the risk of respiratory infections. Regular nasal washing can be an effective preventative measure during the winter months.

9. Where can I find more information on nasal washing techniques?

• There are numerous instructional videos on YouTube where specialized doctors demonstrate how to perform nasal washing correctly. These resources can guide you through the process and ensure you are using the technique effectively.

10. What should I do if I need more help with preventing or managing winter illnesses?

• If you have persistent or severe symptoms, or if you need personalized advice, consult a healthcare professional. They can provide expert guidance and treatment options tailored to your specific needs and conditions.

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