Have you ever thought about the diseases that come around every winter season? Living in this cold environment three to four months of every year, we tend to get used to the various winter ailments circulating around us. Here are some tips to help you stay away from these ailments.

Common cold: The common cold attacks all ages. Initial symptoms are headache, irritated throat, muscle aches and sneezing.

Tips: Limit your exposure with sick people and practice healthy habits. If you catch a cold, it is best to use disposable tissues instead of cloth. This practice will reduce the spreading of cold viruses to others.

Asthma: Common symptoms of Asthma include wheezing, coughing, tightness of chest and shortness of breath. Symptoms are usually worse at night and in the early morning.

Tips: The best tips to stay indoors on very cold and windy days. Wear a scarf over your nose and mouth if you want to go out. If you take medications (inhalers), always keep it with you.

Influenza: Influenza is commonly known as the 'flu'. Symptoms include headache, fever, cold, body aches, chills, fatigue and cough. Symptoms can be mild to severe.

Tips: Flu vaccine gives good protection against flu and control influenza. Frequent hand washing reduces the risk of infection.

Arthritis: Cold weather may trigger or worsen the Arthritis and may increase arthritic pain.

Tips: If your arthritic pain is due to cold weather, you should exercise or keep your body mobilised. Vitamin D and foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids have been noted to curb inflammation and pain associated with arthritis.

Norovirus: Norovirus is an extremely infectious stomach bug causing excessive diarrhoea.

Tips: Drink plenty of fluids to prevent dehydration. To reduce the risk of dehydration, you should drink oral rehydration fluids.

Tips are compiled by Amit Sarker, a Lecturer of Department of Pharmacy at Primeasia University.
E-mail: amit.pharmacy30@gmail.com