2023-11-15 11:31:00
Verified on 11/15/2023 by Alexane Flament, Editor
The cold season is back, and with it its share of viruses! During the cold season we are more vulnerable because our immune system is weakened, so viruses prefer to attack us during this period.
Fatigue, overwork, stress, low temperatures, the body is more exposed to diseases during the cold season!
Illnesses are also more common in winter because contaminated respiratory droplets move more easily through dry air when a sick person coughs or sneezes.
As a result, millions of people fall ill every winter. But what are the most common winter illnesses? We tell you everything!
When winter sets in with its blanket of snow and freezing temperatures, it brings with it a series of challenges for our immune systems. Winter illnesses, often contagious, spread quickly! But how ?
Winter viruses are spread by a variety of means, including airborne droplets from coughs and sneezes, as well as direct contact from contaminated hands or objects touched by sick people.
Vectors of transmission include handshakes, toys, comforters, elevator buttons, door handles and cutlery.
Prevention through hand washing and avoiding close contact remains crucial to controlling the seasonal spread of these viruses!
What are the main winter diseases?
During the cold season many viruses are present. There are the respiratory viruses responsible for colds, nasopharyngitis, flu and bronchitis. Then there are the viruses responsible for gastroenteritismost often called “rota virus” and “norovirus”.
“Flu, gastroenteritis and bronchiolitis are the main infections caused by winter viruses. These three pathologies affect millions of people each year and have a strong impact on healthcare structures during the winter. » specifies Public Health France.
The flu, a formidable invader
The flu remains one of the most fearsome viruses of winter! This virus spreads more easily in dry, cold air.
Characterized by symptoms such as fever, body aches, extreme fatigue, headaches, it spreads quickly through the air. The flu usually lasts a week, but can last up to 30 days.
Gastroenteritis, a contagious disease
This inflammatory disease of the digestive tract is very contagious! Symptoms are mainly diarrhea, nausea or vomiting, and stomach pain.
It generally lasts between 3 and 5 days. It spreads quickly in confined environments such as schools and workplaces.
Good to know : Hand hygiene and surface disinfection are essential to control its spread.
Bronchiolitis, a viral infection
This bronchial infection mainly affects children under 2 years old. Common and very contagious, bronchiolitis is characterized by a slight fever and a cough that is initially dry, then oily. Most often benign, it lasts around ten days.
Good to know : Frequent nose washing to clear the nasal passages is essential!
Nasopharyngitis, a frequent companion
Rhinopharyngitis, commonly called the common cold, is a common host during the winter period. The common cold is an inflammation of the pharynx and nasal passages that causes a runny nose, sneezing, fever and cough.
The common cold is very contagious and particularly affects children under 6 years old! This viral infection can last between 5 to 10 days!
Good to know : Regular hand washing and avoiding close contact with sick people are simple but effective measures to prevent its transmission.
Bronchitis, a respiratory virus
Bronchitis, often triggered by viral infections, affects the respiratory tract and can persist for weeks. People with bronchitis may experience persistent cough and difficulty breathing.
Good to know : Protecting the respiratory tract by wearing scarves and avoiding sudden temperature changes can help reduce the risk of bronchitis.
100% Readers found this article useful And you?
Was this article useful to you?
1700048657
#main #contagious #winter #diseases