Common Winter Illness to Watch Out for

Seasonal Depression

Seasonal depression or seasonal affective disorder is a mood disorder that may be caused by the production of certain hormones produced in the brain.

Common cold

With more than 200 different cold viruses in circulation, no wonder that most adults catch colds two or three times a year. Kids with their germy hands, get sick even more frequently.

Flu

Flu season runs from October to May, but it’s possible to get sick with an influenza virus any time of the year. Flu vaccine is the best way to protect yourself and your family from this highly contagious virus.

Chest cold

The most common symptom is a chronic cough that lasts three weeks or longer. Chest Cold isn’t contagious. But the cold, flu or other virus that led to bronchitis is, so you still need to take precautions to prevent infecting others.

Strep throat

This bacterial infection inflames the throat and tonsils, making it painful to swallow. You or your child may also have a fever and swollen lymph nodes. Left untreated, some children with strep throat will develop a bumpy red rash known as scarlet fever.

Ear infection

Earaches are more common than young children, but adults can also get them. Infections in your middle ear are induced by cold or allergies that cause congestion and swelling in the air passages.

Joint pains

Cold weather can reduce the blood circulation to your fingers and toes, causing inflammation and severe joints pain.