Knowledge of Prevention and Control of Common Respiratory Infectious Diseases

2024-06-13

Why Respiratory Illnesses Spread in Winter

Respiratory infectious diseases become more common in colder months for a few key reasons:

Temperature Changes: Large swings between daytime and nighttime temperatures can weaken the resistance of our respiratory tracts, making it easier to get sick
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More Time Indoors: People spend more time close together indoors, and activities like visiting relatives during the Spring Festival increase contact, raising the chance for germs to spread
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Poor Ventilation: To keep warm, people often keep windows and doors closed. This reduces fresh air flow indoors, allowing viruses to spread more easily between people in enclosed spaces
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Common Winter Respiratory Infections

These illnesses are caused by germs that infect the nose, throat, windpipe, or lungs, and they often spread through the air when an infected person coughs or sneezes

. Children, the elderly, and people with weaker immune systems are generally more susceptible

Disease	Key Features
Influenza (Flu)	Caused by the influenza virus. Symptoms appear suddenly and include fever, body aches, and tiredness. While most people recover in about a week, it can sometimes lead to serious complications like pneumonia .
Epidemic Meningitis	A bacterial infection causing inflammation around the brain and spinal cord. Symptoms include high fever, headache, vomiting, and a stiff neck. It can be very serious if not treated quickly .
Mumps	Caused by the mumps virus, it leads to swelling of the salivary glands (located near the ears). It can also sometimes cause inflammation in the brain or, in teenagers and adults, in the testicles or ovaries .
Measles	A viral infection that starts with cough, fever, and white spots inside the mouth, followed by a rash that spreads over the body. Vaccination has made it much less common .
Rubella	Also known as German measles, it typically causes a mild illness with a rash. However, if a pregnant woman gets infected, it can cause serious birth defects in her baby .
Chickenpox	Caused by the varicella-zoster virus, it results in an itchy rash of blisters that can appear in different stages at the same time. It can sometimes lead to pneumonia or brain inflammation .

How to Protect Yourself

Preventing these illnesses focuses on reducing your exposure to germs and boosting your body's defenses

Let Fresh Air In: Regularly open windows to ventilate your home and workplace.
Practice Good Hygiene: Wash your hands frequently with soap and water, and cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or your elbow when you cough or sneeze.
Live Healthily: Get enough sleep, drink plenty of water, eat a balanced diet, and exercise regularly to strengthen your immune system.
Get Vaccinated: Ensure children receive their scheduled vaccinations. Adults can consult a doctor about vaccines they might need.
Dress for the Weather: Wear appropriate clothing to avoid getting too cold.
Be Cautious in Crowds: During outbreaks, try to avoid crowded public places, especially if you are in a high-risk group.
Seek Help Early: If you develop a fever or cough, see a doctor promptly. If you are sick, stay home to avoid spreading illness to others.

Knowledge of Prevention and Control of Common Respiratory Infectious Diseases

Common Winter Respiratory Infections

How to Protect Yourself

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