Prevention of diseases and winter infections

During the winter months it is normal for doctors’ surgeries to become full of patients complaining about certain diseases. Many of these may be confused, and the fact is that infections that make it difficult for the patient to breathe correctly – the most common during these months, usually have similar symptoms.  On the one hand, most seasonal respiratory viruses such as ‘flu or the common cold duplicate much faster and are much more resistant at this point of the year. According to the Spanish National Epidemiology Centre, the number of hospital admissions as a result of ‘flu can reach figures of over 52,000 people per year, or in other words, the equivalent to the population of Segovia. In addition, at this time of year, the immune system is usually weaker and less effective and the cold weather and few hours of sunlight mean that people spend more time in closed places, without ventilation and that at times are very crowded. 


For this reason, frequently, the increase in cases of ‘flu and other similar pathologies where infection rates are high, also rise.  In nursing infants and babies, bronchiolitis or pneumonia are also added to the common pathologies, becoming a silent pandemic that causes the death of 700,000 children under the age of five years around the world every year, particularly in developing countries. But, in addition to the viral respiratory illnesses, the winter is also the favourite time for some stomach viruses such as the norovirus, which is usually accompanied by sudden vomiting and diarrhoea. This virus is very contagious and it spreads through direct contact with an infected person or by touching contaminated surfaces such as door handles, shared utensils, etc.    

Symptoms and vaccination, key aspects   

The common cold, according to Javier Pérez Pallarés, an interventionist pulmonologist at the Hospital HLA La Vega, is usually caused by bacteria and one of the characteristic signs is the change in colour of the mucus. At times, he adds, bacterial and viral infections may be combined at the same time, making it difficult to differentiate between them. For this reason, it is important to pay attention to the symptoms and consult about the best treatment with specialist doctors, while keeping your vaccination calendar up to date. This last point is essential. It is estimated that, for example, the ‘flu vaccine could prevent up to 60% of cases of pneumonia. And in the case of COVID-19– the main cause of pneumonia over the past three years–, the booster jabs mean an increase in the protection values of up to 90% in the population over the age of 65 years. 

What are the most common diseases? 

Cold 

The common cold can be caused by different types of virus. Amongst its symptoms, nasal congestion, sore throat, cough, headache and sometimes a slight temperature stand out. Most colds become more intense from the third to the fifth day and they are usually completely better in one week. 

Influenza 

At times, it can be confused with a common cold. The main difference is that ‘flu starts quickly with a high temperature, coughing, sore throat, headache and pains all over the body. It normally lasts 5 days. 

Bronchiolitis 

Bronchiolitis is a viral disease that causes inflammation of the respiratory tract. This provokes nasal congestion, coughing, a slight temperature and wheezing. To begin with it seems like a common cold, but it becomes more serious and is accompanied by respiratory difficulties and dehydration. 

Pharyngitis 

It is usually frequent in school-age children. It causes a sore throat, headache and stomach ache and in some cases, a high temperature or vomiting. It can also lead to frequent coughing fits, hoarseness and inflammation of the throat. Most cases are caused by viruses and only need analgesics for the pain. It is treated with antibiotics when it is caused by bacteria. 

Pneumonia 

This is also normal amongst children. It is caused by an infection in the lungs which can be bacterial, viral or even fungal, amongst other germs. The symptoms are similar to other respiratory pathologies, such as a high temperature, a runny nose or breathing difficulties. However, they vary in terms of the age. Young children lose their appetite, while older children may become shivery, with abdominal or chest pain. 

Norovirus 

Also known as the winter vomiting virus, it is an extremely contagious stomach virus, as it can live in the atmosphere for up to four weeks. Often, its symptoms stop in two or three days, but it is important to drink enough liquid to prevent dehydration.