Being mindful of shorter days, slippery surfaces and unpredictable weather is an important part of staying safe during winter, but did you know that there are many common winter illnesses that pose a similar risk to your physical and mental health? From the common cold to life-threatening conditions such as pneumonia and hypothermia, the cold winter weather allows an abundance of viral and bacterial conditions to thrive, making everyday life much more hazardous for older and vulnerable individuals.
In this article, we will explore the reasons why illnesses are more common in winter, highlight the symptoms you need to look out for and offer our advice on how to prevent yourself from getting ill this winter.
Why Do We Get More Ill in Winter?
The cold weather that comes with winter is the main reason why illnesses are more common at this time of year, as the drop in temperature not only impacts our bodies but also puts us in situations where diseases are more likely to spread. From weakening our immune response to viral infections to increasing our proximity with others, here are three reasons why we tend to get more ill in the winter:
Weakened Immune Systems
In recent decades, scientists have conducted numerous studies on the impact of cold exposure on our antiviral immunity and have found that cold weather does weaken our natural defences to diseases. At normal temperatures, our immune systems can prevent viruses from entering our bodies by capturing them in mucus and expelling them from our airways. However, research has shown that cold air can reduce the efficiency of the mucus in our noses and throats, allowing viruses to bypass our bodies’ defences.
Viruses Thrive in Cold Weather
The survival of viruses, such as the common cold and flu, is significantly improved by cold and dry conditions, which allow droplets containing the virus to remain in the air for longer periods of time. This increases the chance that the virus will transmit into a viable host, such as a human body, where it can begin to replicate.
Spending Time Together Indoors
With Christmas at the centre of the winter calendar, shops, restaurants and other public spaces tend to be much more crowded at this time of year, while our homes are usually filled with family as we gather together to celebrate the festive season. Being in confined spaces makes it much easier for winter illnesses to spread from one person to another, through droplets in the air from coughs and sneezes, or through physical contact with contaminated surfaces. While we would never want to dissuade anyone from attending social gatherings throughout the Christmas period, it is important to be aware of the threat posed by crowded and enclosed spaces.
Common Winter Illnesses
From respiratory diseases to mental health conditions, there are numerous illnesses that are more common in winter that can pose varying levels of threat to elderly and vulnerable individuals. We have compiled the following list of winter illnesses to provide insights into the most common diseases, how they attack the body, symptoms to be aware of and at what stage you should seek medical advice for your condition:
Common Cold
Infections in the nose, throat and ears can result in what we know as the common cold. Transmitted through contaminated surfaces and in the air when someone has coughed or sneezed nearby, this winter illness typically results in a runny nose, scratchy throat, mild temperature, fatigue and aches throughout the body. While there is no cure for the common cold, symptoms usually subside after a few days of rest and hydration.If your symptoms last more than a few days or you start feeling worse, you should seek medical advice for clarity on your condition.
Flu
The influenza virus, or flu, infects your upper respiratory tract, including your nose, throat and upper airways. Much like the common cold, this winter illness is spread through airborne droplets that have been coughed or sneezed by someone with the virus and come into contact with a contaminated surface. Symptoms are much more severe, including a sore throat, high temperature, exhaustion, headaches and pain throughout the body.Rest and hydration are recommended to combat symptoms of flu, but in serious cases where you are at higher risk due to other health issues, you may be prescribed antiviral medication by your doctor.
Coronavirus
Responsible for the COVID-19 pandemic, this common winter illness similarly impacts the upper respiratory tract. Passed through close contact with someone infected with coronavirus, the most common signs of the disease are a loss of taste or sense of smell, as well as a dry, continuous cough. However, some people experience no symptoms whatsoever. Recovery periods can be equally sporadic, with some people returning to normal within a week, while others suffer with a lingering cough or a lack of taste or smell for weeks or months.While you may wish to speak to your doctor if you are experiencing the effects of ‘long COVID’, you should seek urgent medical attention if you are having difficulty breathing or persistent chest pains, are struggling to stay awake or notice a bluish tint to your lips or face.
Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV)
This winter illness causes inflammation in the respiratory tract and lungs, resulting in cold-like symptoms as well as wheezing and decreased appetite in some cases. While the virus is most common among infants under the age of two, RSV poses a risk to anyone with a weakened immune system, such as older adults or those with preexisting breathing problems.Most adults will recover within two weeks of catching the infection, but if your symptoms persist, your temperature spikes, or your breathing becomes laboured, you should seek medical attention as soon as possible.
Bronchitis
Inflammation in the airways leading into the lungs, known as the bronchi, can result in the overproduction of mucus and trigger repeated coughing as the body attempts to clear the mucus from the throat. Unlike the other winter illnesses we’ve mentioned so far, bronchitis is not directly transmissible and typically develops after catching a cold or flu, or inhaling bacteria. While the coughing caused by the infection can lead to shortness of breath, bleary eyes and a sore throat, bronchitis does not pose any immediate threat to your health, and its symptoms should pass after a couple of weeks.That being said, if your symptoms last longer than three weeks, or your mucus is discoloured or appears to contain blood, you should seek medical attention as a matter of urgency.
Pneumonia
This infection targets the lungs and is characterised by the formation of air sacs filled with pus and other liquids. While airborne viruses are responsible for roughly one in three cases of pneumonia, this winter illness is typically caused by bacteria or fungi being inhaled and settling in the lungs. Symptoms of pneumonia tend to be much more severe than any we have discussed previously, with many sufferers experiencing fevers, shaking chills, increased heart rate, shortness of breath, coughs producing mucus and chest pains caused by breathing.While the viral form of this disease can be cleared with enough rest and fluids, bacterial pneumonia requires antibiotics to treat, so we recommend contacting a doctor as soon as you suspect you are infected. Pneumonia is responsible for over 25,000 deaths each year in the UK, so it is of the utmost importance that you seek medical attention without delay.
Hypothermia
This serious medical condition occurs after prolonged exposure to cold weather or water, such as being submerged in cold water or wearing wet clothing. Once your body temperature drops below 35 degrees Celsius, it begins losing heat faster than it can produce it, resulting in decreased cognition, slurred speech, slowed breathing, unconsciousness and eventually death.Hypothermia should be treated with the same severity as a heart attack or stroke, and anyone experiencing hypothermia should receive immediate medical attention.
Gastroenteritis
Commonly known as ‘stomach flu’, this infection is typically caused by norovirus, which thrives in cold weather conditions and is transmitted through contaminated surfaces, food and drink. The resultant inflammation in the stomach and intestines can lead to stomach pains, nausea, diarrhoea and sudden vomiting, hence its unpleasant nickname ‘the winter vomiting bug’.While vomiting from gastroenteritis typically stops within a couple of days, diarrhoea and related pains can last up to a week. We recommend plenty of fluids and a bland diet during your recovery; however, if you start to experience severe abdominal pain or notice blood in your vomit or stool, you should seek urgent medical attention.
Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)
Frequently attributed to the January Blues, SAD is a mental health condition linked to the hormonal imbalance caused by the lack of daylight and longer nights during the winter months. Without natural light, serotonin production decreases, resulting in a lower mood, while more time spent in darkness promotes melatonin, otherwise known as the sleep hormone, causing affected individuals to feel drowsier throughout the day.As this winter illness is directly linked to the season, the symptoms of SAD can sometimes last throughout the winter months, only alleviating once the days become longer again in the spring. If you find that SAD is impacting your daily life, making it difficult to complete routine tasks like washing, dressing or feeding yourself, it is critical that you seek medical assistance to prevent your depressive feelings from worsening.
How to Prevent Illness in Winter
Medical conditions like pneumonia and hypothermia may pose the most severe threat to life without the correct treatment; however, any of the winter illnesses listed above could cause real harm to vulnerable and older adults, especially those with underlying health conditions. At Blossom Home Care, we are mindful of the threats the winter period poses for our elderly clients and have created the following list of winter health tips to help them stay safe through the season:
Getting vaccinated
People over the age of 65 or with underlying respiratory conditions, such as asthma, are entitled to free flu vaccinations from their GP or local pharmacy, which provide the best possible defence against many common winter illnesses. Since the pandemic, many pharmacies have started offering coronavirus boosters to older adults and those with compromised immune systems, plus there is a combined ‘pneumo’ vaccine offered to adults over 65 that provides protection against pneumonia, meningitis and septicaemia.For more information about the vaccinations available through your local healthcare provider, we recommend visiting the NHS vaccination and booking service website.
Staying warm
As prolonged exposure to cold climates can impact your immune system, it is important that you keep your body warm to prevent illness in winter. When you are at home, you might want to keep blankets or hot water bottles handy in case you start to feel a chill, whereas if you are braving the weather outside, it is crucial that you keep your extremities warm with gloves, a hat and a scarf.
Staying active
Movement generates heat and helps the body to regulate its temperature, so try to factor some exercise into your daily routine. This can be as simple as taking a stroll to the bottom of the street and back, climbing up and down the stairs, or doing some simple chair exercises to get your blood pumping.
Maintaining a healthy diet
Not getting enough nutrients makes it more difficult for your body to maintain its temperature and combat infections, so it is essential to have a healthy diet throughout winter. Complex carbohydrates, such as oats, whole grains and root vegetables, gradually release energy throughout the day, while lentils, beans, meat and fish are rich in protein, boosting your metabolism to generate additional body heat.
Maintaining personal hygiene
Whether you are taking trips to the shops, supermarket or for festive meals with your family, or entertaining guests in your own home, you are inevitably risking coming into contact with a contaminated surface. By washing your hands throughout the day and practising personal hygiene throughout the week, you can keep your skin germ-free and reduce the chance of getting ill in winter.
Taking Vitamin D supplements
While we can normally get all the vitamin D we need from exposure to sunlight, during the winter months, it is much more difficult to get the amount we need to nourish our muscles, bones and teeth. Your doctor will be able to recommend the right dosage of vitamin D supplements to maintain your physical health through to spring.
Stay Healthy this Winter with Help from Blossom
Winter presents many challenges to the elderly population, especially those with existing health problems or mobility issues. Simple tasks like getting washed and dressed, popping to the shops or preparing nutritious meals become much more difficult when we are physically or mentally unwell, which is why it is crucial to get the right support to see you through to warmer times.
At Blossom, we take the physical, mental and emotional wellbeing of our clients incredibly seriously, escalating issues to trusted relatives via our Blossom Home Care app and liaising with their multidisciplinary teams (MDT) to ensure their medical needs are being met. If you think that you or your elderly relative could benefit from bespoke home care this winter, then please get in touch with us today or find your nearest branch via our straightforward online tool.