Dec 15, 2023, 07:17 PM IST

6 common winter illnesses

Shweta Singh

Winter brings not just picturesque snowscapes and cozy evenings but also a heightened season for various illnesses.

From the familiar cold and flu to more severe conditions, the colder months often usher in a range of health concerns that warrant attention and care.

Here are six common illnesses that tend to be more prevalent during the winter season:

This viral infection affects the upper respiratory tract and is characterized by symptoms like a runny or stuffy nose, sore throat, coughing, sneezing, and sometimes a low-grade fever.

Common Cold

The flu is a contagious respiratory illness caused by influenza viruses. It typically comes on suddenly and can cause symptoms such as fever, chills, muscle aches, cough, congestion, fatigue, and sore throat.

Influenza

Often referred to as the "winter vomiting bug," norovirus causes gastroenteritis, leading to symptoms like nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, stomach cramps, and sometimes low-grade fever.

Norovirus

This condition involves inflammation of the lining of the bronchial tubes, leading to coughing, production of mucus, chest discomfort, and sometimes fever. It can be viral or bacterial in nature.

Bronchitis

Caused by Streptococcus bacteria, strep throat results in a sore, scratchy throat, difficulty swallowing, swollen tonsils, and sometimes fever.

Strep Throat

This is an infection that inflames air sacs in one or both lungs, causing cough, fever, chills, difficulty breathing, chest pain, and fatigue. It can be caused by bacteria, viruses, or fungi.

Pneumonia