An expert gives advice on treating viral and bacterial infections

‘Tis the season to be sniffling. Winter is almost officially at Autumn’s doorstep and with it, its bag of tricks includes gifts that keep on giving. Whether it’s the flu, or a bacterial infection of Covid-19, it’s health vigilance time.

The cold, dry air and low humidity levels can cause a range of ailments, and this is why it is important to take certain precautionary measures to ensure that one stays healthy during this season.

Most common winter illnesses

Dr Jonathan Redelinghuys of Medicare24 said that upper respiratory tract infections (URTIs) are one of the most common ailments during winter. These infections can be caused by a range of viruses and lead to symptoms such as fever, cough, sore throat and fatigue.

He said: “During winter, bacterial and viral infections tend to be more prevalent. We have seasons for different viruses, particularly things like RSV (respiratory syncytial virus), which affects young children quite severely, are quite prevalent at this time of year, as well as a wide range of viruses and ailments that affect the upper respiratory tract through to pneumonia, all of them are quite common during this time of year”.

How to prevent winter infections

Dr Redelinghuys recommended taking certain precautions to prevent the spread of these infections. These include washing hands regularly with soap and water, avoiding close contact with people who are sick, and covering the mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing. Protocols drilled into everyone during lockdown, and they apply to most infectious diseases.

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How to treat viral infections

If an individual does get infected with a viral infection, he suggested treating the symptoms with over-the-counter medications such as paracetamol, throat lozenges, and nasal decongestants to help relieve fever, pain, and other symptoms. Dr Redelinghuys said that viruses tend to have a limited lifespan and can be worked out of your system naturally.

Bacterial infections

Bacterial infections can be caused by bacteria such as Streptococcus pneumoniae, a bacterium that can cause pneumonia, and Haemophilus influenzae, which can cause ear infections and, on the more serious side, bloodstream infections.

Symptoms of a bacterial infection can include high fever, chills, body aches, and cough. Dr Redelinghuys suggested that bacterial infections require a different approach to treatment. Certain antibiotics are directed towards the specific bacteria likely to cause the infection, and they help the body to clear the bacterial infection and prevent further complications.

Non-infectious winter ailments

Non-infectious conditions like Raynaud’s phenomenon or winter hands and eczema can also flare up during winter. Raynaud’s phenomenon causes reduced blood circulation to the fingertips and toes and in some cases, the nipples, which can cause them to turn white or blue and feel cold and numb.

Dr Redelinghuys suggested over-the-counter preparations like Wintergreen ointment or salicylic-based creams which can help promote circulation and warmth to the affected areas. In severe cases, prescription medications may be necessary. Similarly, eczema, a chronic skin condition characterised by dry, itchy, and inflamed skin, can worsen during winter due to dry indoor air and hot showers.

Dr Redelinghuys recommended using over-the-counter emollient creams to prevent the skin from drying out too much. He also advised against taking hot showers, which can strip the skin of its natural oils and exacerbate eczema flare-ups.

Generally, dry skin is a sign of the season, too, and can be treated in the same manner.

Cold temperatures can also cause joints to stiffen up, making movement painful. Dr Redelinghuys suggested a remedy: “To reduce joint pain during winter, it is important to stay active and to stretch regularly. Applying heat to the affected area can also help to alleviate pain”.

Dr Redelinghuys also advised maintaining a healthy diet and lifestyle during winter. He noted: “Eating a healthy diet, getting enough rest, and staying physically active can help to boost the immune system and reduce the risk of illness”.

“It is also important to stay hydrated, as the cold air can cause the body to lose moisture.”

Flu

Then, of course, there’s the flu. Dr Redelinghuys said: “Influenza, or the flu, can cause symptoms similar to those of a viral infection but is usually more severe. The flu is also highly contagious, and it is recommended that individuals get vaccinated annually to prevent contracting and spreading the flu”.

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Asthma, a chronic respiratory condition, can be triggered by cold, dry air. It can cause symptoms such as coughing, wheezing, and shortness of breath.

And while not as common in South Africa as in northern Europe, Dr Redelinghuys said that Seasonal affective disorder (SAD) may be experienced by some people during the winter months. SAD is a type of depression that is related to changes in the seasons. Symptoms can include low mood, lack of energy, and changes in sleeping patterns.

He said: “Seasonal affective disorder can be treated with light therapy, which involves exposure to a lightbox that simulates natural sunlight. Counselling and medication may also be recommended for individuals with severe symptoms”.