Many mild illnesses are common during the winter season. If the illness is not severe, these common ailments can be treated with home remedies. However, if the symptoms worsen or become serious, it is important to consult a doctor immediately.
Cough
Coughing is a common issue in winter, affecting 1 in 5 people, with symptoms lasting up to 3 weeks, and in some cases, even 8 weeks.
Home remedies can be effective for general coughing. Mix the juice of 1 lemon with 1 teaspoon of honey in a cup of warm water and drink. However, this remedy is not suitable for children under 1 year old.
When to See a Doctor?
If you experience any of the following symptoms, consult a doctor immediately:
- Cough lasting more than 3 weeks
- Cough with blood
- Chest or shoulder pain with coughing
- Difficulty breathing
- Unexplained weight loss over the past 6 months
- Hoarseness or change in voice lasting more than 3 weeks
- Lumps or swelling around the neck and collarbones
Cold
Cold symptoms include nasal congestion, sneezing, coughing, sore throat, and mild fever.
These symptoms generally last up to 10 days. A cold is a common, typically harmless infection that improves over time without needing a doctor’s consultation.
In such cases, it’s important to rest, eat nutritious food, and drink plenty of fluids.
When to See a Doctor?
Consult a doctor if you experience:
- High fever or chills
- A long-term medical condition
- A weakened immune system
- Chest pain, coughing with blood, difficulty breathing
- Swollen lymph nodes in the neck or armpits
- Symptoms lasting more than 3 weeks
Sore Throat
The symptoms of a sore throat usually last for about 1 week without treatment.
People with a sore throat should eat soft foods, gargle with warm saltwater to reduce swelling and pain, avoid smoking and smoky environments, and drink plenty of water.
When to See a Doctor?
Consult a doctor if:
- Symptoms last more than 10-14 days or worsen
- You experience severe pain, high fever, or chills
- Difficulty swallowing
- Severe dehydration
- A weakened immune system
- A high-pitched sound while breathing (called stridor)
- Symptoms worsen rapidly
Flu
Flu is a common respiratory virus that spreads through the air when you cough or sneeze. It can also spread when you touch surfaces contaminated by the virus and then touch your eyes, nose, or mouth.
The flu can cause uncomfortable symptoms for most people, but if you are weak, it can lead to severe illness.
Flu symptoms include high fever, fatigue, headaches, and dry cough.
Getting a flu vaccine is the safest and most effective way to protect against the flu and reduce the risk of spreading it to others.
In such cases, rest, stay warm, and drink plenty of fluids.
Generally, pain-relieving medications can help reduce fever and aches.
When to See a Doctor?
If symptoms do not improve after 7 days, consult a doctor immediately.
