If you have school-going children or older adults living with you, you probably have to deal with a lot of seasonal ailments. Children tend to pick up infections from their friends at school or while playing in the park and older adults with weaker immunity stand a higher chance of contracting these infections.
The tendency to catch an infection can increase as the temperature drops, so make sure you and your family are protected from the common illnesses of the season.
Fall Illnesses to Watch Out For
While conditions like the common cold or an asthma attack can happen at any time, the fall may provide conducive conditions for certain diseases to spread or intensify easily.
Here is a list of most common fall illnesses to watch out for:
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Raynaud Syndrome
Characterized by cold and numb toes or fingers, discoloration in the impacted areas and a stinging pain when the warmth returns, Raynaud syndrome is a common fall illness that is caused by poor circulation. The main cause for Raynaud’s syndrome is a condition called vasospasm, where the blood vessels get constricted, thus reducing the flow of blood to the body’s extremities.
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Sinusitis
Caused by the inflammation of the inner lining of the sinuses, sinusitis is characterized by the common cold, rhinitis, polyps growing in the inner lining of the nose and a condition called a deviated septum. It has been noticed that the headaches, puffy face and associated pains can be more prevalent in the colder months.
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Arthritis
According to the Arthritis Foundation, a drop in 10 degrees and the lower barometric pressure can increase the pain associated with arthritis. This may be caused by the colder temperatures and lower pressure, which can restrict the flow of blood and increase stiffness, numbness and pain in the joints.
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Heart Failure
The American Heart Association says that colder temperatures may increase the risk of heart failure caused by hypothermia, “The condition of having an abnormally low body temperature, typically one that is dangerously low,” especially in people diagnosed with heart conditions.
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Allergies and Asthma
Many suffer from pollen, dust and other types of allergies and while we may be able to prevent some by simply staying home, it is not the ideal situation for all. Fall allergies that often start with a runny nose and itchy eyes can lead to other conditions like bronchitis and throat infections. People with asthma may also be prone to more attacks during this time, especially if they happen to contract a seasonal allergy too.
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Cold and Flu
Probably the most common conditions seen during the fall, the common cold and the flu go hand in hand. This could be because of a dip in immunity brought on by the changing climatic conditions and may be prevented by taking the right supplements to boost immunity. It is also advised to be regular with your flu shots because even if it does not prevent the flu, it can at least reduce the intensity.
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Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)
If you tend to feel extreme winter blues, it might be a condition called the seasonal affective disorder (SAD) that can have symptoms mimicking depression. Said to be caused by the shorter days, SAD may be dealt with by using light therapy, which can give the illusion of being out in the sun.
Tips to Stay Healthy in the Fall
Though it may be difficult to prevent the onset of certain conditions, you could incorporate these tips to try and prevent or at least reduce the intensity of any fall illness you may contract:
- Exercise regularly
- Get your eight hours of shut-eye regularly
- Eat balanced meals
- Use mindfulness techniques like yoga and meditation to reduce stress
- Wash your hands thoroughly and repeatedly, throughout the day
- Stay warm and share some love
The fall may be a beautiful season, with its vibrant colors and enticing fragrances, but it also brings with it these seasonal illnesses. So, make sure you and your family are well-equipped to deal with a bout of sniffles or more serious conditions that are seen in the fall.
The content of this Website is for informational purposes only, is general in nature and is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease, and does not constitute professional advice. The information on this Website should not be considered as complete and does not cover all diseases, ailments, physical conditions, or their treatment. You should consult with your physician before beginning any exercise, weight loss, or health care program and/or any of the beauty treatments.
References
The 5 most common fall illnesses. (2016, October 31). Retrieved from https://www.clinicalkey.com/info/blog/5-common-fall-illnesses/
Raynaud’s disease. (2017, October 31). Retrieved from https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/raynauds-disease/symptoms-causes/syc-20363571
What Is Sinusitis? (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.webmd.com/allergies/sinusitis-and-sinus-infection#1
10 Illnesses that Flourish in Fall. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://weather.com/health/news/10-illnesses-flourish-fall-20131008
7 Tips to Avoid Getting Sick This Fall and Winter. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/prescriptions-life/201709/7-tips-avoid-getting-sick-fall-and-winter
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