5 Common Wintertime Diseases to Look Out For

Most parts of Australia are seeing temperatures drop like never seen before in decades. With the winter of 2022 already off to a nippy start, it is likely that we’re going to be experiencing some truly chilling mornings and evenings in the next few months. But unfortunately, with the colder weather also come a number of illnesses and sicknesses that can easily be spread from one person to another when we spend so much time huddled inside. Knowing the symptoms of these common wintertime diseases will help you come up with the best strategy to combat them.

1. Colds

The colder weather brings with it the ubiquitous common cold. One of the most prevalent diseases, the common cold can be caused by any of over 200 viruses, but the most common is the rhinovirus. The dry and cold weather, in addition to people spending more time huddled indoors provides the virus with the optimum conditions to survive and spread.

The common symptoms of a cold appear within one to three days of being exposed to the virus and can be characterised by a runny nose, sore throat, congestion, cough, sneezing, body pain, mild fever and fatigue. These symptoms typically disappear within two to four days, but it is important to get proper rest in the meantime to help your body recover. Log in to your Prime Medic app today to get your medical certificate online to help you take time off work to do so.

2. Flu

Another illness that rears its ugly head in the colder weather, the flu presents symptoms that are very similar to the cold but the disease itself is caused by a single virus called influenza. Unlike the common cold, the symptoms of flu are typically more severe and last for much longer; around a week or two. Australia is expected to experience a significant rise in flu cases this year as compared to the last two years because of reduced immunity due to the lockdowns. This is why it is imperative to get your flu shot as soon as possible if you haven’t already done so. Many states in Australia are now offering free flu shots for all to reduce these rising numbers.

Because you may be most contagious when the symptoms first start appearing before the onset of fever, it is important to stay at home and isolate yourself to prevent spreading the disease to your colleagues and the people around you. If your workplace requires a doctor’s certificate for sick leave of more than two days, Prime Medic’s online medical certificate in Australia service can help get you one.

3. Stomach flu

Although the stomach flu or norovirus can infect people of all ages at any time of the year, it is more common during the winter months. This is because people tend to spend more time indoors in close proximity to one another, giving the virus the perfect chance to spread from one person to another.

Stomach bugs can be extremely uncomfortable and can leave you weak and fatigued for days after your symptoms have disappeared. The most common symptoms of stomach bugs are nausea, vomiting and diarrhea. Keeping yourself hydrated and getting plenty of rest will help you recover faster. If you are experiencing symptoms of a stomach bug or norovirus, use Prime Medic’s online medical certificate services to take some time off work to prevent its spread.

4. RSV (Respiratory Syncytial Virus)

Also known as bronchiolitis, RSV is a common viral respiratory infection that mostly affects children. Symptoms of RSV include a runny nose and sore throat, cough, fever and in more severe cases, wheezing and difficulty breathing. It is typically spread through airborne particles much like the common cold and flu and is readily spread in daycares, kindergartens and schools.

Although most children can easily be treated at home with rest at home and a steady intake of fluids, infants may need specialist care, as RSV can, unfortunately, be fatal. Symptoms can last up to 2 weeks. Parents may need to take time off work to help their kids recover and an online carer’s leave certificate may assist with doing so.

5. Strep Throat

Another illness that is most commonly seen in school-aged children, strep throat is a highly contagious bacterial infection that typically lasts a day or two. Common symptoms include a sore throat, fever, stomachache, trouble swallowing, headache or vomiting. Strep throat can typically be treated through a course of antibiotics and resolves within a day or two of treatment. Because antibiotics cannot be bought over the counter in Australia and need a prescription for it, booking an online consultation with a doctor might help.

Strep throat can be prevented by drinking more warm fluids during the colder weather, washing your hands frequently, staying hydrated and getting proper rest to build your immunity.

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