5 Common Ailments During Christmas Season

The holiday season brings about cooler temperatures, making it the perfect time to cozy up in warm clothes and enjoy hot beverages. It also marks the start of holiday gatherings where you can relish scrumptious meals and festive drinks. However, the colder weather and excesses in these seasonal delights can impact your health. They may lead to symptoms that could dampen your holiday spirits.

To ensure a joyful celebration, here are five common ailments to look out for during the Christmas season and tips on how to prevent them.

Common Cold

While colds can strike at any time, they are more prevalent during the colder months. The chill in the air weakens the body’s defenses against viruses, making you more susceptible to respiratory infections. Symptoms of the common cold include a runny nose, sore throat, sneezing, headaches, and body aches.

Though there is no cure for the common cold, you can recover within a week to ten days. Resting and staying hydrated can help speed up the healing process. Over-the-counter medications like paracetamol, decongestants, and throat lozenges can alleviate symptoms. Avoiding sick individuals and practicing good hand hygiene by washing your hands frequently can help prevent the spread of the virus.

Flu

The flu, another contagious respiratory illness, is also more rampant during the Christmas season due to the cold weather. Flu symptoms are typically more severe than those of a cold and can lead to complications like pneumonia.

Resting, staying hydrated, and taking medications such as paracetamol or ibuprofen can help relieve flu symptoms. In severe cases, your doctor may prescribe antibiotics to reduce the illness’s duration and severity, as well as lower the risk of complications.

Acid Reflux

Holiday feasting in the Philippines often involves indulging in rich foods like lechon and queso de bola. However, excessive eating without breaks can result in acid reflux, where stomach contents flow back into the esophagus, causing heartburn.

Antacids can provide quick relief by neutralizing stomach acids. To prevent acid reflux, avoid overeating, opt for smaller meals throughout the day, choose healthier food options, and politely decline excessive food offerings at gatherings.

Intoxication

Consuming excessive amounts of alcohol during Christmas celebrations can lead to intoxication and unpleasant symptoms like nausea, dizziness, and impaired coordination. It’s essential to drink responsibly and know your limits to avoid risking your health, especially when driving or operating machinery.

Food Poisoning

The hectic holiday season may make it challenging to ensure safe food handling practices, increasing the risk of food poisoning. Symptoms may include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and fever.

To avoid food poisoning, cook meats thoroughly, wash fruits and vegetables, and maintain proper kitchen hygiene to prevent contamination.

Being mindful of these common health issues during the holiday season can help you stay healthy and fully enjoy the festivities. If you experience any symptoms, seek prompt medical attention for proper diagnosis and treatment.