The topic of Matsumi Ladies Clinic Mita English blog in January is about winter.

In the final part, I create an article about diseases in winter.

 

The number of common colds and other respiratory illnesses is conspicuously low this year.

A long time of social distancing and face-covering seem to keep protecting many people from viral infections.

 

Common colds are caused by many viruses, including rhinoviruses, adenovirus and four types of non-covid coronavirus.

Especially in winter, we are more prone to infections.

 

Amongst the viruses, rhinovirus is the most common cause to trigger more than half of the colds.

The infection leads to mild-cold symptoms such as a sore throat, blocked nose, coughing and sneezing.

However, it can also cause severe illness, such as pneumonia, if your immune system is weaker than usual.

The rhinovirus spreads through person-to-person contact, tiny droplets or aerosols.

 

Not only that, but also another infection caused by rotavirus is popular in winter.

Commonly, it causes vomiting, severe diarrhea, a high fever, dehydration and abdominal pain occur.

It is the most common in children under five years old.

 

How should we prevent ourselves from the viral infections?

Washing hands with soap regularly and wearing a face-covering and when you are unwell, stay at home.

 

Please be careful about your health.

Spring are just around the corner.