The winter season is often synonymous with the sniffling, sneezing and coughing that accompanies contagious respiratory viruses like the cold, flu and Covid-19. But those aren’t the only health issues that tend to pop up at this time of year. Here are some of the most common health issues experienced by adults and children across the U.S. during the winter months.
Common Winter Health Issues
- Respiratory viruses – Although you can get sick with a cold, the flu or Covid-19 at any time of year, the winter months are when these illnesses tend to run rampant. One reason for this is that people spend more time indoors, where it’s easier for these contagious viruses to spread. Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is another common winter illness. It’s very common in young children and spreads easily, usually peaking in December and January.
- Lung infections – Coughing a lot or finding it hard to breathe? You may have bronchitis or pneumonia. You can develop these illnesses after a bout with a respiratory virus, like a cold or the flu, or you may get sick due to another virus or bacterial infection. If you are coughing a lot, have difficulty breathing, are wheezing, have a fever and notice yellow or green mucus when coughing, see a doctor.
- Norovirus – Another virus that is commonly spread during the winter when people spend more time indoors is norovirus. Also referred to as the stomach flu or a stomach bug, this is a very contagious illness that causes stomach pain, nausea, vomiting and diarrhea.
- Strep throat – Unlike the cold, flu and Covid-19, strep throat is not caused by a virus. It’s a bacterial infection but is still very contagious. Strep throat is most common in children, although adults can get it, too. The most common symptom is a sore throat and difficulty swallowing. There may be red spots on the roof of the mouth or white patches on the tonsils, as well as swollen glands in the neck. Fever is common with this illness. Left untreated, strep throat can lead to serious complications.
- Ear infections – Children are more prone to ear infections during the winter because they’re more likely to be sick with viral infections like a cold or the flu. This can cause fluid to build up in the tiny tubes between the throat and the ears, resulting in inflammation and making it easier for bacteria to grow.
- Arthritis – Many people with arthritis find that their joints become more stiff and painful in the winter, especially if they live in areas where the weather is cold and damp.
- Asthma – Although people don’t develop asthma due to the season, cold, dry air can be a major trigger for asthma attacks if you have this condition.
- Skin conditions – Exposure to cold, dry air makes some skin conditions worse and may cause redness, itchiness or inflammation. People with eczema, psoriasis, dermatitis, rosacea and other skin conditions may have more flare-ups during the winter.
- Seasonal depression – People who experience normal mental health throughout the year may have depressive symptoms during the winter, such as low energy and mood changes. This may be due to less sunlight, which disrupts your body’s natural internal clock.
If you experience these illnesses or health conditions during the winter or at any time of the year, see a doctor. Some conditions can be treated at home if you know what is causing them and how to treat them, but others require medication or other types of treatment.
