Common Illness during Cold Weather

1. Colds
- You can prevent it by washing your hands regularly. This will wash off the bacteria/germs that you got from touching surfaces used by other people, like door handles, etc. If you have a cold, use disposable tissues. Don't use a handkerchief, to avoid reinfecting your hands.

2. Sore throat
- You can treat it by:
1. Gargling mouthwash/salty water
2. Use some Over The Counter (OTC) Lozenge
3. Over The Counter (OTC) pain killers
4. Drink a lot of water
5. See a Doctor if needed

3. Cold hands
- Cold hands can occur due to cold exposure.
Symptoms are:
1. Numbness/Tingling
2. The color of the skin on your hand changes to white, blue or red
3. Blisters
4. Hardened skin

- If you have cold hands don't smoke it will worsen the condition. Wear gloves, socks and shoes when going outside during cold weather. See a doctor if necessary.

4. Dry Skin
- Dry skin is very common during cold season. To relieve dry skin,
1. Take a bath everyday
2. Use mild cleanser
3. Apply moisturizer after getting out of the bath while your skin is still moist.
4. Choose moisturizer that is best suited to your skin. Because skins are sensitive.
5. Apply lip balm for dry lips.

5. Flu
- To prevent having Flu is to get vaccinated and also having a good health habits such as washing hands daily, avoid having contacts with a sick person, drink a lot of water, eat healthy foods.

Stay healthy!



Sources: http://www.nhs.uk/Livewell/winterhealth/Pages/Winterhealthrisks.aspx
http://www.medicinenet.com/cold_hands/symptoms.htm
http://www.mayoclinic.org/symptoms/cold-hands/basics/definition/sym-20050648