The Yuletide season ushers in the chillier weather, perfect for donning snug attire and sipping hot beverages. It also brings forth invitations to festive gatherings, where you can relish delectable fare and partake in occasional celebratory imbibing. However, the drop in temperature and excesses in these merry activities can impact your health and well-being. At times, they might manifest symptoms that hinder you from fully embracing the mirth of the season.
To ensure a joyous holiday celebration, it’s important to watch out for these common ailments that can arise during the Christmas period and learn the most effective ways to steer clear of them.
Common Cold
Although a cold can strike at any time of the year, it tends to be more prevalent in the colder months. This is because the body’s defense against viruses weakens when frigid air enters the nasal passages and upper respiratory tract, making you more susceptible to respiratory infections. Symptoms of the common cold include a runny nose, sore throat, sneezing, headaches, and body aches.
While there’s no cure for the common cold, recovery typically occurs within seven to ten days. To expedite the healing process, ensure adequate rest and increase fluid intake. Furthermore, to alleviate cold symptoms, consider taking paracetamol, decongestants, or throat lozenges. These remedies can be purchased from local or online pharmacies in the Philippines.
To reduce the risk of catching a cold, avoid close contact with individuals exhibiting symptoms as the illness spreads easily through the air. Since cold viruses linger on the hands, frequent handwashing with soap and water can be a simple yet effective preventive measure to reduce the likelihood of falling ill and missing out on holiday festivities.
Influenza
Another highly contagious respiratory ailment is the flu. Similar to the common cold, the flu tends to be more rampant during the Christmas season due to the cold weather and the body’s diminished ability to combat viruses. In comparison to a cold, the flu is more severe, with symptoms often more intense and the potential for serious complications like pneumonia.
If you contract the flu, you may experience symptoms such as fever, fatigue, cough, runny nose, headaches, and body aches. Resting, increasing fluid intake, and taking medications such as paracetamol or ibuprofen are effective in alleviating these symptoms. In severe cases, a healthcare provider may prescribe antibiotics to shorten the duration of the flu, reduce its severity, and minimize the risk of complications.
Heartburn
Participating in holiday festivities in the Philippines often involves indulging in a variety of sumptuous dishes such as lechon, queso de bola, and numerous desserts. However, overeating and consuming rich foods with insufficient breaks in between can result in issues like heartburn.
Heartburn occurs when stomach contents flow back into the esophagus, causing a burning sensation in the chest following meals or while lying down. For rapid relief, antacids can be taken to neutralize stomach acid. These are readily available over the counter, requiring no prescription for purchase.
To evade the discomfort of heartburn, practice moderation and opt for smaller, more frequent meals instead of a few large ones. At gatherings, choose smaller portions and opt for healthier alternatives like lean meats and vegetables. Politely decline excessive portions out of respect for the host and prioritize your well-being.
Overindulgence
Apart from excessive eating during holiday gatherings, overconsumption of alcoholic beverages is also common during Christmas festivities. While it’s tempting to join in the revelry, excessive alcohol consumption can have adverse effects on your health, leading to intoxication and symptoms such as nausea, dizziness, and impaired physical and mental coordination. This increases the risk of falls and related injuries.
It’s crucial to be aware of your limits when consuming alcohol. By doing so, you can manage its impact on your well-being and avoid becoming intoxicated. If you plan to drive, cook, engage in manual labor, or operate machinery, abstain from alcohol consumption to prevent endangering yourself and others.
Foodborne Illness
The holiday season is typically hectic, with numerous commitments at home and work, along with multiple social events to attend and gifts to prepare. As a result, there may be limited time to ensure that food is stored, prepared, and cooked safely and correctly. This can increase the risk of foodborne illnesses, resulting in symptoms like nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and fever.
To mitigate the risk of such ailments, ensure thorough cooking of chicken, beef, pork, and practice proper hygiene while handling food to prevent cross-contamination. Wash raw fruits and vegetables before consumption to minimize potential health risks.
Having awareness of these prevalent health concerns during the Christmas season equips you with the knowledge of their causes and the best preventive strategies. This enables you to maintain good health and fully immerse yourself in the holiday festivities. In the event of experiencing any symptoms of these ailments, administer appropriate first aid measures and seek immediate medical attention if there is no improvement.