Explained: Why you're catching cold frequently this winter; know your risks

1.1.1 01/7Common causes of frequent cold

Are you someone who is prone to repeated cold infections during winters? Do you often fall sick or feel under the weather during the chilly months? If you've said 'yes', it is best to know the reasons behind why you're so susceptible to winter illnesses. Causes could vary for every individual, however, amid a surge in COVID-19 cases around the world, here are a few things to bear in mind. 

1.1.2 02/7The risk of COVID reinfections and breakthrough infections

With the recent spike in COVID-19 infections in China and other parts of the world, it is important that we stop taking the SARs-CoV-2 virus lightly and start becoming more vigilant.

Apart from flu, common cold and other respiratory illnesses, COVID-19 is highly contagious and if you think you've got infected once and cannot get infected again, you may be wrong. COVID-19 reinfections have become more common than you think. While symptoms have taken a milder turn, the transmissibility rate of the virus remains the same.

Furthermore, if you've got vaccinated, you're still likely to contract the virus. COVID vaccines do not make you immune against the virus, but prevent severe illnesses.

1.1.3 03/7Other winter illnesses to beware of

Amid COVID-19 scare, winter infections such as common cold, flu, RSV, croup, strep throat are some of the other common illnesses that could cause cold-like symptoms. These include fever, sore throat, cough, body ache, fatigue, runny nose and more.

If you're repeatedly being exposed to these illnesses, developing flu-like symptoms on a regular basis, here are a few things that may be happening.

1.1.4 04/7Your immunity has weakened

Your immune system is what protects you against foreign pathogens that cause infections. If in case your immunity has been compromised, you're likely to become more prone to infections. This could be caused by several factors including lack of or poor nutrition, insufficient sleep, increased stress and more. That said, it is important that you eat foods that boost your immune system, get enough sleep, exercise and reduce your stress levels.

1.1.5 05/7You're not taking necessary precautions

Apart from taking care of yourself, you must also keep a check on your surroundings. Avoid crowded areas, wear masks, maintain social distance, and follow proper hand hygiene. These are measures that can reduce your risk of COVID-19 and other respiratory infections.

1.1.6 06/7Are you getting enough vitamin D

Winter can be a tricky season. While it sure provides you with some relief from the hot, humid summers, it also deprives you from the goodness of warmth and sunlight. Hence, during winters, you can be at risk of vitamin D deficiency. Not getting enough of the sunshine vitamin can lower your immunity and increase your chances of contracting illnesses.

1.1.7 07/7How you dress up can also play a role

While you may hate it, layering up during winters is extremely crucial. You must stay warm at all times and to do that, you have to dress yourself up with warm clothings. In case you fail to do that, you may be putting your immune system at risk as cold temperatures can weaken the immune system. Ensure that your torso is warm, which can help maintain blood flow to your limbs and can often keep the arms, legs, hands and feet warm.

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