Respiratory Infections Rise as Seasons Change: Who Is at Risk and How to Stay Protected

Seasons change by nature's rule, but their negative impact on health at this time of year is a familiar sight. Alongside swings in temperature and humidity, infections from various viruses can also increase during this period. Children, the elderly and people suffering from long-standing health conditions are especially at risk of respiratory infections.

It is the respiratory system that bears the brunt of illness during seasonal change. Often the nose stays blocked or runny for two or three days; there is a sore throat, a dry cough and sometimes fever. Most of these are viral. They get better with some symptom-based treatment, or even with no treatment at all, and no antibiotic is needed. With a few precautionary measures, it is quite possible to stay healthy through this period.

A respiratory infection affects the respiratory system, which includes the nose, throat, windpipe and lungs. It spreads from one person to another mainly through tiny droplets and aerosols released into the air by an infected person's breathing, sneezing or coughing. When these germs attack the respiratory tract, they can cause coughing, sneezing, a sore throat, a cold or blocked nose, fever and breathing difficulty. These can range from mild illnesses like the common cold to more serious conditions such as pneumonia or influenza.

When the infection is in the upper respiratory tract, problems such as pharyngitis and laryngitis can appear. In pharyngitis, the back of the throat becomes inflamed; in laryngitis, inflammation of the voice box can make the voice hoarse or lost. If the infection reaches further down the airways, it can cause bronchitis. And if it spreads to the air sacs of the lungs, pneumonia can develop.

Antibiotics are not always needed to treat respiratory infections. Most respiratory infections, such as the common cold, are viral. A sore throat or fever does not by itself mean antibiotics are required; antibiotics do not work against viral infections. However, streptococcus bacteria can cause strep throat, and if tests confirm a bacterial infection, antibiotics should be taken on a doctor's advice.

If the infection reaches the lungs, pneumonia can result. Fever, cough, phlegm, chest pain, breathing difficulty and weakness are its familiar symptoms. A chest X-ray may show white patches or shadows in the lungs caused by the infection. But diagnosis is not based on the X-ray alone; the patient's physical condition and other tests are also taken into account.

If treatment begins in time, most patients recover. But if breathing difficulty, chest pain, falling oxygen levels or a persistent fever appear, a doctor should be consulted quickly. Hospital admission may also be necessary.

Because a cold, cough and fever are common symptoms of several infections, it is difficult to pin down the illness from symptoms alone. It is important to notice whether the cough is rising from deep in the chest, whether there is trouble breathing, and how long the fever lasts.

As needed, a doctor may order a chest X-ray, blood tests, or tests to identify specific viruses and bacteria. Molecular tests such as the BioFire panel can detect several pathogens at once. This makes it easier to understand the cause of the infection and decide on treatment.

Prevention rests on a combination of good hygiene, vaccination and healthy lifestyle choices. Washing hands regularly, avoiding close contact with sick people, staying up to date with vaccines and maintaining a balanced diet all contribute to a healthy respiratory system.

Everyday habits also protect: drinking enough water, eating nutritious food and taking adequate rest are essential, and smoking must be avoided. A mask should be worn outdoors when needed — especially in crowded or enclosed places, where a mask helps reduce the risk of spreading infection. Covering the mouth and nose when sneezing or coughing, and keeping up the habit of regular handwashing, are also important.

A flu vaccine can be taken to guard against respiratory infections. It is particularly important, on a doctor's advice, for children, the elderly, people with diabetes, COPD patients and those suffering from chronic illnesses. As well as lowering the risk of infection, the flu vaccine can also reduce the severity of illness and the chance of complications.