Top 6 common illnesses during the festive season | 4 min read

It’s common to want to stay healthy during the festive season. However, illnesses can still occur, even if it’s a short-lived stomach bug. Missing out on several days of a well-deserved holiday can be frustrating. To help you avoid this, here are the top seven common illnesses that can happen during the festive season and some tips on preventing them.

Essential hypertension illness 

Essential hypertension is high blood pressure not caused by any underlying medical condition. This type of hypertension is often associated with factors such as obesity, an unhealthy diet, and family history. The good news is that this condition can be reversed by making specific lifestyle changes, including:

– Incorporating regular exercise into your daily routine

– Avoiding alcohol consumption

– Maintaining a healthy diet that is low in sodium

– Ensuring good sleep habits

– Giving up smoking

Acute upper respiratory infection 

Upper respiratory infections affect your sinuses and throat. Symptoms of an upper respiratory infection include a runny nose, sore throat, and cough. Treatment for these infections usually involves getting plenty of rest, drinking fluids, and taking over-the-counter pain relievers. Most infections go away on their own, but you can take steps to prevent them. Here are some tips to help you and your family stay healthy:

– Wash your hands, especially before eating or preparing food.

– Sneeze, cough into your arm or tissue, and wash your hands afterward.

– Avoid contact with people who are sick.

– Drink plenty of fluids.

– Get enough sleep.

– Quit smoking.

– Keep up with routine checkups and immunizations.

Gastroenteritis illness

Also known as the stomach flu, it irritates and inflames the stomach and intestines. A viral or bacterial infection typically causes gastroenteritis. Gastroenteritis can spread through contact with an infected person, contaminated food or water, or unwashed hands after using the bathroom or changing a diaper. The most common cause of gastroenteritis is a virus, with the main types being rotavirus and norovirus. Although less common, bacteria such as E. coli and salmonella can also trigger the stomach flu. You can prevent many bowel infections by taking care of what you eat and drink and practicing good hygiene. It’s important to note that children can become dehydrated quickly, so if your child has stomach flu, it’s crucial to watch out for signs of dehydration.

Urinary tract infection

A urinary tract infection (UTI) is an infection that can occur in any part of the urinary system, including the kidneys. To help prevent UTIs, it’s essential to practice good hygiene. Always wipe from front to back after a bowel movement, drink six to eight glasses of water daily, and wear loose-fitting clothing and cotton underwear to prevent moisture buildup. Remember to use the restroom as soon as you feel the need to go and avoid holding it in for too long. By taking these simple steps, you can help keep your urinary system healthy and reduce your risk of UTIs.

Acute sinusitis

Acute sinusitis is when the sinuses, the spaces inside the nose, become swollen and inflamed. This makes it difficult for the sinuses to drain, which can lead to breathing difficulties and throbbing face pain or headache. It is caused by a viral infection, with the common cold being the most common cause. In some cases, blocked sinuses may also lead to a bacterial infection.

To reduce the risk of getting acute sinusitis, it is important to take a few precautions. Avoid close contact with people with colds or other infections, and frequently wash your hands with soap and water. Work with your healthcare provider to manage allergy symptoms and avoid cigarette smoke and polluted air. Using a humidifier can also be helpful, as it adds moisture to the atmosphere and helps prevent dryness in your home that may lead to sinusitis.

Acute tonsillitis

Tonsillitis is when the tonsils become infected. The tonsils are crucial in filtering out harmful pathogens that could enter the airways and cause infections. They also produce antibodies to fight infections. However, in some cases, the tonsils can become overwhelmed by bacteria or viruses, leading to inflammation and swelling.

It’s important to note that the germs responsible for causing viral and bacterial tonsillitis are highly contagious. Therefore, practicing good hygiene habits is the best way to prevent tonsillitis. Avoid sharing utensils, food, water bottles, or drinking glasses, and replace your toothbrush after being diagnosed with tonsillitis.

Top 5 tips for avoiding illness on holiday

1. When travelling, it is important to choose food carefully. Avoid anything raw, especially from street vendors. 
2. Drink bottled water, even if tap water is deemed safe, and avoid ice that may have been made with tap water. 
3. Be careful when eating at buffets, especially if you’re staying in an all-inclusive resort, and avoid food left in the heat for any time. 
4. Wash your hands frequently and air-dry, or use paper towels rather than shared ones. It is a good idea to carry hand sanitizer as a backup. 
5. Lastly, before eating out, check online reviews of restaurants you are considering to find out if there have been any food poisoning complaints.