From measles to colds, seven common winter illnesses and what you need to do when they strike

WINTRY weather can trigger health conditions and an increase in hospital admissions for everything from flu and asthma to heart failure and stroke.

Today, Dr Unnati Desai, national GP lead at Nuffield Health, reveals the health conditions that flare up at this time of year — and what you can do about them.

ASTHMA: A number of factors can trigger asthma when it gets cold.

Viral infections such as colds, flu and Covid can make symptoms worse, while cold and dry air can result in more mucus production in the lungs.

This can lead to a tightening of the airways, which might exacerbate breathing problems.

The 5.4million Brits who have asthma are also more susceptible to secondary infections if they use a steroid inhaler.

The inhaler works by lowering your immunity to keep inflammation under control, putting you at risk of infections.

What to do: Keep your home environment humid, but not damp — put a bowl of water on standard radiators to prevent the air from drying out.

You can also step up medication, make sure you use your inhaler properly and take advantage of any vaccines offered to you.

MEASLES: Like any virus, measles tends to rear its head in the winter months — and this year it has been particularly severe in the UK.

Birmingham Children’s Hospital said this week it has been inundated with cases, treating the highest number of children in decades, and at least 50 in the past month.

Measles is highly contagious and spreads very easily, so cases often cluster in schools and nurseries.

What to do: The MMR vaccine offers safe protection against measles, so make sure your child’s, and your own, immunisations are up to date.

You sometimes get breakthrough infections, but these tend to be less severe.

If you weren’t vaccinated as a child, you can have the MMR jab as an adult.

COLD SORES: Once the herpes simplex virus, which causes cold sores, is in your body, it stays there and will flare up, with one in five of us experiencing recurring cold sores.

Breakouts are more common in the winter because immunity is lower.

What to do: Boost your immune system.

Take a multivitamin containing iron, selenium, vitamins C and D and zinc, which is particularly important for skin health.

It’s vital to start treatment quickly, and definitely within the first three days.

An antiviral such as Zovirax is available over the counter as a cream or from the GP as tablets.

PSORIASIS: This skin condition affects two in 100 Brits.

Many patients find their skin suffers more in cold weather and central heating can further exacerbate symptoms.

Dry skin loses its protective moisture barrier, meaning it is more likely to become inflamed — you will see more psoriasis and eczema flare-ups in dry environments.

What to do: Don’t wash excessively as this will dry your skin even more.

Use over-the-counter creams and emollients — the greasier, the better.

Use a heavy-duty emollient at night under a cotton T-shirt or gloves.

COUGHS AND COLDS: Upper respiratory infections are extremely common during winter months.

Around 95 per cent of cases are viral and antibiotics will not help.

Those most at risk of secondary infections are people with asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) who use steroid inhalers.

What to do: Rest, stay hydrated and eat healthily.

You can also decongest sinuses by steam inhalation.

It’s important to get rid of mucus in the upper respiratory tract as otherwise it could travel to the lungs and cause an infection.

HEART ATTACKS: Research funded by the British Heart Foundation suggests heart attacks and strokes are twice as likely during a cold snap lasting four days or longer.

The risk is even greater if the temperature falls below 12C.

The constriction of blood vessels in the cold result in increased blood pressure and heart rate, which is one factor.

What to do: Keep your indoor environment warm, at a minimum of 18C.

Wear layers of thin clothing as well as gloves, a hat and scarf when outdoors.

Keep active with gentle exercise indoors and have warm drinks. Limit your caffeine and alcohol intake.

CONJUNCTIVITIS: Eye infections or conjunctivitis, commonly known as pink eye, are mostly caused by a virus.

It is easily passed around by people as we spend more time indoors and in closer contact.

Dry eyes, often caused by cold air, central heating and drinking less fluid, can also be a contributing factor in winter months.

What to do: Wash hands regularly and avoid touching your eyes, especially if you have a cold or flu.

Keep well hydrated.

You could also speak to a pharmacist about over-the-counter artificial tears to help manage dry eyes.