Things to consider during seasonal transitions
The immune system is a complex system that forms the body’s defense mechanism against diseases and protects our body from foreign and harmful substances. This system is designed to protect against millions of bacteria, microbes, viruses, toxins and parasites that enter our body. Due to temperature changes that occur during seasonal transitions, weakening of the immune system and all the factors that cause the body’s resistance to decrease, many microorganism-related diseases and epidemics can occur.
These diseases, especially caused by viruses and bacteria, often manifest as respiratory tract infections. Many respiratory tract diseases such as flu, cold, seasonal allergic rhinitis, tonsillitis, pharyngitis, laryngitis, sinusitis, bronchitis, bronchiolitis, asthma, chronic bronchitis, bronchiectasis and COPD are diseases that we experience intensively during seasonal transitions, especially in the spring months. The most common respiratory tract diseases are colds and flu. Colds, or nasopharyngitis as it is called in medicine, can occur with complaints such as runny nose, nasal congestion, mild sore throat and weakness, as well as symptoms such as weakness, muscle pain, sweating, nausea, vomiting and high fevers of up to 40 degrees, and can lead to loss of labor in our working lives. These viral or bacterial infections often turn into epidemics and can be transmitted from person to person.
For protection, it is recommended that sick individuals avoid direct contact (shaking hands, kissing, sharing common items with others) with non-sick individuals and pay particular attention to their diet. During these periods, it is of great importance to add fresh vegetables and fruits to daily nutrition, take vitamin supplements and pay attention to sleep patterns. It is known that using vitamins C, A and E together with other resistance boosters is beneficial. Temperature differences that occur during seasonal transition periods also affect skin health. During these periods, the skin loses oil and water, causing sensitivity and drying, flaking and cracking may occur on the skin surface. Creamy, oily gels and soaps should be used to prevent our skin from drying out. Moisturizers containing vaseline, glycerin, urea, lactic acid and hyaluronic acid suitable for the skin type should be selected and should be applied frequently, especially after bathing and exposure to cold. A healthy diet, especially vitamin antioxidants, minerals, unsaturated fats and omega-3 intake is recommended for skin care. It is recommended to drink plenty of water.
As we approach the summer months, paying attention to air conditioning usage is of great importance in order to protect our health. Being overwhelmed by the heat outside and being exposed to high levels of air conditioning in a closed environment and creating sudden temperature changes on the body can make a person sick. When using air conditioning, it is necessary not to lower the temperature suddenly but gradually. This makes it easier for the body to adapt to temperature changes. It is best not to sleep with the air conditioning on, especially at night; it is best to cool the room and turn it off before going to bed at night.
To experience the effects of seasonal transition to a minimum;
- Drinking plenty of water
- Paying attention to your sleep patterns
- Paying attention to your diet (increasing your consumption of fresh vegetables and fruits)
- Taking food supplements to provide a good vitamin and mineral support when necessary
- Staying away from smoking and alcohol
- Increasing daily activity and doing regular sports
- Preferring light-colored clothing in the summer and dark-colored clothing that allows air circulation in the winter
- It will be beneficial to ventilate indoor areas well and keep them clean.
