Brace up for this winter

We are already at the end of the month of June and since a few days now, people are already chilling to the spine in certain regions of the country. The transition from summer to winter is always accompanied by various illnesses and precautions should be taken. A medical practitioner, a nutritionist and a beauty specialist provide a vivid explanation on how to deal with this transition as well sustain the whole winter. 

Winter 2017 weather Outlook

The Winter Outlook 2017 by the Mauritius Meteorological Services forecasts normal to slightly below normal temperatures for Mauritius, with temperatures dropping to near 12 degrees Celsius in some occasions. Rainfall is expected to be above normal over Mauritius with a mean of about 850 mm.

Temperatures

A normal winter 2017 is expected, with minimum temperature reaching 15 degrees Celsius on the central plateau and varying between 17 and 20 degrees Celsius on coastal regions. As regards Rodrigues, minimum average temperature is expected to be around 19 degree Celsius and may drop to 14 degrees Celsius over the high grounds.

Rainfall

In Mauritius, rainfall will be above normal during the first half of winter and close to normal during the second half, with a seasonal mean of about 850 mm. Normal rainfall is expected over Rodrigues and St Brandon with a mean of 350 mm and 270 mm respectively. However, rainfall is expected to be slightly below normal in Agalega with a mean of 390 mm.

Wind

Trade winds, mainly from the East South East, will blow at an average speed of 25 to35 km/h. However, due to strong anticyclones to the south of the Mascarene Islands during the months of July and August, occasional wind gusts are likely to reach 80 to 90 km/h in some exposed areas.

Sea

Seas will occasionally become very rough with heavy swells generated by the combined effect of deep travelling lows and strong anticyclones to the south of the Mascarene Islands. These swells are likely to reach the shores of Mauritius, Rodrigues and St Brandon, thus causing tidal waves on some occasions, especially in the southern and western sectors.

Diseases most common in winter 

According to general practitioner Dr Y.S Soobhug, there are a series of diseases that people need to take note of during the transition period and in middle of winter. He describes each of the illness and explains the means of prevention. 

Influenza 

Dr Soobhug states that influenza is one of the most common diseases (flu). “It is mostly accompanied by a headache, fever, cold, body aches, chills, fatigue and cough. Typically, the flu is highly-contagious and can spread to others via airborne droplet form. Between 10 and 20 percent of the population contracts flu each year. It can come on suddenly and is more serious and long-lasting than a regular cold,” he says. 

Prevention: One quick and easy remedy for a sore throat is to gargle with warm salty water. It won’t heal the infection, but it has anti-inflammatory properties and can have a soothing effect. Dissolve one teaspoon of salt in a glass of part-cooled boiled water.

Common Cold

According to the doctor, cold is another disease which can affect all ages, but it is mostly children who are the most vulnerable. “On average, a child will get four to eight colds per year. The good thing is that as children grow, they develop resistance to more and more types of cold viruses. Colds typically start with a scratchy, irritated throat, muscle aches, headache, decreased appetite and sneezing. There is no vaccine for the common cold, as there are more than 200 types of cold viruses. Treatment is usually aimed at the symptoms and as the old adage goes: “A cold will disappear in a week if you treat it and it will go away in seven days if you do not,” he adds.

Prevention:  If you get a cold, use disposable tissues instead of cloth handkerchiefs to avoid constantly re-infecting your own hands.

Sinusitis 

Dr Soobhug explains that some people suffer with sinusitis (inflammation of the sinus in the nasal cavity) all year round, but the cold weather seems to aggravate this condition for many. “Sinusitis can also cause frequent sneezing, irritability and a mild headache. A build-up of mucous only increases the severity of the symptoms. There are a number of sinus medications available to help decrease the swelling and mucous production, but sometimes antibiotics are necessary.”

Bronchial asthma

“Cold air is a major trigger of asthma symptoms such as wheezing, shortness of breath, cough. People with asthma should be especially careful in winter.”

Heart Disease Complications

The doctor avers that during colder seasons, heart disease cases tend to increase because the cold, winter temperatures cause the blood vessels to constrict, which can inevitably cause the person to be at risk for stroke, myocardial infarction and artery rupture. “People who are outside performing tasks that require considerable effort, put strain on the cardiovascular system. Anyone with a cardiovascular condition should check with their physician before exerting themselves in cold weather.”

Prevention: Heat the main rooms you use to at least 18C and use a hot water bottle or electric blanket to keep warm in bed. Wrap up warm when you go out and wear a hat, scarf and gloves. Anyone with a cardiovascular condition should check with their physician before exerting themselves in cold weather.

Arthritis

Arthritis is another condition that may be triggered or made worse by the cold weather. “Most people who suffer from arthritis will agree that cold, damp weather increases their arthritis pain; some can predict if it is going to rain based on their level of pain and stiffness.”  

Prevention: Daily exercise can boost a person’s mental and physical state. Swimming is ideal as it’s easy on the joints.

Raynaud’s phenomenon 

As stated by the doctor, Raynaud’s phenomenon is a common condition that makes your fingers and toes change colour and become very painful in cold weather. “Fingers can go white, then blue, then red, and throb and tingle. It’s a sign of poor circulation in the small blood vessels of the hands and feet. In severe cases, medication can help, but most people live with their symptoms.”

Dry skin

Dry skin is a common condition and is often worse during the winter, when environmental humidity is low.

Prevention:  Moisturising is essential during winter. Contrary to popular belief, moisturising lotions and creams aren’t absorbed by the skin. Instead, they act as a sealant to stop the skin’s natural moisture evaporating away. The best time to apply moisturiser is after a bath or shower while your skin is still moist, and again at bedtime. Have warm, rather than hot, showers. Water that is too hot makes skin feel more dry and itchy. Hot water will also make your hair look dull and dry.

RSV/Bronchiolitis

As highlighted by the doctor Bronchiolitis is a common viral respiratory infection in young children. “It is most frequently seen in children less than 12 months old. Symptoms include nasal congestion, cough, low-grade fevers, and wheezing. RSV, a particular virus, is one common cause of bronchiolitis, although many different viruses can cause bronchiolitis.”  

Croup

As explained by Dr Soobhung, croup often comes on suddenly in the middle of the night. “You may wake up to your child coughing loudly. The croup cough often is described as “barking” or “like a seal”. Your child may also be making a high-pitched noise while breathing – physicians call this stridor. Children with mild and moderate coughs can often be supported at home. Frequently, croup symptoms will improve with exposure to cool dry air (bundle your child up and take them outside) or hot humid air (steam up the bathroom). For children with moderate to severe cough or trouble breathing, croup often leads to a middle of the night ER visit.” 

Pneumonia

The doctor reveals that unlike the other common winter illness, pneumonia is often caused by a bacterial infection. It can be present in many different ways. “Sometimes it starts as a cold that just continues to worsen, other times it will seem like your patient was initially getting better when suddenly the condition will worsen again.  If your child has had a cold for several days and suddenly develops a high fever and worsening cough, this could be a sign of pneumonia and you should bring your patient in for evaluation.”  

Amiirah Hosenbux: “Daily meals should be customised”

Nutritionist Amiirah Hossenbux from Wellkins Hospital explains that the winter season - featured by a drop in atmospheric temperature - often calls for an increase in food intake. “Our body needs energy/ calories for all metabolic processes and to maintain an ideal body temperature which explain the higher daily calorie requirements for most age groups. However, it is important that our plate remains balanced with generous amounts of vegetables and fruits as excellent sources of antioxidants. The transition from summer to winter, accompanied by fluctuating temperatures put us at higher risks of seasonal/ epidemic infections. The daily meals should therefore be customised to reinforce our immune system with a boost of antioxidants foods among some “super-foods”, adequate protein intake and sufficient hydration,” she avers. 

Food to eat 

Amiirah advises the consumption of the following food: 

• Vitamin C rich- fruits (citrus, kiwis, grapes guavas, berries) 
• vegetables daily
• High antioxidant intake is to include varieties of coloured vegetables like tomatoes, carrots, capsicum, broccoli, sprouts, red cabbage, among others, as part of every main meal –lunch and dinner.
• Smoothies and fruit purees can be privileged as snack options to fight infections
• Regular healthy snacks are essential to meet the recommended energy intakes, especially for those with poor appetites and vulnerable to cold/ infections.
• Honey- in little amounts can be included in the diet for non-diabetics, especially during the cold season.
• Vitamins and other antioxidants, protein rich foods such as eggs, meat- poultry, fish and red meat, beans and pulses, milk and cheeses are necessary for a healthy immune function for all

Food to avoid

According to the nutritionist, it is recommended that high fibre, nutritious and regular meals are taken during pregnancy rather than fatty foods that could be tempting for better satiety during the cold season. “It is therefore advisable to choose fibre rich cereals together with veggies and fruits instead of refined cakes and soft drinks.  It is however important to ensure that our meat/ vegetable foods are adequately cooked especially in cases of history of recurrent infections. It should be noted though that all vegetables can be consumed after thorough washing/ soaking and sufficiently heated.” 

Food to eat during cold 

• Citrus fruits
• Higher consumptions of fresh garden herbs-(thym, dill, rosemary) condiments -like fenugreek and spices (turmeric) as part of our daily preparations
• Supplements like cod liver oil, propolis, green tea infusions

Food to avoid for asthmatic patients

• Dry foods such as nuts or plain cereals/grains
• Cold foods and beverages