This year has reached its last month and the winter season has also begun. This season is the favorite season of many people, but in this season the risk of cold and other diseases often increases. Also, during this time many people also fall prey to winter blues.

As the winter season approaches, many of us experience a lack of energy, fatigue and low mood, commonly referred to as the "winter blues". However, it is important to differentiate between the fatigue that comes with the change of season and the serious respiratory diseases that occur during winter. In such a situation, Dr. Vikas Mittal, Pulmonologist at CK Birla Hospital Delhi, knows the difference between the two-

Deal with the winter blues

Doctors say there is no official medical term for "winter blues," but it is often used to describe the temporary feelings of sadness or low energy that many people sometimes experience during the cold winter days. These feelings can usually be caused by a lack of sunlight or cold temperatures that keep people indoors.

The winter blues usually fade after a few days or weeks as the body adjusts to the weather. Apart from this, lifestyle changes like being physically active, meditation and relaxation techniques can help in dealing with it.

Common cold and flu

The common cold and the flu are two of the most common illnesses people suffer from during the winter months. Both are viral infections that affect the upper respiratory system and tend to cause people to spend more time indoors in close proximity to each other during the cold season.

Symptoms of the common cold or flu usually include a stuffy or runny nose, sore throat, sneezing, mild cough, and nasal congestion. These symptoms can often be treated with over-the-counter medications, home remedies such as warm tea or honey, and adequate rest.

When should you seek medical help for a respiratory illness?

Unlike the winter blues and common cold, respiratory illnesses such as bronchitis, pneumonia or other upper respiratory tract infections can be much more severe this season. Respiratory illnesses often last longer than the common cold or flu and require timely and correct treatment for a quick recovery.

Symptoms of respiratory illness include a persistent cough, yellow or green sputum (phlegm), and shortness of breath or difficulty breathing. This is a sign that the infection may have affected the lungs and requires immediate medical attention.

take care of yourself like this

• To avoid any problem during winters, it is important that you do not self-treat.
• If you have difficulty breathing, a severe cough, or symptoms that worsen over time, contact your doctor immediately.
• Maintain a stress-free lifestyle, stay active, and follow your doctor's guidelines for medications.
• Apart from this, one can protect oneself to a great extent with the help of vaccines for flu and pneumonia. Especially the elderly, young children and people suffering from chronic health problems.