2008 Woodie Awards
Keeping health above par as temperatures sink
Lindsay Straub
Issue date: 1/25/07 Section: Health
Some infectious diseases have the reputation of a seasonal pattern, said Dunne. Certain viruses show up more in the winter months than in summer, spring or fall. While influenza, for example, is more typical in the winter, other illnesses like mononucleosis can be seen more in the spring and fall. Environmental factors also affect the health conditions common in each season.
"During the winter months most areas are heated, and therefore dry out an individual's mucous membrane," said Dunne. "This often leads to bleeding, which makes the inner lining more vulnerable to viral invasion."
Sophomore Christine Martello said she was familiar with this particular result of the cold weather. Seasonal temperature change highly affects her allergies, and often leads to nosebleeds. The typical nosebleed lasts for about ten minutes, but has made "significant progress since last season," said Martello.
"For some reason I had the longest nosebleed I've ever had in my life yesterday," said Martello. "It continued for about 45 minutes … from both nostrils!"
Along with upper respiratory infections, other conditions like hypothermia and frostbite are associated with the cold weather. Jeannine Eslinger R.P.A.-C., a physician's assistant at South Nassau Community Hospital in Oceanside, Long Island, has seen both severe and non-severe cases of these health complications while working in the Emergency Room.
"It is important," said Eslinger, "not only to be aware of these conditions, but to have a general knowledge of their symptoms and available treatments."
Upper respiratory infections are considered viral, not bacterial, and can be spread from person to person. They are usually characterized by a cough, runny nose, low-grade fever, sore throat, and occasional sinus pressure. It is important to increase fluids in order to keep the immune system ready and able to respond to the infection, Eslinger said.
"Common cold pills are helpful," said Eslinger, "but only mask the infection to make yourself feel better." "Either way, the infection needs to run its course, which lasts about seven days."
"During the winter months most areas are heated, and therefore dry out an individual's mucous membrane," said Dunne. "This often leads to bleeding, which makes the inner lining more vulnerable to viral invasion."
Sophomore Christine Martello said she was familiar with this particular result of the cold weather. Seasonal temperature change highly affects her allergies, and often leads to nosebleeds. The typical nosebleed lasts for about ten minutes, but has made "significant progress since last season," said Martello.
"For some reason I had the longest nosebleed I've ever had in my life yesterday," said Martello. "It continued for about 45 minutes … from both nostrils!"
Along with upper respiratory infections, other conditions like hypothermia and frostbite are associated with the cold weather. Jeannine Eslinger R.P.A.-C., a physician's assistant at South Nassau Community Hospital in Oceanside, Long Island, has seen both severe and non-severe cases of these health complications while working in the Emergency Room.
"It is important," said Eslinger, "not only to be aware of these conditions, but to have a general knowledge of their symptoms and available treatments."
Upper respiratory infections are considered viral, not bacterial, and can be spread from person to person. They are usually characterized by a cough, runny nose, low-grade fever, sore throat, and occasional sinus pressure. It is important to increase fluids in order to keep the immune system ready and able to respond to the infection, Eslinger said.
"Common cold pills are helpful," said Eslinger, "but only mask the infection to make yourself feel better." "Either way, the infection needs to run its course, which lasts about seven days."
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