The winter health struggle: Why some people stay sick all season 

The winter months bring a surge in illnesses, with clinics overwhelmed and hospital wards at full capacity. Among these cases are "serial patients"—individuals, often children, who seem to recover from one illness only to catch another soon after. But what causes this phenomenon, and how can it be stopped?

The Chain of Winter Illnesses

Winter is notorious for an uptick in respiratory infections caused by various viruses, including Influenza A and B, rhinovirus, RSV, and coronavirus. These illnesses often overlap or follow one another, creating a cycle of repeated sickness.

Dr. Ilan Yehoshua, head of Family Medicine at Maccabi Healthcare Services, explains that viral infections weaken the body, allowing bacteria to cause secondary infections like pneumonia, sinusitis, or ear infections. “Each virus has tiny ‘arms’ called receptors, which help it penetrate tissues in the body. The interaction between these receptors and human tissues determines whether infection occurs,” he says.

Aggressive viruses are more likely to invade the body, but the severity of the resulting illness varies. For example, rhinovirus has high virulence—it infects easily—but typically causes mild symptoms.

Breaking the Cycle of Illness

Experts recommend several strategies to disrupt the cycle of winter illnesses:

• Personal Hygiene: Frequent handwashing is critical, as most viruses spread through contact. Avoid touching your face, and wear masks in crowded areas.
• Limit Exposure: Prevent the spread of infection by staying home when sick and keeping unwell children out of school or daycare.
• Fresh Air and Ventilation: Contrary to common beliefs, staying indoors can exacerbate the problem. Dr. Abukias advises ensuring proper ventilation in closed spaces and spending time outdoors.
• Balanced Nutrition: A healthy diet and hydration can boost immunity. Traditional remedies like chicken soup provide hydration and electrolytes, aiding recovery.
• Supplements: While the benefits of vitamin C remain unproven, vitamin D may strengthen the body's defenses against winter illnesses.
• Vaccination: Immunization remains a cornerstone of prevention. “Unfortunately, vaccine rates are down this year due to public fatigue after COVID-19 and vaccine hesitancy,” says Dr. Abukias. This decline likely correlates with the increased illness rates.
• Ynet contributed to this article.