Valentine’s Day Is The Worst Time To Kiss
Say “I love you” with flowers, chocolates or a greeting card, but be careful when you kiss this Valentine’s Day. “Mid-February is usually the peak season for infectious diseases, such as the seasonal and H1N1 flu, mononucleosis, colds and coughs,” says Dr. Jorge Parada, medical director of infectious disease at Loyola University Health System. “And don’t rely on obvious signs of illness – such as sneezing or fever as a tip off. People with infectious diseases start shedding the virus before they experience the full effect of the illness.” Changing weather or temperatures are often blamed for winter’s coughs and sniffles. But in reality, colds, coughs and the flu are infectious diseases “caught” through transmission from one human to another. “Becoming too hot or too cold can cause stress to the body, weaken the defense in fighting off infections and thus make us more vulnerable,” said Parada. “But a person has to be exposed to a virus or bacteria to catch it.” Dr. Parada feels that winter trends such as staying indoors in crowded arenas such as shopping malls or movie theatres may promote winter colds and flu.
Say “I love you” with flowers, chocolates or a greeting card, but be careful when you kiss this Valentine’s Day. “Mid-February is usually the peak season for infectious diseases, such as the seasonal and H1N1 flu, mononucleosis, colds and coughs,” says Dr. Jorge Parada, medical director of infectious disease at Loyola University Health System. “And don’t rely on obvious signs of illness – such as sneezing or fever as a tip off. People with infectious diseases start shedding the virus before they experience the full effect of the illness.” Changing weather or temperatures are often blamed for winter’s coughs and sniffles. But in reality, colds, coughs and the flu are infectious diseases “caught” through transmission from one human to another. “Becoming too hot or too cold can cause stress to the body, weaken the defense in fighting off infections and thus make us more vulnerable,” said Parada. “But a person has to be exposed to a virus or bacteria to catch it.” Dr. Parada feels that winter trends such as staying indoors in crowded arenas such as shopping malls or movie theatres may promote winter colds and flu.
