Brazil faces winter surge in respiratory illnesses as doctors stress proper diagnosis and prevention

Allergic rhinitis, sinusitis and flu share symptoms such as sneezing, nasal congestion and headache, but differ in causes and treatment, explains allergist Neane Magalhães. She notes that rhinitis does not cause fever, sinusitis may bring facial pain and fever, and flu is viral with fever, urging medical evaluation to avoid unnecessary antibiotics.

Winter conditions—colder weather, closed indoor spaces, low humidity and pollution—raise the risk of respiratory problems across Brazil. Health experts recommend staying hydrated, ventilating rooms, cleaning dust‑prone items and seeking medical care for high fever, breathlessness or worsening symptoms.

Conjunctivitis cases rose 35.5% during the 2023‑2024 winter season, with over 74,000 outpatient visits reported. The disease spreads through direct contact with eye secretions or contaminated objects; authorities advise prompt medical consultation and caution against self‑medicating eye drops.

Moisture buildup in closed homes during colder months creates ideal conditions for mold growth. Signs include wall stains and musty odors. Prevention measures include increasing ventilation, using waterproofing materials and cleaning surfaces with diluted bleach.

In Peru’s Cusco region, pneumonia has claimed 102 lives among the elderly and six children under five between January and July, highlighting the heightened vulnerability of seniors during low‑temperature periods.

In Argentina, the NGO Nuevo Ambiente has formally requested public health and air‑quality data to assess links between industrial pollution and respiratory illnesses in La Plata, Berisso and Ensenada.

For the elderly, geriatrician Milton Santos recommends five winter‑care tips: maintain adequate fluid intake, monitor cardiovascular health, stay physically active, ensure minimal indoor ventilation to reduce infection spread, and combat social isolation to protect mental well‑being.