As the Philippines enters its colder months—often marked by chilly mornings, rain-soaked afternoons, and increasing cases of flooding—it also becomes a season of sniffles, sore throats, and runny noses. The common cold, while often dismissed as a minor nuisance, can be a real challenge when you're trying to stay productive and healthy in the midst of unpredictable weather.
I've experienced firsthand how a simple cold can derail even the most routine days—especially when paired with soaking wet feet from sudden floods or when the temperature drops in the middle of the night, and you're wrapped in nothing but a thin blanket. In this article, let’s talk more about the common cold, why it’s more common during this season in the Philippines, and most importantly, how we can prevent it and stay well despite the odds.
Understanding the Common Cold
The common cold is caused by a viral infection, most commonly rhinoviruses. It primarily affects your nose and throat (upper respiratory tract), and it spreads easily—through droplets in the air when someone coughs or sneezes, or by touching surfaces contaminated with the virus.
Symptoms include:
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Runny or stuffy nose
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Sore throat
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Coughing
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Sneezing
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Mild headache or body aches
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Low-grade fever
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Feeling tired or fatigued
While it's usually not serious, the common cold can lead to complications or longer recovery times, especially for children, the elderly, and people with weaker immune systems.
Why Colds Are Common in the Cold Season
In the Philippines, the colder months (from November to February) often coincide with an increase in colds and other respiratory illnesses. Here’s why:
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Cooler air dries out nasal passages, making it easier for viruses to enter and infect your respiratory tract.
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People tend to stay indoors when it's cold or raining, which leads to closer contact with others and easier virus transmission.
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Flooding, common in many areas during this season, forces people into crowded evacuation centers or exposes them to dirty water, both of which can weaken immunity.
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Weakened immune systems from poor sleep, cold stress, and lack of sunlight (less vitamin D) can make it easier to catch a cold.
How to Avoid Catching a Cold During the Philippine Cold Season
1. Keep Warm, Especially at Night
Temperature drops can be harsh, especially for those living in elevated or open-air homes. Make sure to:
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Use thicker blankets or layer up with jackets and socks before sleeping.
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Keep your windows closed during the night or use curtains to block out the chill.
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Drink warm fluids like salabat (ginger tea) or salabat with honey and calamansi—a comforting remedy that warms your throat and supports immunity.
2. Avoid Getting Wet in the Rain or Floods
If you get soaked on your way home or while commuting, change into dry clothes immediately. Wet clothes can lower your body temperature, making you more susceptible to illness.
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Keep an extra set of clothes and slippers in your office or bag during the rainy season.
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Always bring an umbrella or raincoat, and use waterproof footwear if floods are expected.
3. Practice Proper Hygiene
Frequent handwashing is one of the simplest yet most effective ways to prevent the spread of viruses.
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Wash your hands for at least 20 seconds with soap and water, especially before eating and after touching surfaces in public.
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Use alcohol or sanitizer when soap isn’t available.
4. Eat Healthy and Strengthen Your Immune System
Nutrition plays a huge role in your body’s defense.
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Eat fruits rich in vitamin C like oranges, calamansi, papaya, and guava.
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Include vegetables like malunggay, spinach, and carrots in your meals.
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Drink lots of water to stay hydrated and help your body flush out toxins.
5. Get Enough Sleep
Lack of sleep weakens your immune system. During colder months, it’s tempting to binge on your favorite K-dramas or stay up on your phone. But your body needs rest to fight off viruses.
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Aim for at least 7 to 9 hours of sleep every night.
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Create a warm and comfortable sleeping environment by using extra pillows, soft blankets, or even drinking warm milk before bed.
6. Stay Away from Sick People (and Stay Home if You're Sick)
This is not always easy, especially in shared households or offices, but:
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Avoid close contact with people showing signs of colds or flu.
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If you’re feeling unwell, stay home and rest to prevent spreading it further.
7. Boost Ventilation in Crowded Spaces
Ironically, even during cold days, good air circulation is important to prevent viruses from lingering indoors.
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Open windows during the day to allow fresh air in.
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Use fans or air purifiers if available.
When to See a Doctor
Most common colds clear up within 7–10 days. But you should see a doctor if:
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Your symptoms worsen after a few days instead of improving.
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You have a high fever (over 38.5°C).
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You experience difficulty breathing or chest pain.
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You have underlying conditions like asthma or heart disease.
Flood-related exposure can also lead to leptospirosis, dengue, or pneumonia, so it's important not to self-diagnose. If in doubt, consult your healthcare provider.
Final Thoughts
The cold weather in the Philippines brings with it a different kind of beauty—from cozy family dinners to the joy of sipping hot chocolate under a blanket. But it also brings health risks we need to be prepared for. The common cold, while manageable, can take a toll on your body, especially when compounded by rain, stress, and poor conditions.
I’ve learned to never underestimate how powerful small actions can be—whether it’s keeping dry socks in your bag or regularly drinking calamansi juice. Let’s take care of ourselves and our families by staying warm, dry, and healthy this season.
After all, in a time when viruses are always around the corner, prevention is still better than cure.
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