Winter Woes: Illnesses That Hit Health and Wallets

Every January brings with it a familiar pattern - sniffles that linger, coughs that refuse to fade, and a general sense of fatigue that seems to move quietly from one household to another. This winter in Bahrain, however, many residents feel that seasonal illnesses have been more persistent than usual, affecting adults and children alike. Hospital OPDs are flooded with patients, and families are struggling not just with sickness but also with rising medical costs.

Contributors

Health experts say this isn’t entirely unexpected. Winter months typically see a rise in respiratory infections, as cooler weather encourages more indoor activity, increasing close contact. Air-conditioned environments, even during winter, can dry out airways and weaken the body’s natural defenses, making it easier for viruses to spread.

The return to school after the winter break has further accelerated the cycle. Schools are shared spaces where close contact is unavoidable, and children particularly younger ones, are more susceptible to common viral infections. Once an illness enters the classroom, it often travels home, affecting entire households within days.

Financial Impact

Beyond health, there is a financial impact. A single hospital or clinic visit can cost around 25 Bahraini dinars on average, typically 5 BD for consultation, roughly 13 BD for prescribed medicines, and the remaining amount for investigations or blood tests. In many cases, medications are prescribed for up to two weeks at a time and are dispatched in boxes rather than strips, which adds to the overall cost. For families dealing with repeated infections, particularly when multiple members fall ill, these expenses can accumulate quickly during the winter-to-summer transition, particularly for families without health insurance, where the full cost falls directly on them.

Prevention is better than cure

Lifestyle habits also play a significant role. Reduced physical activity and frequent social gatherings further weaken immunity, leaving the body more vulnerable just as virus circulation peaks.

Doctors advise paying attention to warning signs such as prolonged fever, unusual fatigue, breathing discomfort, or symptoms that do not improve over time. While most winter illnesses are mild, early medical advice can help prevent complications and potentially avoid repeated visits and additional costs - particularly for children, older adults, and those with existing health conditions.

Simple preventive measures remain the most effective: prioritising rest, staying hydrated, maintaining balanced nutrition, practicing good hand hygiene, and allowing time for recovery instead of pushing through illness. Vaccination also continues to be recommended for those at higher risk.

Winter illnesses may be seasonal, but their impact doesn’t have to be inevitable. As January unfolds, small, mindful choices at home, at school, and in daily routines can ease both the health and financial burden of the season.