Late Winter to Early Spring: Infectious Disease Alert!

This winter, which was particularly cold and snowy, is finally coming to an end. While it is seasonally the end of winter, it is also a time that requires extra caution regarding infectious diseases. As temperatures gradually rise, outings and gatherings increase, and group activities in schools and daycare centers become active again. Furthermore, continued indoor heating often leads to poor ventilation, creating an ideal environment for respiratory and digestive viruses to spread. In fact, the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency (KDCA) is advising continuous vigilance against major infectious diseases such as Influenza, RSV, and Norovirus between late winter and early spring. In this article, we will look at the representative viral infections that require special attention during this period.

Why Viral Infections Increase from Late Winter to Early Spring

As winter ends, discomfort that was dismissed as a simple cold may actually be a viral disease such as Influenza, Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV), or Norovirus infection. The problem is that these infectious diseases are difficult to distinguish from one another based on early symptoms alone. They often start with common symptoms like coughing, a runny nose, or fever, making it easy to overlook them as a temporary dip in condition. In the meantime, many people miss the window for treatment or suffer significantly from the infection. Especially during the transition from late winter to early spring, exposure opportunities naturally increase as outings, gatherings, and group life in schools and daycare centers resume. Additionally, the large daily temperature fluctuations can easily disrupt immune balance, and lack of ventilation due to indoor heating creates favorable conditions for virus transmission. These factors act in combination, leading to a trend of increasing infectious disease outbreaks.

Therefore, rather than assuming respiratory or digestive symptoms during this period are just a simple cold, it is necessary to check them again by considering the onset of symptoms, the presence of high fever or systemic symptoms, and risk factors such as age or underlying diseases. This check-up can be an important starting point for early identification and appropriate response to infectious diseases.

Infectious Disease to Watch #1: Influenza vs. Cold. What’s the Difference?

The most commonly confused diseases between late winter and early spring are Influenza and the common cold. Since both diseases start with respiratory symptoms such as coughing, a runny nose, and a sore throat, they are not easy to distinguish initially. Because of this, many people dismiss it thinking, ‘It must be a cold,’ but medically, there are clear differences in the causative viruses and clinical progression. Colds are caused by various viruses, such as Rhinoviruses, and symptoms usually start relatively slowly and are mild. On the other hand, Influenza is an acute respiratory infection caused by the Influenza virus, characterized by sudden high fever accompanied by distinct systemic symptoms such as muscle aches, headaches, and severe fatigue. The two diseases often differ in the speed of symptom onset and the degree of decline in overall condition. While it is common to think, ‘I’ll get better naturally after a few days of rest,’ in the case of Influenza, early antiviral treatment can be helpful, and it is known that the earlier the treatment, the greater the effect. Furthermore, high-risk groups such as the elderly, pregnant women, and those with chronic diseases require more careful observation due to the high risk of complications like pneumonia. If high fever and systemic symptoms appear, it is recommended to confirm whether it is Influenza through a medical consultation rather than just waiting it out.

<Differences Between Influenza and Cold>

As shown above, Influenza and the common cold have clear differences in causative viruses, symptom intensity, and treatment approaches. Especially if high fever and systemic symptoms are prominent, it is a safer approach to confirm whether it is Influenza through a medical professional rather than dismissing it as a simple cold.

Infectious Disease to Watch #2: RSV

Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) is not limited to a specific age group and can appear in adults and adolescents with symptoms similar to a cold. However, while it passes relatively mildly in most adults, it requires caution because its clinical significance can be very different in infants and young children. Particularly in children under 2 years of age, it can progress to bronchiolitis or pneumonia, which may be accompanied by symptoms such as rapid breathing, wheezing, or difficulty breathing. From a caregiver’s perspective, it may be perceived as just a lingering runny nose or cough, but if a decrease in milk intake or changes in breathing patterns are observed, it cannot be viewed as a simple cold. In such cases, hospitals closely monitor the progress focusing on respiratory status and consider hospitalization if necessary. RSV infection is currently a disease where supportive care, such as symptom relief and respiratory assistance, is central rather than a specific antiviral treatment; early recognition and proper management can affect the prognosis. Recently, health authorities have been continuously advising caution regarding the health management of infants and young children in relation to RSV outbreaks. While basic respiratory hygiene management is important for all ages, it is necessary to observe changes in symptoms even more closely in the case of infants.

<RSV Infection Symptoms by Age>​

Infectious Disease to Watch #3: Norovirus

Norovirus infection is a representative viral gastroenteritis that is prevalent from winter to early spring, characterized by the sudden onset of vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal pain. It is highly contagious as it can cause infection even with a very small amount of the virus. Many people mistakenly believe that ‘you only need to be careful with food.’ However, in reality, contact transmission through environmental surfaces such as hands, doorknobs, and toilets is also common. Furthermore, since the virus can continue to be excreted for a certain period even after symptoms improve, there is a high risk of further spread in group living spaces such as daycare centers and nursing facilities. Treatment focuses on preventing dehydration and relieving symptoms rather than antibiotics, and above all, hand washing and environmental hygiene management are emphasized as the keys to prevention.

When evaluating viral infections, hospitals do not just look at current symptoms. They consider when it started, how symptoms are changing, and whether the patient belongs to a high-risk group. Even with the same cough and fever symptoms, the diagnosis and management approach for Influenza, RSV, and the common cold can differ. Therefore, if symptoms persist for more than a few days or worsen in an unusual way, it is safe to receive an evaluation from a medical professional. Rather than excessive anxiety or self-diagnosis, understanding the characteristics of currently prevalent infectious diseases and receiving appropriate medical care when necessary is a realistic way to manage your health.

-Reference: Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency (KDCA)

(https://health.kdca.go.kr/healthinfo/biz/health/ntcnInfo/healthSourc/thtimtCntnts/thtimtCntntsView.do?thtimt_cntnts_sn=132&utm_source=kdca&utm_medium=kdca)

Inquiries

Chaum Premium Health Checkup Center 02-3015-5005 | 2nd & 3rd Floor, Chaum, 4-1 Cheongdam-dong, Gangnam-gu, Seoul