October’s Wild Weather Is Messing With Your Health — Here’s How To Protect Yourself This Season

October usually marks the end of the rainy season and the start of pleasant, sunny days before winter begins. But this year, the weather in India has been acting up in unexpected ways. While heavy rains have caused landslides in Darjeeling, West Bengal, parts of Delhi-NCR have been drenched by early October showers. Meanwhile, Jammu and Kashmir are already covered in fresh layers of snow.

This unusual mix of rain, warmth, and cold is because of strong western disturbances, weather systems that travel from the Mediterranean region to northern India. These systems bring clouds, moisture, and sudden changes in temperature, turning India’s weather map into a patchwork of extremes.

Unstable Weather Makes More People Fall Sick

Many people are finding themselves down with cough, cold, and fever earlier than usual this year. The main reason is the unstable weather, one day it’s hot, the next day it’s cool. Such sudden changes put a lot of pressure on the body’s immune system, making it harder to fight off infections.

Adding to this, pollution levels are also rising in many cities. Dust, smoke, and smog in the air irritate the throat and lungs, making people more likely to fall ill. Because most people have stopped wearing masks, germs are spreading more easily from one person to another.

Common Seasonal Illnesses on the Rise

Across many cities, people are visiting clinics with sore throats, mild fevers, stuffy noses, and headaches. Some also complain of fatigue and long-lasting coughs that take weeks to go away. In some cases, even after people start feeling better, their symptoms come back again.

The mix of warm days and chilly nights makes it easy for viruses to spread. People who already suffer from asthma or allergies are finding it especially hard to breathe cleanly, as the pollution and temperature swings make their symptoms worse.

How Weather and Pollution Affect Your Health

When the weather keeps changing, the body’s blood vessels in the nose and throat open and close repeatedly, which can cause irritation. Dust and tiny particles in polluted air make the inside of the lungs inflamed, leading to coughing, sneezing, and congestion. Over time, this weakens the body’s natural defense system, making it easier for viruses to attack.

Even healthy people can get sick if they suddenly step out in cold air after sweating or stay too long in polluted surroundings. That’s why this time of year often brings a rise in respiratory infections.

Simple Tips to Stay Healthy During Changing Weather

To stay safe during this unpredictable season, make small but smart changes in your daily routine. 

• Drink lots of warm fluids like soup or herbal tea to soothe your throat. 
• Eat fresh fruits and vegetables, especially those rich in vitamin C like oranges, amla, and guava.
• Dress in layers so you can remove or add clothing based on the temperature. 
• Try to avoid sudden exposure to cold air right after exercising or sweating. 
• Keep your home clean and airy to reduce dust and germs. 
• And if your cough or fever doesn’t go away after a few days, it’s better to visit a doctor instead of taking random medicines.

Disclaimer: This article is for general information only. It should not be taken as medical advice. If you are feeling unwell or have ongoing symptoms, please consult a qualified healthcare professional.