The Weather May Be Fooling Us
With the start of the cooler weather in Bangkok, it’s also the start of the cold and flu season. Scratchy throats, runny noses and fevers are some of the typical symptoms of a cold or flu. However, they also are typical natural reactions to the drier air at this time of year.
As the weather turns cooler and people are glad to be outside for a change, one of the changes that people are thankful for is the unmistakable drop in humidity that accompanies the change in seasons. This drop in humidity can be the cause of many respiratory issues, including the stuffy noses and scratchy throats that many people attribute to the onset of a cold or flu.
The humidity is still well above 50% during November and December. But it’s nowhere near Thailand’s average of 82%, which many people get used to. While the drop in humidity may be good news for those wanting to spend the evening dining alfresco without having to constantly wipe the sweat off their faces, it can cause problems for others.
Dry Air Can Affect Asthma
Most people will get used to the lack of humidity at some point. But for people with asthma, the sudden switch to the cool, dry season can be a source of asthma triggers and flare-ups. Not too much and not too little is the best recipe for people with asthma. A humidity level between 30 and 50% is perfect for those with asthma.
For those who don’t have respiratory conditions, the change in the weather can also fool us into thinking we’re coming down with something when we’re perfectly healthy and simply dealing with the effects of dry sinuses. So, spend some time around a humidifier and see if that improves your symptoms before you head to the pharmacy and spend money on medicines you may not need.