Health in Winter
Winter is the season for the flu, colds, and a weakened immune system. Less sunlight, cold weather, and less physical activity cause the immune system to work harder. During this time of year, we see more patients at the pharmacy complaining of respiratory issues, sore muscles, dry skin, and fatigue. Feelings of gloom and sleep problems are also more common.
Immunity and Lifestyle
People who spend a lot of time indoors get less exercise and less sunlight. This not only lowers your energy levels but also your vitamin D levels. According to Thuisarts.nl and Apotheek.nl, supplementation is recommended for older adults, people with darker skin, or those who spend little time outdoors. Vitamin D supports the immune system and helps keep muscles strong.
Around the holidays, fatty foods, alcohol, and poor sleep put extra strain on the body. Alcohol also affects the effectiveness of sleep aids, antidepressants, and pain relievers.
Medication and Cold
In many cases, cold causes blood vessels to constrict, which can make blood pressure medications such as metoprolol, atenolol, enalapril, or amlodipine to be more effective. As a result, older adults may be more likely to experience low blood pressure or dizziness. Consult your pharmacist if you notice this.
Inhaled medications for asthma or COPD are used more frequently in the winter because cold air irritates the airways. Have your inhalation technique checked to prevent shortness of breath.
Antidepressants (such as sertraline, citalopram or amitriptyline) and sleep aids (such as oxazepam, temazepam or zolpidem) may have a stronger effect if you are less active or get less daylight. Alcohol enhances the sedative effect of these medications, which increases the risk of falls, drowsiness, or breathing problems.
Combining pain relievers with alcohol is also risky: acetaminophen can put a strain on the liver with excessive alcohol consumption, and NSAIDs (such as ibuprofen or naproxen) increase the risk of stomach or intestinal bleeding.
Tips:
- Do not drink alcohol while taking sleeping pills or sedatives.
- Aim for at least two alcohol-free days per week.
- If in doubt, discuss your use with your pharmacist—they can check whether your combination is safe.
Antibiotics: Use Them Responsibly
Antibiotics are only effective against bacterial infections, not against viruses such as the flu or the common cold. Unnecessary use causes bacteria to become resistant, making them harder to treat.
Always take antibiotics exactly as prescribed:
- Finish the full course of treatment, even if you feel better.
- Do not skip any doses.
- Never share your medication with anyone else.
- Avoid alcohol when taking medications such as metronidazole and tinidazole—this can cause severe nausea and dizziness.
Our pharmacists work together with primary care physicians to promote the responsible use of antibiotics. Not sure if you need antibiotics? Visit Thuisarts.nl to find out when they’re necessary.
Drug Interactions and Polypharmacy
In the winter, many people take additional medications for the flu, colds, or pain. For older adults or people taking multiple medications, this increases the risk of drug interactions.
We automatically check for combinations such as pain relievers with blood thinners or antibiotics with anticoagulants.
An example:
A patient with heart problems is taking the blood thinner acenocoumarol and decides to temporarily take ibuprofen for muscle pain. The pharmacist notices this combination, warns of an increased risk of stomach bleeding, and advises switching to acetaminophen.
What are the benefits? A lower risk of complications, a safer recovery, and fewer hospitalizations due to bleeding—all easily prevented by a medication review at your pharmacy.
That’s why you should always tell your pharmacist what medications you’re taking—including vitamins, herbal remedies, or supplements—so that everything can be safely coordinated.
