Why Everyone Seems to Get “That Cold” at the End of the Year in South Africa

If it feels like half the country is coughing, sniffling or losing their voice in November and December, you’re not imagining it. Upper respiratory tract infections, often called upper respiratory infections or URTIs, are among the most common illnesses in South Africa during the festive season. These include everyday colds, sore throats and sinus infections that tend to spike towards the end of the year.

They’re usually not serious, but they are annoying, contagious and very good at ruining holidays, social plans and productivity.

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So What Is an Upper Respiratory Tract Infection, Really?

An upper respiratory tract infection (URTI) is just a fancy way of describing an infection that affects your nose, throat, chest or sinuses. These infections are often referred to as the common cold, but they can also include sinus infections and throat infections.

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Common upper respiratory tract infection symptoms include:

• Blocked or runny nose
  
• Sore throat
  
• Cough
  
• Scratchy or hoarse voice
  
• Sinus pressure or headaches
  
  

Most upper respiratory infections are caused by viruses, not bacteria. These viral infections spread easily through close contact, coughing, sneezing and shared surfaces.

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Why November and December?

The timing of these seasonal illnesses isn’t random. Several factors come together at the end of the year, creating ideal conditions for colds and flu-like illnesses to spread.

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We’re Around More People

The festive season means parties, shopping centres, end-of-year functions, travel and packed social calendars. More people and more close contact make it much easier for cold and flu viruses to spread, especially in crowded indoor spaces.

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Air Conditioning Everywhere

While winter often gets blamed for colds, summer colds in South Africa are very real. Constant air conditioning during hot months dries out the airways, which can irritate your nose and throat and make you more vulnerable to upper respiratory tract infections.

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We’re Tired

By November, many people are physically and mentally exhausted. Work pressure, exams, deadlines and general end-of-year stress can weaken the immune system, making it harder to fight off infections.

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Sleep, Diet and Routine Go Out the Window

Late nights, skipped meals, increased sugar and alcohol intake and less exercise are common during the festive season. All of these can affect immune system health and increase your risk of getting sick.

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What Helps When You’re Sick

There’s no instant cure for a common cold or upper respiratory infection, but a few simple steps can help manage symptoms and support recovery:

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Rest: Proper rest gives your body the time it needs to fight the infection. Pushing through illness often leads to longer recovery times.

Fluids: Staying hydrated helps ease congestion and soothes a sore throat. Water, herbal tea and soup are all good options.

Basic symptom relief: Over-the-counter pain relievers or decongestants may help reduce discomfort from cough and cold symptoms. Always follow dosage instructions.

Good hygiene: Regular handwashing, covering coughs and sneezes and avoiding sharing drinks or utensils can help prevent spreading infections to others.

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Staying One Step Ahead This Festive Season

You can’t avoid every germ, but cold and flu prevention is possible. Simple habits like getting enough sleep, eating balanced meals, managing stress and practising good hygiene can lower your chances of getting sick during the festive season.

Staying healthy during the end of the year means fewer sick days, fewer ruined plans and a much better chance of enjoying the holidays without a box of tissues permanently glued to your hand.

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