Why You’re Still Getting Sick in Hot Weather—And What to Do Before It Gets Worse

☀️ Malaysia’s Hot Season — Not a Break from the Flu

In Malaysia, most people associate flu with rainy months and cooler temperatures. But as a pharmacist, I often see a spike in upper respiratory tract infections (URTIs) during the hot months of July to September. Surprised? You’re not alone.

URTI—including sore throat, common cold, sinus congestion, and flu-like symptoms—can strike year-round, especially in tropical countries like ours.

🔥 Why URTIs Are Common in Hot Weather

While cooler climates may trigger flu outbreaks in temperate countries, our local transmission patterns are different. Here's why:

• Air-conditioned environments trap and recirculate airborne viruses and bacteria.
• Dehydration, common during heatwaves, can impair mucosal immunity, reducing the natural defenses in our throat and nasal passages.
  
  
• School holidays ending, increased domestic travel, and crowding in shopping malls or indoor events increase transmission risk
  
  

In tropical climates, viruses like influenza and rhinoviruses are present year-round, with transmission linked more to behavior and exposure than to temperature.

🤧 What Is URTI — And Why Early Action Matters

URTI (Upper Respiratory Tract Infection) includes:

• Rhinitis (runny nose, sneezing)
• Pharyngitis (sore throat)
• Sinusitis (sinus pressure)
• Laryngitis (hoarseness)
• Common cold and influenza
  

Most URTIs are caused by viruses, meaning antibiotics won’t help—but early action can reduce symptoms, duration, and the risk of spreading the virus to others.

From a pharmacy perspective, many people delay intervention until symptoms worsen. But the first 24–48 hours are crucial—when viral load is still manageable, and supportive care can be most effective.

🧪 Support for Early URTI Management

Rather than waiting for illness to run its course, consider tools that help interrupt viral replication early. Here are three ingredients supported by scientific evidence:

✅ 1. Povidone-Iodine (PVP-I): Antiseptic for Throat and Oral Use

• PVP-I has broad-spectrum antimicrobial activity against bacteria, fungi, and enveloped viruses such as influenza and coronaviruses.
• In throat sprays and gargles, PVP-I helps reduce viral replication in the oropharyngeal cavity, a key site of early infection.
  
• Evidence shows virucidal action within 15–30 seconds of contact.
  

Pharmacist tip: Gargle with PVP-I after returning from public places or at the first sign of a sore throat.

✅ 2. Iota-Carrageenan: Natural Nasal Barrier Against Viruses

• Iota-carrageenan, extracted from red seaweed, forms a physical barrier on the nasal mucosa.
  
• It traps and inactivates viruses, preventing them from entering cells and multiplying.
  
• Safe for adults and children, it’s effective when used at the onset of symptoms or after exposure to crowds.
  

Pharmacist tip: Use iota-carrageenan nasal spray before school, travel, or meetings—especially during outbreak seasons.

✅ 3. Routine Hygiene: A Simple But Underrated URTI Defense

While active ingredients matter, so does habit.

• Oral antisepsis helps control viral load.
• Nasal hygiene reduces initial colonization.
• A combination of both can support recovery and prevent household transmission.

🔄 How These Ingredients Fit into a Flu/URTI Response Plan

*This approach does not replace medical care, but it is a suggested as first-line support for viral URTI symptoms, especially when used early.

❓ When to Seek Medical Attention

✔️ Fever persists beyond 3 days
✔️ Severe sore throat, shortness of breath, or facial pain
✔️ High-risk individuals: infants, the elderly, pregnant women, or those with chronic illness

💬 Final Thoughts from the Pharmacy Counter

You wouldn’t wait for a cut to become infected before cleaning it. So why wait for your sore throat or runny nose to escalate?

At Alpro Pharmacy, we encourage building a home “URTI Support Kit” with essentials like:

• A PVP-I oral antiseptic
  
• An iota-carrageenan nasal spray
  
• Thermometer, hydration tools, and masks
  
  

Prevention doesn’t have a season—it’s a habit.
📍Visit any Alpro Pharmacy for pharmacist advice on how to protect your family year-round.

📚 References

1. Chan PKS, et al. Seasonal influenza activity in tropical and subtropical regions of Asia. Lancet Infect Dis. 2018;18(9):e312–e322.
2. World Health Organization. Western Pacific Surveillance and Response Journal: Influenza Surveillance in the Tropics. https://apps.who.int
3. Eggers M, Koburger-Janssen T, Eickmann M, Zorn J. In vitro bactericidal and virucidal efficacy of povidone-iodine gargle/mouthwash against respiratory and oral pathogens. Infect Dis Ther. 2015;4(2):251–259.
4. Koenighofer M, Lion T, Bodenteich A, Prieschl-Grassauer E, Unger H. Carrageenan nasal spray in virus-confirmed common cold: individual patient data analysis of two randomized controlled trials. Multidiscip Respir Med. 2014;9:57.
5. Eccles R. Understanding the symptoms of the common cold and influenza. Lancet Infect Dis. 2005;5(11):718–725.