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

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

By Alpro Pharmacy

August 1, 2025

☀️ 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:

Ingredient	Delivery Form	Suggested Use
Povidone-Iodine (0.45–1%)	Gargle or throat spray	Use daily or at first sign of sore throat
Iota-Carrageenan	Nasal spray	Use at symptom onset

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:

Chan PKS, et al. Seasonal influenza activity in tropical and subtropical regions of Asia. Lancet Infect Dis. 2018;18(9):e312–e322.
World Health Organization. Western Pacific Surveillance and Response Journal: Influenza Surveillance in the Tropics. https://apps.who.int
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.
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.
Eccles R. Understanding the symptoms of the common cold and influenza. Lancet Infect Dis. 2005;5(11):718–725.