Want To Avoid Catching a Cold?
We are now in the heart of the winter season and with winter can come colds and flu. Want to avoid catching a cold?
Well, here are some tips that can help prevent you from catching a cold.
Regularly washing your hands in warm water and soap
Germs can live on surfaces for a long time and washing your hands regularly will stop them from getting in your body. Washing your hands before you eat, after using the bathroom, after using public transport for example will help with cold prevention. Regular hand washing will stop you from spreading any cold germs as well.
It will also help if you avoid touching your eyes and nose in case you have encountered germs as these are the most common ways of the virus infecting you. Not sharing household items like towels, cups and glasses will help, especially if someone else at home has a cold.
Being Active
Studies have shown that getting at least 30 minutes of exercise a day, going on a walk for example, can prevent colds. Exercising can boost your immune system and help fight off infections.
As much as being active helps your immune system so does a good night’s sleep. Getting consistent, high-quality sleep is key to a balanced immune system.
Supplements
Taking Vitamin C & D supplements are a good way to support the immune system. Vitamin D will help prevent a cold and supplements can be necessary in the winter as we get a lot of Vitamin D from the sun, which we see a lot less of in the UK at wintertime. Vitamin C helps fight off infections and speeds up the healing process in you do catch a cold.
The main symptoms of a cold are:
- Blocked or runny nose
- Sneezing
- Coughing
- Sore throat
- Felling tired and unwell
- Aching muscles
- A high temperature
- A loss of taste and smell
- A feeling of pressure in your ears and face
See a GP if:
- You have a temperature for more than 3 days
- Your temperature is high, or you feel hot and shivery
- Your symptoms get worse
- You feel short of breath or have chest pain
- Your symptoms do not get better after 10 days
- You have a cough for longer than 3 weeks
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