Managing Colds and ‘Flu – keeping healthy in the Winter
December 7, 2015
We all get the sniffles from time to time, and in the west, often we just accept that it’s part of the winter months, and something we have to endure. Unless you’re a singer, in which case it’s the bane of your life.
There is much that can be done to manage colds and flu, by taking a more proactive approach in prevention, rather than cure.
As you know, there is no cure for the common cold, and no 100% guarantee that you won’t get sick, but there is much more we can do to help ourselves, by taking a few actions and changing a few little habits.
Here are some practical tips on managing colds and flu that can see you through the winter months and get you through those Christmas Concerts.
- Get a ‘flu jab – you can pay approximately £12 at Boots and other pharmacies for a ‘flu inoculation, which can help prevent unnecessary illness. You can easily spend £12 on hot lemon, throat lozenges, decongestant spray and tissues, and feel rubbish too! Ask about this at your local pharmacy.
- Use Alcogel – if you have children, grandchildren or you know you have been exposed to illness, don’t wait until you get sick – use a disinfectant hand gel like alcogel to help prevent spreading infection.
- Flush – as well as all the common sense things like ‘Catch it, Bin it, Kill it’ – flush dirty tissues rather than leaving them in the bin.
- Vitamins – take Vitamin C or Berocca and drink green tea (I know – it’s yuk but it’s good for you!) on a daily basis to help boost your immune system and flush toxins that add to the ‘run down’ feeling.
- Steam – and here’s the important bit – even when you’re well. Don’t wait until you get sick to start taking action. Steam with the menthol of your choice (Olbas Oil or Vicks Vaporub are both great) on a regular basis, either with your head over a bowl of hot water, or add a little oil to your bath or shower tray, and keep your tubes as clear as possible.
- Sleep – almost pointless advice at one of the busiest times of year for some of us, but sleeping and eating well are some of nature’s best medicines.
So look after yourselves, and each other, and remember, prevention is better than cure 🙂