Common sense for the common cold. Tips to stay healthy during winter
Brace
for it, yes… Winter is coming. And so are more than your fair share of common
colds.
What is the common cold?
The
common cold is caused by a virus, which is a small infectious agent, smaller than
bacteria. . There are over two hundred cold viruses that can lead to your
demise with the most common being the rhinovirus. The virus affects the nose, ears
and throat but fortunately for us aren’t overly serious and should only last a
few days. However, they are inconvenient and can be rather contagious.
The
cold is spread aerially as people breathe in the virus that is released via
sneezing, coughing or even simple breathing. They can also be transmitted as
people touch infected surfaces then proceed to rub their eyes, nose and mouth. Some
of these viruses can survive in the open environment for over 18 hours.
The symptoms
- Runny or blocked nose
- Sore throat
- Coughing and sneezing
- Headaches
- Fever
Most
of these symptoms only last a week. If symptoms persist or become unbearable
(including vomiting) it is recommended you visit your GP. In children look for
discolouration of phlegm. If this persists for more than a couple of days visit
your GP.
Common
cold vs “real” flu

If
it is influenza a visit to the doctor may be in order; there are treatments
available that can shorten the duration and severity of influenza.
Protecting yourself this winter
Below
are just a few tips to help you stay healthy this winter.
Wash
your hands- Consider washing your hands more
frequently during the winter especially after visiting public places such as
shopping centres or the gym. Small bottles of hand sanitizer are a great idea
as the winter rolls round.
Keep
household surfaces clean- Just as public places
are lined with germs, so are your household and work spaces. Protect yourself
by maintaining a clean environment in the places you spend much of your time.
Don’t forget telephones, mouses and remote controls.
Maintain
a healthy lifestyle- Eating a nutritious balanced diet,
keeping a regular exercise routine and getting the right amount of sleep will
improve your immune system and boost your chances of fighting the common cold.
Control
stress- Increased emotional stress leads to a
weakened immune system and in turn puts you at higher risk of getting ill.
Regular exercise, meditation or yoga can help.
Stay
home when sick- Yes you may have a lot of work to do
but is it really worth decreasing the productivity of everyone around you? Get
the rest you need, get better, and live to fight another day.
Visit
your local pharmacy- Visit your pharmacy to treat the
symptoms of your cold. Remember that cold and flu tablets, or cough mixture
cannot cure a cold but may help you to feel better. A vitamin or herbal
medication may help you get better faster. In many cases you can do both to get
the best of both worlds.
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