The ideal way to stay safe during the cold and flu season is to take preventive measures before you experience the first sniffle, but this appears to be easier said than done, as the flu season swings into gear by late October, with the peak season occurring between December and February, according to a survey. That’s a long time for germs to fight back!
Here are some of the best helpful tips by Online Pharmacy UK to fight against the cold and cough season and stay healthy.
Get your hands washed
The safest protection for shielding yourself from germs is washing your hands. One study showed that daily hand washing would reduce by more than 20 percent of respiratory disease transmission. At any possible break, make it a routine. Rinse and lather your hands with soap, scrubbing for at least 20 seconds.
Stop chewing your nails
No matter how discreet you are about washing your hands or using sanitizer, everything is touched by your fingers and gathered by your nails, including germs and bacteria. It places those germs on a direct path to your mouth and nose by rubbing your face or chewing your nails, allowing them to start making you sick.
Don’t miss the laundry
Don’t forget that clothes, towels, and bedsheets can be a significant factor in spreading contagious germs and flu, and your favorite plush toys. Wash products secure for the fabric in the hottest water and use color-safe bleach to scrub out germs. Instead of holding highly infected clothing to your chest while handling dirty laundry, bring things in a bag.
Improve the immune system
By adding the right vitamins and nutrients to your diet, you will improve your body’s ability to fend off sickness. Some research suggests vitamin C can help shorten or even help prevent the severity of colds. Research has also shown that zinc may decrease your expected cold duration, and it has been shown that vitamin D3 supports your immune system.
Get a vaccine for the flu
The easiest way to prevent influenza is to get immunized and get a flu shot. Every season, flu viruses mutate, so each year, you need to get a vaccine. A flu vaccine should be given to anyone older than six months of age, including the elderly and those with weakened immune systems.
Using hand sanitizer
Use an alcohol-based sanitizer containing at least 60 percent alcohol if soap and water are not available. Studies show that sanitizers with a concentration of alcohol between 60 and 95 percent are more effective than those with lower concentrations or non-alcohol-based sanitizers in destroying germs.
Disinfect areas with high-touch
Germs can survive over several hours, some for up to several days, on hard surfaces. All of the spawning areas for germs and bacteria are kitchen and bathroom countertops, door handles, and exercise equipment. That’s why regular disinfection is critical. You can wipe down telephones, remotes, and light switches as well.
Get enough sleep
A study suggests that individuals who get less than seven hours of sleep each night are three times more likely than those who get at least eight hours to catch colds. Daily, having quality sleep improves the immune system and has several other advantages, helping the body fight colds, flu, and other infections.
Get good fresh air, even though it freezes out
In winter, one of the reasons why disease spreads more quickly is that we all breathe the same air inside. To clear the lungs, opening a window to let in some fresh air or going outside for a walk will do wonders. An air purifier is an outstanding investment if that’s not an option. Specifically, some models are intended to eliminate allergens, inactivate bacteria and neutralize viruses.
Stress less
Stress will do a lot to your physical health as well as your mental health. The research reported in Psychosomatic Medicine indicates that higher stress levels have been correlated with greater symptom intensity in subjects diagnosed with upper respiratory infections. Everyone reacts distinctively to stress, and some people may be able to cope better than others with stress.
Good eat and move more
In addition to maintaining a daily workout schedule, eating a balanced diet that is high in fruits and vegetables will help improve your immune system, making your body more capable of battling bacteria and germs that can cause colds and flu. Stuffing your dish with nutritious foods such as broccoli, kale, oranges, bananas, and more can ensure that you get the vitamins and nutrients you need to help boost your immune system to combat any possible infections.
Stay far!
If possible, stay away from a person who is ill. Stay at home if you’re sick. Cover your mouth, probably with something other than your hand, when you cough.
Conclusion:
These are useful and effectively proven tips by UK Pharmacy to stay healthy in the cold and cough season. During cold and flu season and through the whole year, it is the best way to keep yourself safe.
