How to Avoid Catching a Cold or Flu
No matter how hard we try we just can’t seem to avoid catching cold and flu. There can be nothing worse than succumbing to a week or two of headaches, runny nose, sore eyes and throat and aching muscles not to mention the stomach upsets! It spreads like wildfire to the rest of the family and sees super-moms leaving their own beds to take care of hubby and the kids! However there are a few things you can do to avoid catching cold and flu and, surprisingly they aren’t that difficult!
Hand washing is vital to keeping the germs that cause cold and flu at bay. Bacteria and viruses enter the body by means of the skin or mucous membranes so correct hand washing procedures, for example after each meal and trips to the bathroom, are essential. If you are meeting a lot of people make sure to wash your hands frequently. When you wash your hands, run clean water over them to dilute the virus. If soap and water aren’t available use alcohol-based disposable hand wipes or gel sanitizers.
We Recommend: Clinell Hand & Surface Sanitiser
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Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth as this can spread germs. Its important to cover your mouth when you sneeze or cough with a tissue, disposing of it immediately. Its also important to then washing your hands.
We Recommend: Kleenex Anti Viral Tissues
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Use an all in one product for the short term relief of the symptoms of influenza, colds and chills. If you are suffering from headaches, shivers, aches and pains, congested or blocked nose, painful sinuses and sore throat pain these will help ease the pain. They normally contain paracetamol to kill the pain and an antipyretic to reduce your temperature when you have a fever. They also contain a decongestant which unblocks your nose and sinuses, helping you breathe more easily.
We recommend: Beechams Cold & Flu
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Multivitamin supplements can act as health insurance before winter starts. When you feel a cold coming on it may be worth trying to increase your intake of vitamin C, either through vitamin tablets or by drinking lots of citrus juice. You may also want to supplement your diet with zinc and garlic capsules for an added boost.
We Recommend: Immunace Tablets
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Remember the old wives tale about catching a cold when you’re wet or chilli? Well scientists have actually proven that this is true. Try to stay warm and dry when you’re out and about. Hopefully the cold will stay away!
We Recommend: Medisana FWS Foot Warmer
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Make sure you get enough sleep at night (at least eight to ten hours) and decent rest periods during the day. Your body’s immune system will function better with sufficient rest and you will be able to fight off any nasty viruses.
Many herbs have traditionally been used to ease sinus congestion, including goldenseal, echinacea, ephedra and eucalyptus but most are best avoided during pregnancy. Echinacea is thought to be safe in pregnancy, but this advice is based on one small study. It is probably safe to take echinacea as a short-term measure of no more than seven days. Eucalyptus (inhaled) is safe as an essential oil in small doses. Put two drops of the oil on a tissue or add to a bowl of hot water, to use as steam inhalation with a towel over your head.
We Recommend: Olbas Oil
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Water is essential to good health and flushes any toxins out of your body while re-hydrating your system. It is a good way to avoid catching cold and flu and for treating it once it has taken hold. You aren’t getting enough water if your urine is very yellow in color. It should be an almost clear light yellow color, similar to lemon juice.