How to Avoid Winter Sniffles

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Why is it that Mother Nature just doesn’t seem to get our memo at this time every year that we simply DO NOT HAVE TIME TO BE ILL?! Coughs and colds, aches and pain; they’re all enough to cause a serious slow-down at what is the busiest time of year for many of us, but we really don’t have the time (or opportunity) o take to our beds and sip Lemsip until we feel better. Here’s a few things that you can do to avoid all the usual nasties that are doing the rounds at the moment:

Eat Well

Making sure you get plenty of fruit and veg in your diet, as well as iron from meat or beans, will bolster your immune system and give it the best fighting chance of warding off viruses. We also recommend drinking green tea, which is great for your system in many ways, not least of all because the steam can help to physically clear germs away from your nose. Protein-rich foods are also best for giving your immune system a boost.

Get Plenty of Sleep

Sleep is when your body has the best opportunity to fight off germs because it’s not concentrating on doing all the other thinks like blinking anf thinking! This means that broken or missed sleep will leave your immune system at a real deficit because it’s not had a chance to work. If you’re struggling to drift off, try a de-stressing massage before bedtime.

Don’t Drink Too Much Booze

We know that’s a hard ask in the season of work dos, family gatherings and general festive merriment, but alcohol gives your immune system a real battering, leaving you susceptible to viruses and germs. If you’re out for the night, try alternating one alcoholic drink with one glass of water or soft drink to try to keep a handle on things.

Sanitize!

We know there’s a risk of looking a bit Howard Hughes if you wander around disinfecting things, but one of the most common ways to catch coughs and colds is through transferring germs from infected surfaces. Thi nk about machines at the gym, work phones, handles on the Tube – they’ve all been touched by a potential barrage of germs, so keeping a bottle of antibacterial hand gel in your bag is a really good defence against it all.

Don’t Forget your Flu Jab!

For many people, flu can be a few days for feeling absolutely rubbish, but if you’ve got a chronic illness such as diabetes or asthma, flu can hit you much harder than others. If you have a pre-existing illness or a compromised immune system, you’re probably entitled to a free flu jab at your G.P. surgery and we highly recommend that you go and have it. No-one needs flu at this time of year and it’s wise to do everything you can to avoid it.

What’s in your first aid box?

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adult, anti-bacterial gel and wipes, Anti-travel sickness tablets, Antihistamine cream, asthma, colds, coughs, cuts, doctor, eczema, first aid, grazes and minor burns, Ibuprofen, infant, information, medical, migraines, pain relief, Paracetamol, plasters, safe

Falls, bee stings, burns and allergic reactions are all common accidents that can happen at anytime in the home. Don’t be caught short when disaster strikes, instead be ready to deal with whatever comes up by having a first aid kit handy.

Putting a kit together isn’t hard and doesn’t have to be expensive. You don’t have to have a pre-made kit, it is more of a case of collecting the basics and putting them in a safe, marked container, such as a plastic tub, tool kit or tote bag. Make sure this is sealed and placed somewhere, dry safe and out of the reach of young children.

Items to add to you kit include:

anti-bacterial gel and wipes
alcohol-free cleansing wipes
antiseptic cream
bandages (sterile)
clean scissors and tweezers
disposable sterile gloves
distilled water for cleaning wounds
eye wash, bath and drops
plasters (various sizes and shapes)
safety pins
small, medium and large sterile gauze dressings and a couple of sterile eye dressings
tape and safety pins
thermometer (preferably digital)

As well as the basic first aid materials, it is also a good idea to add medicines to your supplies so you can deal with minor illness. Whether it’s colds and coughs or tummy bugs and temperatures, being prepared is always a good idea:

Anti- diarrhoea tablets and rehydration salts are useful to have at home and are unable to go to the shops.

Anti-travel sickness tablets and bands are a good idea if you, or one of your family, suffer from travel sickness.

Antihistamine cream and tablets for allergic reactions and bites.

Antiseptic cream for cuts, grazes and minor burns.

Keep cold and flu powders and tablets to hand so you can get to work on bugs when they start, but follow the dosage at all times.

Cough medicines can be a real help, especially at night.

Ibuprofen can be used for pain relief and to reduce a fever. There are adult and child versions so ensure you stock what you and your family need.

Paracetamol is good for mild to moderate pain and again, you can be infant versions as required.

Vapour rub is great for treating colds and sore chests. As well as rubbing into the chest and back, people put it on the soles of their feet and wear socks as they say this helps with coughs too.

Remember to be prepared if you have ongoing medical conditions such as migraines, asthma or eczema and ensure those medicines are kept in a safe place.

Keep your medicines in their original, labeled packaging with the information leaflets and check the use-by dates on a regular basis.

With all medicines, whether they are over the counter, or prescribed by a doctor, it is important to always read the patient information leaflet that comes with your medicine.

If you have any questions, ask your GP or pharmacist for advice.