In winters, the most common health problem one faces, irrespective of age, is cold and cough. Once contracted, a bad cold can last several days. However there are ways to keep healthy during this season by taking care of some simple points.
- Flu Shots: Getting vaccinated at the onset of the season is a good idea as it will keep your body immune from changing weather. Make sure everyone in the family gets the flu shots. It takes about two weeks after the vaccine for it to start working so time the shot accordingly.
- Practice Hygiene: Washing hands regularly, using a sanitizer and avoiding touching your nose and eyes, specifically if you have been in a public place or have just met someone with cold symptoms, is an effective way in keeping you away from this condition.
- Disinfect The House: Timely disinfecting your home’s common places like tabletops, door knobs, sofas, chairs and floors will help in keeping the germs away. If there have been guests at home, this exercise becomes even more important.
- Stay Away From Infections: If there is someone in your workplace or school with cold and cough, avoid shaking their hands or sharing bottles/glasses with them as you must stay away from the virus as much as possible.
- Sneeze Into A Tissue: Never sneeze into your hand as it will make the virus travel from you onto places you touch and thus spread infection. Always sneeze into a cloth or tissue which you can discard/clean so others around you are protected too.
- Eat The Right Food: Intake of fluids and eating fruits and vegetables will build your immune system and prepare you for this weather. Drinking soups and broth also keep the body warm and insulated.
- Rest: Even with a slight hint of having cold and cough symptoms, try to take ample rest. A rested body will wade away the virus faster. Also avoid travelling during this time as getting in contact will more people will help the virus to spread widely.
