We all suffer more from coughs and colds at this time of year, so follow these tips to help keep everyone in tip-top condition
With the onset of winter comes an increased risk of catching the common cold or contracting flu, but there are easy ways to protect yourself and to have the best chance of staying healthy. Avoiding colds, seasonal flu and swine flu comes down to common sense in the majority of cases, and these tips are applicable all year round and not just in the run-up to winter.
Protect yourself from colds and flu
Lead a healthy and active lifestyle
Give your immune system a fighting chance by eating plenty of fresh fruit and vegetables as part of a balanced diet of protein, good fats, carbohydrates and vitamins and minerals. Combine your healthy eating with regular exercise (30 minutes of vigorous exercise a day or the equivalent over a week). We have loads of quick and healthy recipes to help you to eat right every night of the week.
Follow a good hygiene routine at all times
... And encourage others to do the same. A good hygiene routine makes it difficult for germs to survive and gives you the best chance of keeping illnesses at bay. Regularly clean your home, paying particular attention to the kitchen and bathroom surfaces, and use an antibacterial surface spray to kill germs lurking on keyboards and telephone handsets at work. As for personal hygiene, wash hands after going to the toilet (you'd be amazed how many of us don't!), and wash hands or use a hand gel after sneezing, coughing or blowing your nose, and again before eating.
Carry sanitising hand gel and tissues with you at all times
Sneezing or coughing into a tissue prevents airborne germs from travelling and being passed on to others. Throw used tissues in the bin straight after use and wash your hands or use a sanitising gel or foam immediately to kill any germs or bacteria that may be on your hands. Follow this routine to prevent the spread of common colds, the flu virus and swine flu.
Have immunisations if you are in an ‘at risk’ category
According to the NHS, at risk groups include those who:
- are aged 65 or older
- are pregnant
- have a serious pre-existing medical condition
- care for the elderly
- live in a residential care or nursing home
- work in healthcare
- work directly with poultry.
This means that these people are considered to be ‘at risk’ of contracting seasonal flu and swine flu and who are advised to have the seasonal flu jab and immunisations against the H1N1 virus (swine flu). Your local Co-operative Pharmacy offers the flu jab service for added peace of mind – find your nearest branch.
Kids' essentials
Children are more vulnerable to coughs, colds and flu because their immune systems are still immature, so it's no wonder early childhood seems to be one long sniffle.
There is comfort in the fact that every cough and cold your children get strengthens their immune system for the future. But do make sure you have a stock of medication to help them get over minor ailments as painlessly as possible – for everybody's sake!
Looking peaky?
- Give them food and drink rich in vitamin C to keep their immune system strong
- Make sure they have plenty of fluids
- Buy a good thermometer, such as the Kinetik digital in ear thermometer at £19.99, to keep an eye on their temperature. A high temperature can be the first sign of flu in children.
For the medicine cabinet
- Tixylix Baby syrup soothes and relieves dry tickly coughs. Suitable for infants aged 3 months to 5 years
- Calpol Sugar Free Infant Suspension. Pain and fever relief suitable for children aged 2 months and over
- The Co-operative Kids Chewable Multivitamins and Minerals are suitable for children over 3 years.