6 Ways to Combat Winter Colds and Flu

So along with darker evenings, frosty mornings and reminders that Christmas is on the way, November brings another, not quite so welcome seasonal gift – the winter cold. Or even worse, the winter flu. Some us seem to be more susceptible that others, and it often feels like whatever we do to try and guard ourselves against the germs, we still end up with a runny nose and aching limbs. There are plenty of preventative measures bandied about, but what actually works? Here are a few solid gold cold facts we’ve gathered together to help get you through the mucus months and wheezy weeks…

The Flu Jab

Anyone who’s ever had ‘proper’ flu knows that it’s so much worse than a mere cold, but the one way you can really guarantee you don’t fall foul is by getting a flu jab. You can ask your local GP or pharmacy about when and where to get yours done, and if you get worried about injections, think of all the messy winter ills it could help you avoid in the long term.

Eat Well

As with so many things in life, a healthy balanced diet is one of the best ways to ensure you arm your body and immune system effectively when cold season comes around again. Boring we know, but it helps. And the same goes for that other boring but effective piece of advice – drink enough water. Not only can it help you stay hydrated by it can also – and apologies for the imagery – loosen all that mucus if you don’t end up catching a winter cold.

We admit, one of the problems of advocating a balanced diet is that many people feel they just don’t have the time to eat properly. Simply Cook voucher codes might provide a solution in the form of their boxes delivered straight to your door which contain all the ingredients and recipes you need to create simple, healthy meals every night of the week. You can also use Simply Food voucher codes to save 50% on the cost of your first box by way of an introduction.

Exercise

Ah, the other thing that goes hand in hand with healthy eating. Exercise isn’t just for losing weight you know – a body in better condition is a body better equipped to fight those viruses and germs when they attempt to break down your barriers.

Supplements

Now, this issue isn’t quite as straightforward as it seems. Many people regularly take Vitamin C as a preventative measure, but advice on the NHS Live Well website says this might not be the best way to combat those colds. Studies have shown that a daily dose of Vitamin C could help reduce the length of a cold, but when it comes to stopping you from catching it in the first place, then we’re afraid the news isn’t so great. Unless you’re the sort of person who undertakes short periods of intense physical activity, in which case Vitamin C might have more positive preventative results.

One thing that could help reduce the length of a cold is zinc. Although it is recommended you don’t take it in the long term, studies have shown that taking zinc supplements with 24 hours of initial cold symptoms could speed up recovery. My Vitamins promo codes are currently offering 20% off for new customers if you want to stock up on your supplements in anticipation of some nasty cold bugs rearing their snotty heads in your vicinity.

Washing Hands

Colds and flu are spread from viruses and one of the best pieces of advice you can take on board is to wash your hands on a regular basis, especially after being out in public. For example, if someone carrying the cold virus sneezes or coughs into their hand, then uses that hand to pay for something with cash, the germs on that banknote gets passed onto goodness knows how many people. There’s nothing you can really do to stop this, obviously, but you CAN wash your hands when given the opportunity and avoid touching your nose and mouth if possible.

Sleep

Getting the right amount of sleep is important whether you’re preventing or recovering from a cold. There’s nothing worse than those adverts which tell you that you can be up and bright for work once you’ve taken their remedies, but whether this is true or not, rest is also one of the best medicines.

Talking of cold and flu remedies, they can help you feel much better, easing those aches, pains and congestion, and keeping your temperature down. Chemist Direct discount vouchers are one of the best online sources for well-known brands and they currently have price cuts available on Beechams Cold and Flu Hot Lemon Sachets x 10 (was £2.89, now £2.46) and Breathe Right Nasal Strips x 10 (was £4.85, now £3.20).

By Anna Scott, 14th November 2016