Her Check-Up: Top Tips For Battling The Cold Effects…

With the end of summer, and the slippery slope into blustery weather, we’re anticipating a rise of hankies, sniffles and coughs on the morning bus into work. Although it’s hard to beat the common cold (the hint is in the name), there are some steps you can take to ward off the early signs of infection... Wash your hands Simple steps like washing your hands regularly is one of the most effective ways of keeping bacteria at bay during cold and flu season. Be sure to scrub the backs and palms of your hands, between your fingers and under your nails. For those on the run, carry a hand sanitiser that is at least 60% alcohol, as this will help prevent the spread of bacteria when out and about. Leave down the pint glass Alcohol can impair your white blood cells' ability to combat viruses for up to 24 hours after you overindulge, so if you’re starting to feel like the onset of cold and flu is taking over put down the glass. Stick to some hot water and lemon and opt for an early night instead. Take action at the first symptoms… At the first signs of a sore throat or runny nose, take action with an antihistamine to minimize mucus flow, sneezing, and coughing which can cause the virus to spread within the body much more quickly.  This can lead to overwhelming the immune system response, prolonging the sickness and its severity. Take paracetamol for headaches or aching joints. Be sure to keep eating well, drinking plenty of fluids (especially water), and sleeping consistently. Stop into your local pharmacist who can help prescribe an over the counter remedy that can tackle your early signs of infection. Catch some shut-eye It’s a proven fact that those who fail to catch seven hours of shut-eye a night TRIPPLE their risk of developing a cold or flu. According to a study from the Archives of Internal Medicine, sleep deprivation causes your body to produce too many cytokines (proteins that trigger cold symptoms when you’re sick). Stick to eight hours of regular sleep to stay in top shape. Stock up your fridge… Be sure to munch your way through immune-boosting antioxidants in brightly coloured fruits and vegetables to strengthen your natural defences.  Eat plenty of red beans, berries and beetroot, remembering that the brighter the colour, the higher the antioxidant count. Try swapping your regular caffeine fix for green tea and keep hydrated with two litres of water daily. Carry your inhalers… This sounds like an obvious one, but asthma sufferers should be sure to keep their inhaler handy. Whether it’s popping it into your handbag, or throwing it into your gym gear, your inhaler will help relieve a tight chest or shallow breathing that can kick in with the first signs of a cold.   If you still aren't feeling well in week, you develop a fever, or your symptoms worsen, consider seeing a doctor.