Guard against winter colds and flu

Van Tonder explains, "There are four steps to remember to beat the cold and flu this winter but most importantly you need to reduce your susceptibility to cold and flu infection and help recovery, by reducing the duration and severity of colds and flu."

1. Keep your immune system in top form

   It's the best way of beating the bugs that are floating around. Keep warm (keep your body temperature constant), and get enough sleep (tiredness causes stress, and stress weakens the immune system).

   Eat your greens, and snack on fruit: they're a powerhouse of vitamins and antioxidants. Make sure you're hydrated to avoid stressing the vulnerable mucus membranes of your mouth and nasal passages: a knob of ginger in a mug of boiling water makes a refreshing, caffeine-free, immune-boosting tea.

   Especially as you see others start to succumb, take pre-emptive immune-system boosters.

2. Consider the flu injection

   One of the distinguishing things about viruses, such as the flu virus, is that they mutate all the time. That's why we never become immune to them.

   Each year, a new flu vaccine is developed to counteract the specific mutations that have emerged that year, and the three most common strains of influenza are generally covered. The vaccine contains inactivated viruses, which prompt your body to produce antibodies, around seven to 14 days after you've received the injection. These antibodies will either prevent you contracting the flu if you're exposed to one of the viruses included, or will reduce the severity of the symptoms. The vaccination has been found to be effective in 70%-90% in healthy adults when the strains are well matched.

   Those who should check with their doctors before having the vaccination include people who're allergic to eggs (the vaccination is grown in eggs), those who have previously exhibited side-effects from such vaccinations, anyone who is ill with a high fever or has any other acute illness, pregnant women, or anyone who has a bleeding disorder. It's also not suitable for babies (under six months), and is recommended in the elderly.

3. Basic hygiene is your best friend

   Wash your hands frequently, especially when you've been out and about, and get into the habit of avoiding touching your face and mouth. It's very easy to pick up the virus on your hands when touching public surfaces, like escalator rails or the door handles in an office, then transfering it to face or mouth.

4. Be aware that cold and flu bugs are sneaky

   There may be an incubation period of one to four days, and a contagion period of seven days or longer, which means you're not always going to spot an infectious person. Contain your sneezes (use a tissue, and dispose of it right away), just in case; and keep an eye out for those around you who're careless about that sort of thing.

In healthy adults, colds and flu bugs are often no more than simply an inconvenience. But they can make you vulnerable to more sinister things, especially respiratory tract infections. So take them seriously, and have a sniffle-free winter!

For more information visit: www.pharmachoice.co.za