Beat the cold this winter
People are urged to vaccinate against flu this winter and take other precautionery measures aimed at beating colds and flu.
With the winter season fast approaching and the influenza virus starting to make the rounds with its usual vigour, it’s important to keep your immune system strong and healthy.
This is advise from Netcare Sunninghill Pharmacy manager Natasha Conrad who says that a few simple measures can boost your immune system and help prevent you getting the common cold, sinusitis or even the dreaded ‘flu bug’
“Now that the winter season is nearing, I’d advise that people get vaccinated with the latest influenza vaccine well ahead of winter.
“Each year, new vaccination formulations are developed based on the latest influenza strains.
“The vaccination is made up of a chemically inactivated virus, which enables the body to get to know and store the ‘shape’ of the virus so that when you are exposed to the actual virus, the body is armed to fight it,” says Conrad.
She adds that using a saline nasal spray could also be the most effective way to fight flue when those troublesome sniffles and sneezes start.
“Use the spray four to six times a day when you feel a cold or sinusitis starting to creep up on you.
“You must also eat healthy and nutritious meals, including generous portions of fruit and vegetables
“It is also important to keep yourself hydrated by drinking lots of water and fluids,” says Conrad.
Meanwhile,Neville Wellington who is also a doctor at the institution says that If you fall ill with a cold or the flu, remember not to spread the virus and allow yourself enough time to heal.
“Prevent the further spread of harmful germs by coughing or sneezing into your bended elbow and blowing your nose into a tissue and not a handkerchief.
“Dispose of the tissue immediately into a dustbin,” says Wellington.
He adds that while getting enough sleep is good for your health in general as it helps keep your immune system strong, you should also stay at home and rest if you have cold or flu-like symptoms.
This will give your body the chance to fight the virus and will also prevent spreading the virus to others such as colleagues at the office.
