Everyone around you coughing? Here’s how to stay healthy so you don’t derail your plans
STAY WELL THIS WINTER
It’s that time of year. Adverts for balm-infused tissues, throat-soothing cough syrups, and sprays to unblock a stuffy nose dominate the TV. Thanks to the pandemic, we all know we should be washing our hands to help with spreading cold and flu viruses, but with over 200 strains out there germs can still be hard to avoid. Want to stop getting the sniffles this season? Read on to discover what else you should try.
1 HAVE A COLD SHOWER
An icy blast may lead to fewer duvet days! Finishing your shower with 30-90 seconds of cold water could mean you’ll be less absent from work, discovered researchers. ‘The shock stimulates leukocytes – a type of blood cell that are part of the immune system – so you could find yourself fighting off the common cold more easily,’ says Dr Rachel Taylor.
2 Gargle water Do it three times a day and it could lower your risk of catching a cold by 36%.*
3 FEEL THE LOVE Regular sex can protect against colds and flu, as those who make love once or twice a week make 30% more immunoglobulin A cells (viral antibodies) than those who don’t, found scientists in the US. What better excuse to get between the sheets?
4 KEEP CALM
Under stress, your body can only deal with major emergencies, says nutritional therapist Alison Cullen. ‘Colds become less of a priority, so your body shuts down the production of the antibodies that would fight them.’ Try a free meditation session on YouTube. Those who regularly meditated had fewer colds, found a US study.
5 WATCH THE BOOZE It reduces the ability of white blood cells to kill germs, plus a binge session (just three 175ml glasses of wine) disrupts sleep, which will make you more susceptible to a new infection.
6 PRIORITISE SLEEP
Don’t underestimate the power of the pillow. ‘Sleep less than six hours a night? Then you’re four times more likely to go down with the sniffles than those getting seven hours,’ warns Sammy Margo, author of The Good Sleep Guide (£12.99, Vermilion). Set a regular bedtime and avoid electronic gadgets for 45 minutes before you go to sleep.
7 Cuddle up! Stroking a dog could boost your immune system, found scientists in the US.
STAY WELL THIS WINTER
Stop the spread at home
When it comes to germs, sharing isn’t caring. If someone else
