As the weather changes and the humid and windy monsoon season sets in, the risk of catching a cold or flu increases. Body aches, fever, chills and nasal congestion can make you feel miserable and affect your daily lives. You body’s immunity is at its lowest during the rainy season making you even more susceptible to seasonal viral infections.
The best way to prevent seasonal flu and its potentially dangerous complications is to get vaccinated every year, but good health habits like avoiding sick people, covering your cough, and washing your hands frequently can also help stop the spread of germs and avert respiratory illnesses like the flu. If you have already been infected by cold or flu it will take some time to heal. However, some home remedies can help ease your symptoms and slightly reduce the length of time you are sick.
Health tips to combat Cold and Flu
Here are some helpful tips to follow:
- Drink lots of fluids
Drinking enough fluids can thin your mucus and make it easier for you to drain it from your nose and sinuses. Fluids also help to keep the mucous membranes lubricated, which help soothe the nasal congestion. - Wash your hands frequently
One of the simplest yet most effective ways to prevent the spread of cold and flu viruses is by washing your hands frequently. Make it a habit to use soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after coughing, sneezing, or touching surfaces that may be contaminated. - Take enough rest
Your body needs to sleep in order to rest and recover. According to research, your body produces cytokines while you’re sleeping, which are vital for battling inflammation and infection. Rest as much as possible to help your body fight cold and flu viruses. - Use saline nasal drops and sprays
Non-medicated nasal saline sprays can help to relieve congestion from a cold and ease your breathing. A saline nasal spray helps to keep nasal passages moist by washing out any thick or dried mucus. - Add moisture to the air
Use a humidifier in your bedroom to add moisture back into the air while you sleep. Dry air is known to cause irritation inside nose and throat. - Take steam
The next time you have a cold that gives you a stuffy nose, try taking a steam inhalation. This will help make the mucus thinner and make it drain easily. - Practice respiratory hygiene
Cold and flu viruses are primarily transmitted through respiratory droplets when an infected person coughs or sneezes. To protect yourself and others, cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or your elbow when coughing or sneezing. - Adjust your sleeping position
When you go to bed, try propping your head up with pillows to help gravity work better for you and help you sleep better. Do sleep at a sloped angle which allows the fluid in your sinuses to keep flowing and avoids congestion. - Drink warm liquids
It is best to include warm herbal teas and kadhas to help relieve cold, cough and sore-throat symptoms and soothe the inflamed membranes that line your nose and throat. - Eat foods that support your immune system
A strong immune system plays a crucial role in defending your body against infections. Incorporate immunity-boosting foods like foods rich in vitamin C, herbs and spices into your meals. Examples of foods that have vitamin C include fruits like lemons, mangoes, oranges, strawberries, red peppers, broccoli, and other fruits and vegetables.
Remember to wash your hands regularly, practice respiratory hygiene, boost your immune system, stay hydrated and maintain a healthy environment to help heal at the earliest from your seasonal infection. However if the symptoms don’t improve or you have trouble breathing, rapid heartbeat, faintness, or any severe symptoms, reach out to doctors at Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital at the earliest. Please find below our website details: https://www.kokilabenhospital.com
