STAY WELL THIS WINTER

A few healthy habits can help keep sickness at bay

Now that winter is officially underway, we’re in the thick of cold and flu season. While it always helps to be active and maintain a healthy diet, there are other ways to increase your chances of avoiding illness. Follow these steps to protect yourself and those around you.

STAY HOME

Remember the days when we tried to power our way through coughs and colds, leaving a swathe of germs at work, school and on public transport? These days the advice is clear. If you can, stay at home or if you have to go out in public, wear a mask until your symptoms have disappeared.

COVER YOUR MOUTH & NOSE

The best way to cover a cough or sneeze is to use a tissue or paper towel, then throw it in the rubbish. If there’s no tissue available, avoid sneezing into your hand and use the crook of your elbow instead.

DON’T TOUCH YOUR FACE

Did you know that the average person touches their face around 23 times an hour? Most cold and flu germs enter through our eyes, nose or mouth, so avoid touching your face with unwashed hands if possible.

BOOK YOUR FLU SHOT

If you haven’t done it yet, now’s the time to book your appointment. The annual flu vaccine is recommended for everyone over six months and is available free of charge to people with eligible health conditions, along with pregnant women, children aged six months to 12 years, adults over 65, and Ma-ori and Pacific people aged 55 to 64 years.

DON’T RULE OUT COVID

With the global pandemic still casting a mighty shadow, it’s important to remember that the common cold shares a lot of symptoms with COVID. Keep some rapid antigen tests on hand (some also now cover the flu) and follow the advice if you test positive. Regardless of how many boosters you have had, you can now get an additional booster if you are pregnant, aged 30 and over, or aged 12 to 29 and at higher risk of severe illness from COVID.

ASK THE EXPERTS

Even simple colds can carry nasty complications. If there are any signs that you’re concerned about, consult your doctor or call Healthline on 0800 611 116 to speak to a health professional. Always call 111 if there’s an emergency.