TOP 5 WINTER HEALTH TIPS To mask or not to mask?

One of the most helpful ways to deal with health anxiety, particularly around Covid and flu viruses, is to arm yourself with the facts and understand what works. Dr Ross Walton shares his top tips to minimise virus transmission this winter, without having to lock yourself away from loved ones…

‘Masks can help bring down the overall risk of the amount of virus exposure and transmission,’ explains Dr Walton, ‘but it should be a personal choice, with no judgement or stigma on either side, especially if it reduces stress and makes you more comfortable.

‘Assess each situation individually as to whether you feel you need a mask. There are many factors including size of space, number of people and duration of time that impact whether you feel the need to use one; there are no hard or fast rules.’

BOOST VENTILATION

‘Having effective airflow indoors is proven to help lower infection risk by 50 per cent,’ says Dr Walton. ‘Keep a window or two ajar when entertaining at home if you can, and leave internal doors open to allow air to circulate from room to room. Public transport can be a little trickier to navigate, but opening at least one window can help.’

Increase hand washing

‘Washing your hands is one of the most effective and simple ways to reduce viral infection and transmission,’ explains Dr Walton. ‘It’s most effective when you wash thoroughly and for the appropriate amount of time – at least 20 seconds. A hand sanitiser is a useful alternative when hand washing isn’t possible, or you’re in contact with touch points that are used by many people in public places – but you don’t need to use it excessively.’

Enlist a herbal helper

‘There are a number of herbs and natural products available, which help give our immune system a boost and protect you from bugs and viruses,’ says Dr Walton. ‘Echinacea is proven and licensed for the relief of the common cold and flu. In fact, a new study shows that echinacea is also effective against Covid, by reducing the risk of infection and viral load, which may lessen the severity of symptoms and aid recovery. Always look for supplements that have been checked for quality and safety, and which display the product licensed number or licensed herbal medicine THR logo on the pack.

DIET CAN HELP

A healthy diet is also essential to ensure you get all the necessary vitamins and minerals to stay healthy. During the winter months, vitamins C and D are key, but maintaining levels can be hard – consider supplements to boost your levels.

“Vitamins C and D are key, but maintaining levels can be hard – consider supplements to boost your levels”