Tips to avoid getting colds
There’s nothing more annoying than the common cold – especially one that won’t go away. With all the masking up and staying at home, many of us haven’t had a proper cold for a while – making it feel even worse when you do catch one.
“The best way to avoid catching a cold is by maintaining a healthy lifestyle.
Emotional stress, fatigue, poor diet, and smoking can all lower your immune system, and increase your chances of an infection,” says Melanie King, pharmacist at Pharmacy2U (pharmacy2u.co.uk). There’s no cure for the common cold, but there are a few things you can do:
1. Eat well
“You might have heard the phrase ‘feed a cold, starve a fever’, but this is an old wives’ tale – you should feed both!” says King. “Although you may not feel up to it, eating nutritious, balanced meals will give you the energy to fight off an infection.
“It’s also important to drink plenty of fluids to replace those lost from sweating, and to make it easier for the body to get rid of mucus by keeping it runny.”
2. Take your vitamins
“Vitamin D is an essential nutrient that can help keep bones and muscles healthy to support general health,” explains King. “Our bodies normally make it when we’re exposed to sunlight. However, in the winter months when we’re indoors more, it may be worth considering other sources. While it won’t stop you from getting a cold, getting enough vitamin D can help your body fight off any infections more effectively.”
3. Get plenty of sleep
Good quality sleep enables your body to rest, repair and restore health – you should try to get a minimum of seven to eight hours.
4. Lower your stress
Stress can reduce the effectiveness of your immune system to aid your recovery.
5. Do some moderate exercise
Moderate exercise, just a 20 to 30-minute walk a day, will improve your wellbeing and support your immune system.
6. Try pelargonium extract
Pelargonium has antiviral and antibacterial actions, and stimulates the clearance of infected mucus. Take it for three days, or the infection will return.