Avoiding Summer Colds
The winter is usually associated with increased risk of getting a cold. However, getting a cold in the summer is still a possibility.
Steps to take to increase chances of getting through the summer feeling great – hay fever is something else.
- Avoid crowded places if possible. Public transport and bars are places where bugs can thrive.
- Don’t rub your eyes. If you have the virus on your hands, it can spread through tears from the eye duct into the nasal cavity. (I’m not referring to crying tears but the usual tears you get to wash the eye surfaces).
- If you have a cold already, sneeze with care. Use a tissue and bin it carefully as soon as you can, in an enclosed bin if possible. Cough into a tissue as well.
- Take a probiotic as these maintain a healthy balance of gut bacteria which boost immunity.
- Wash or sanitise your hands often. Cold viruses can live for up to three hours outside the nose. They are easily transferred from door handles, table tops, work surfaces including keyboards on computers and all handheld devices. Regularly clean these and screens of mobile phones, iPads etc.
- Wash your hands regularly, especially before preparing food or eating.
- Since Covid, sanitisers are now available. Some don’t smell great, though. Check out www.letssanitise.com. They have some that smell really nice – citrus, lavender, aloe vera, Oud and several others.
- Should you start with a runny nose, sore throat etc, take zinc (15mg) straight away, together with at least 1000mg vitamin C. Echinacea can shorten the time you have it.
- Lift your spirits. A short walk in nature – woodland, gardens or parks – increases circulation and promotes the production of feel-good endorphins.
- Make sure you get the five portions of fruit and veg each day. Chicken soup does actually make one feel better. Throw a couple of chicken thighs in boiling water, add chopped onions, carrots, leeks, squash other veg and fresh herbs you may have around. Limit the amount of potato you add. Season, cover the pan and allow to simmer for 30 minutes or so. Blend with a stick blender if you have one. Thicken with cornflour if you like a thicker soup. Enjoy.
- Drink plenty of fresh water, 6 – 8 glasses. Tea, coffee will help. Green tea contains anti-oxidants. A drink of warm lemon and honey is good, best without the whisky though!
- Get enough sleep. GO to bed earlier than usual. Sleep deprivation can lower your immunity, while good sleep will boost it and your mood.
- As a general rule reduce stress levels as much as you can. Meditate, have regular reiki sessions or reflexology.
- When you are over the cold, make determined efforts to meet up with friends for a coffee or lunch. Enjoyable social connection is a great booster of you spirits and your immune system.