Seasons such as autumn and winter are conducive to catching an infection. Not only is it getting colder outside, there are frequent changes in the weather and little sun reaches us every day, we also have constant contact with people who are virus carriers. Whether at work or on the bus – almost everywhere we are at risk of catching a disease that will keep us in bed for up to several weeks. So how do you avoid fall infections?
There are many ways to minimize the risk of disease. It is known – we are all exposed to a greater or lesser extent, but preventive measures can be used that will at least partially protect our body against viruses.
- Rest – if you feel a cold coming on, don’t play the hero, just lie under a blanket for a day. Especially if you have a fever. The worst thing you can do is ignore the problem, hoping it will go away on its own. Sometimes one day with tea and a blanket can be beneficial for your health – it will prevent further development of the infection, and you will not spread your germs and infect others.
- Wash your hands Although it seems a bit unlikely, maintaining hygiene is one of the best ways to take care of your health. Researchers at the University of Michigan have proven that hand washing reduces the risk of upper respiratory tract infections by as much as 20%. Use antibacterial soap, especially after traveling by bus or tram, i.e. in places where you deal with objects touched by a large number of people. More importantly, always wash your hands before preparing or eating food. Hygiene should also be maintained after contact with a sick person, keeping hands on a shopping cart, etc.
- Keep in touch with people – quite a surprising fact is that maintaining friendships and intimate relationships with people at work, home, leisure, reduces the likelihood of catching the disease. Scientists have proven that people with 5 to 6 friends get sick less often than those with fewer good friends.
- Fight your allergy – if you suffer from blocked sinuses and a runny nose as a result of allergies, start taking appropriate medications as soon as possible. Runny nose problems are ideal for the development of a cold.
- Drink green tea – one of the most valuable drinks for the body. It supports digestive processes, lowers cholesterol, has a good effect on the kidneys and liver, removes toxins from the body and strengthens the teeth. It also contains valuable polyphenols that strengthen immunity. They also reduce the ability of bacteria and viruses to multiply.
- Dress in layers – i.e. on the so-called “onion”. One layer should absorb sweat, the second insulate from the cold, and the third should be a complement that gives warmth and at the same time lets air through. Thanks to this way of dressing, you can take off one of the layers at any time when entering a heated room.
- Humidify the air – radiators cause increased dryness of the air, which irritates the throat, causes dry mucous membranes and is ideal conditions for the proliferation of dust and mites. It’s best to invest in a humidifier, or just put a wet towel on the radiator. Don’t forget to ventilate your home from time to time.
- Eat honey, garlic and ginger – that is, three ingredients that are great at fighting bacteria and viruses. They should become a permanent part of the menu thanks to their anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties!
- Supplement vitamin D deficiency – although normally vitamin D is formed in the skin as a result of solar radiation, in Poland the right conditions for this process take place only from March to September. Therefore, support yourself with other sources, such as: cod, tuna, mackerel, salmon, herring, mushrooms, egg yolks and cod liver oil.