“The common cold is a mild infection that causes a runny nose, sneezing, sore throat and cough. It is caused by several viruses from many different families, but the most common is the rhinovirus. In autumn, it accounts for up to 80% of colds, says Bupa chief medical officer Paul Zollinger-Reed. – Seasonal influenza is caused by two types of viruses: influenza A and influenza B (C is a very rare type). The symptoms are the same as those of a cold, but more severe. The illness can also be accompanied by fever, trembling, headache, dry cough, and muscle pain.”
We all have our theories about what causes us to get colds or the flu, but doctors have their own medical version of it.
“Colds and the flu are spread the same way – through direct contact or through the air when someone coughs or sneezes. They can even be picked up when you touch a contaminated surface and then touch your nose, mouth, or eyes with your hands,” Zillinger-Reed explains. – The influenza virus can live on hard surfaces for 24 hours, and on soft surfaces for about 20 minutes. Practicing good hygiene is essential to help prevent and stop the spread of colds and flu. Wash your hands regularly with hot soapy water.
Do not share towels with anyone and keep doorknobs, toys, and bedding clean. You can also help stop the spread of the flu by covering your nose and mouth when you cough or sneeze.”
Stress can also wreak havoc on your immune system, but do your best to keep it strong. If you start to feel chills, you are most likely using paracetamol and zinc supplements as a preventive measure. But consultant nutritionist Evelyn Toner says it’s important to be mindful of your stress levels.
“The National Institute of Mental Health explains that different people feel differently when they are stressed, for example, some have digestive problems, while others have headaches, insomnia, depressed mood, anger and irritability,” says Toner. “People with chronic stress are more susceptible to more frequent and serious viral illnesses, and vaccines, such as the flu shot, are less effective for them. Over time, there may be an increased risk of serious health problems, including heart disease, high blood pressure, diabetes, depression, and other illnesses.”
ВWe still got sick. Should I call a doctor?
The truth is that viruses cannot be treated with antibiotics. Most of the time, rest is the best medicine. You can also relieve symptoms with mild cold medicines. However, if you are worried that your condition is getting worse, you should see your doctor.
Preventive measures are important. A healthy lifestyle can boost your immune system and make you less susceptible to illness. Colds and flu are transmitted from person to person, so we repeat once again that hygiene should not be neglected.
“Realistic balance in all aspects of your life is probably the most important step to managing stress. In particular, the balance between work, life and family,” says consultant psychiatrist Tom Stevens.
The Best Ways to Relieve Stress and Boost Your Immune System
1. Make time for music, art, reading, movies, sports, dancing, or anything else that interests you
2. Spend time with people who love you, including family and friends. Think about who you spend time with and ask yourself, “Do I want to spend time with them?”
3. Exercise Regularly
4. Learn the art of relaxation. It’s not watching movies on TV or drinking, but something like yoga, hot baths, meditation, or anything to let your mind rest.
5. Live not in the past or future, but now. Don’t fall into the trap of constantly thinking about the future and forgetting to enjoy the present. If this is difficult, stare at one point for 15 minutes and think that even this can be interesting!
6. Be careful not to use alcohol, drugs, food, sex, or gambling to manage your mood swings.
7. Learn to Say No and Delegate
8. Think about what really matters to you.
9. Think about it, are you avoiding anything? Solving problems at work, difficult conversations with colleagues or family, clarifying some points. Perhaps you should deal with such things in order to stop experiencing stress.
10. Do you do anything that is not motivated by power, money and sex? If the answer to that is no, then go back to number 1.