HOW TO AVOID COLDS IN WINTER

With the arrival of winter, the drop in temperatures becomes more noticeable, and if we do not take special care of our health, we may catch a cold.

We must take special care to prevent colds in children, as they have a higher risk of catching them. Knowing how to avoid catching a cold in winter is essential to understand the aspects of our health that we need to take the most care of.

WHY DO WE CATCH COLDS IN WINTER?

Cold weather, air and the low temperatures characteristic of winter allow this type of virus to spread more easily, negatively affecting our body's defences. The reasons why we catch colds can be multiple, but they are generally related to the body's defences, although our system has several barriers to prevent colds, such as mucus secretion.

HOW TO AVOID COLDS IN WINTER

Although it may seem obvious, the answer is quite simple: it is basically about keeping our defences high. To do this, we have prepared a summary of the best advice:

Maintaining a balanced diet is essential. Rich in vitamins C and D, and minerals such as zinc and selenium. Fruits such as oranges, mandarins and kiwis, vegetables such as broccoli and spinach, dairy products, eggs and nuts are essential to ensure an adequate intake of these nutrients.

Other tips are:

• Do moderate exercise regularly.

• Sleep 8 hours a day and rest properly.

• Dress appropriately according to the temperature and weather conditions.

• Avoid sudden changes in temperature.

• Wash your hands frequently.

• Avoid contact with people who have flu or cold symptoms.

Other very useful tips are to try to reduce kissing. The viruses responsible for colds are transmitted through the air by coughing and sneezing from infected people.

Avoid smoking and smoky environments. Tobacco and the substances contained in cigarettes irritate the respiratory tract.

Avoid poorly ventilated environments with heating. Dry air dries out the respiratory tract. The use of humidifiers can help purify the environment.

HOW TO TREAT A COLD

It is true that sometimes, no matter how much we take care of ourselves, we end up catching a cold. If this unfortunately happens, here are some tips to help reduce the duration of the process as much as possible:

Increase your fluid intake to help thin mucus. Herbal infusions can be a good option.

Use disposable tissues.

Do not rub your eyes with your hands and avoid touching your nose and mouth.

Take vitamin C.

If you do not improve, the best option is to contact your medical centre to request a consultation. They may refer you to a pharmacy for a cold remedy to relieve the symptoms of the cold.