Voice of London

Temperatures are dropping, our Vitamin D supplier – the sun – is appearing less and less as winter is about to creep into our backyards. It is about time to think how to avoid getting a cold or flu that would keep us in bed for a week or two. 

During the cold weather, viruses and bacteria have better chances of survival which is why we are more likely to get ill during the autumn and winter seasons. Handshakes with strangers, doorknobs and bus and train poles that keep the germaphobes irritated all the time, can allow the flu and cold germs to survive even up to a whole day. So if you see someone sneezing or coughing into their palms and after holding a handrail or a countertop, then the hands-off policy is a smart choice. 

Besides this, here are a few simple tips to follow:  

1. Garlic, garlic, garlic. Halloween is way behind and you probably won’t meet a vampire for another 12 months but garlic is always a good idea when trying to stay healthy. Add it to your soups, sauces and everything else. It fights most of the bacteria and viruses that would give you a painful cold.
2. Wash your hands over and over. Even after shaking someone’s hand since you never know where that hand was before you touched it.
3. Eat healthy – stay healthy. Fruits and vegetables are your friends all year round but they are especially resourceful at this time. Green vegetables are rich in vitamins and proved to boost your immune system.
4. Stay active. Regular exercising improves your immune defence mechanism against viruses. You can also try having a walk during sunlight hours: your body will be more used to the cold and you will get some sun exposure.
5. Keep hydrated. Drinking at least 8 glasses of water a day is essential to keep you well but did you know that public water fountains at your workplace, gym or school/university carry most of the germs?
6. Get a flu jab. It is a perfect time to get one now as the flu season just started. Don’t wait until it’s too late.
7. And finally, if you feel unwell one day, it is better to give yourself a break. Listen to your body and don’t stress too much.

   Source: Pixabay

   Words: Ruta Tamulynaite | Subbing: Bridget Cardenas Pazmino

   Featured image: Pixabay.com