Are you ready for an immunity test this winter?
Winter brings yet again another struggle with new strains of viruses and challenging immune bacterium lurking in the wings. 2019 is said to be one of the worse we are going to have. So, don’t become complacent, your immune system needs your attention to build strong vital immune cells and minimise your chance of catching a cold or flu.
So, let’s talk about getting prepared.
Firstly you need more than one strategy to manage your risk. Implementing medical intervention, hygiene, diet, lifestyle, and supplements all need to be considered. A flu vaccine is just one option, for some members of the community, it is essential. See your doctor to discuss your needs.
How to avoid catching a cold and flu with good hygiene practices.
- Wash your hands regularly is one of the best ways to prevent the spread of colds and flu. Especially if you meet and greeting lots of people. Shake hands, touch door handles handrails, using an ATM, or touch other surfaces that other people use regularly.
- Cover your nose when sneezing and mouth when coughing. Did you know that when you sneeze the snot travels at over 160 km per hour, the viral droplets can be active for up to 45 minutes after the sneeze.
- Put you your tissues in the rubbish. Don’t leave the germs to spread all over the place.
- Don’t share cups, plates, cutlery and towels with other people.
- Also keep surfaces clean such as your desk, keyboard, phone and door handle, communal areas like kitchen bench tops regularly.
Smart strategies to prepare your body against infection
So, let’s explore some options to boost your immune system. It pays to come from a multi-factored approach to prevent and reduce the risk of you catching a cold or the flu. No one wants to lose a week or two off work in bed, suffering and feeling lousy.
- Be street smart, there’s a reason we have less sun in the winter. We are meant to slow down and rest more, not stay out late and party until the wee small hours.
- Increase warming foods and drinks to keep your core temperature stable.
- Don’t drink cold fluids
- Eat hot breakfast, poached eggs, omelette, porridge and alike.
- Lunch and dinner eat more warming foods like soups and stews. Studies show that chicken soup is excellent, the soup contains properties that break up mucus congestion.
- Reduce mucus forming food like red meats, cows milk, cheese, yoghurt, ice cream.
- Make sure you get plenty of rest to restore your immune system.
- Drink plenty of water to keep hydrated.
- Gargle warm salty water a few times per day can help to relieve inflammation, loosen mucus and flush out bacteria in the throat.
- Sip on hot water with honey and fresh lemon juice to soothe a sore throat.
Home remedy for sore throats.
As far back as ancient Egyptian times, 2200 B.C., garlic was used for its medicinal properties. Native Americans used garlic to treat flu-like symptoms. Ancient Egyptians also used honey for its antibacterial properties. Mix the two, and you’ve got a powerful home remedy. Ingredients 5 cloves of garlic 4 tablespoons Honey 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar Directions Crush and finely chop the garlic, placed into a clean jar and cover with 4 tablespoons of honey, good antibacterial honey like Manuka Honey or Active Jellybush honey. Leave this mixture to stand for about three hours to 4 hours and then add the apple cider vinegar. Dosage Take 1/2 teaspoon of the mixture as required for a sore throat. As a precaution I would not to give this mixture to children under 2 years, instead see you doctor to be on the safe side.
Know when to see a doctor, a cold and flu can get nasty.
In most cases, cold and flu can last 7-10 days. However, any persistent cough, accompanied by a headache or fever, a healthcare care professional should evaluate any cough which is productive or yellow or green mucus.
- Precaution: a child with a cough, and fever that spikes at 38.5°C you need to have a plan to manage the temperature, a high fever can quickly turn into a febrile convulsion.
- Seek medical help if you have any doubts about your child’s well-being, see your doctor as soon as possible. If your baby is under three months and has a fever above 38°C, see a doctor even if there are no other symptoms.
- If your child has problems with breathing take them to the hospital immediately or call an ambulance.
After reading this article are you…?
Are you inspired and feeling passionate about this article? Let me know. I would love to hear from you. Furthermore, if you think of a friend or someone special that you would like to read this story… feel free to share it with them. It might be the change they are looking for. Ultimately, my goal is to provide you with the knowledge to make an informed decision on the way to best support your health goals.
If there are any aspects of your diet or health, you would like to discuss or clarify. Contact us through this website or if it is of a more private nature contact me directly.
In wisdom and good health
Brendon.
Phone: 0409 278 320
Written by: Brendon Groves Clinical Naturopathic Practitioner and Founder of Groves Naturopathics
