With the cold season just around the corner, there’s a good chance you’ll get a runny nose or a bad cough in the coming weeks if you haven’t already.
However, experts say there are some simple ways to prevent colds.
Those who are determined not to get sick may need to avoid social contact or at least be careful not to get cold or wet.
And for those unfortunate people already struggling with a stuffy nose, there are easy ways to ease the symptoms at home, they say.
Here, the experts tell you how to prevent colds – and what you can do to feel better.
Avoid human contact
Avoiding colds can seem almost impossible in the winter months, and if you’re desperate to prevent a cold, you need to take extreme measures, experts say.
“Avoid all human contact, avoid crowded places, avoid public transport and briefly become a recluse,” says Emeritus Professor Ron Eccles of Cardiff University, who has studied the pesky insects for decades.
Fortunately, for those who don’t want to take such drastic measures, there are some simpler preventative measures.
People who live in close proximity to someone suffering from a cold can reduce their risk by avoiding sharing household items such as cutlery and cups with others, says Dr. Hannah Patel.
Commuters and office workers can avoid mistakes by not touching common areas where the virus can live, such as doorknobs, she suggests.
“Also avoid touching your eyes or nose if you have been in contact with the virus; it can infect the body like that,” says dr. Patel.
It is also important to wash your hands with warm water and soap, as this removes insects that can potentially cause a cold.
The temperature of rooms you use regularly, such as the bedroom and living room, should be around 18 degrees Celsius. This will help you stay warm and prevent you from getting sick
According to a study from Cardiff University, a hot drink provides immediate relief from runny nose, cough, sneezing, sore throat, cold and fatigue
Dress warmly
Cold and wet conditions can cause disease. However, this only applies if you have already been exposed to the viruses that cause colds, and not just by standing outside in the rain.
The effect of the elements can be “It can cause symptoms if you already have a cold virus but haven’t yet developed symptoms,” Professor Eccles said.
His 2005 study of 180 healthy people, half of whom sat with their feet in cold water for 20 minutes while the others stayed dry, found that people with wet feet had a 10 percent higher risk four to five days later to develop cold symptoms.
No medical tests were performed to confirm that they were infected with a virus.
However, Professor Eccles suggested that cold – and its effects on the body – subtly allows the virus to “get the upper hand”.
“Although controversial, I believe it is true in certain circumstances [being exposed to cold and wet weather] can cause a cold if you are already infected with the virus.”
DR Patel encourages people to heat their homes to “a temperature that is comfortable for you”.
The temperature of frequently used rooms such as bedrooms and living rooms must be kept at around 18 degrees Celsius, she says.
“This is especially important if you have health problems.” In addition, it is best to keep your bedroom windows closed at night,” says Dr. Patel.
When the windows are open, the body is exposed to changes in body temperatureTemperature and humidity, which put our bodies under stress can weaken our immune system, she says.
She added: “This means our ability to fight infections is at risk. “At the same time, a sharp change in temperature and humidity can create the perfect environment for infections to develop and spread.”
A warm drink or a steamy shower can help
For those who have succumbed to a cold, hot cups of tea or a steamy shower can be the key to relieving symptoms.
Professor Eccles and his team from Cardiff University’s Common Cold Center once studied the effects of drinking a soothing hot drink on a stuffy nose.
The 2008 study found that drinking hot currant syrup provided immediate relief from runny nose, cough, sneezing, sore throat, cold, and fatigue.
In contrast, a drink at room temperature only relieved symptoms of a runny nose, cough and sneeze.
Professor Eccles expects something of this hot sweet drink to achieve the same effect.
He believes the steam in the hot drink can soften and break down mucus, making it easier to breathe. It also reduces the swelling of a sore throat, but experts aren’t entirely sure why.
A hot shower or steam bath is likely to have the same effect, relieving a stuffy nose, cough and sore throat, says Professor Eccles.
Dr. Patel recommends drinking plenty of fluids to get through a cold.
Whether it’s water, fruit juice or pumpkin: when you have a cold, it’s important to avoid dehydration, she says.
Dr. Patel says, “Some adults may find it helpful to gargle with salt water to relieve a sore throat.” Warm liquids can help loosen secretions in the chest and sinuses, making it easier to cough up and clear blockages.
Manufacturers claim that phenylephrine relieves nasal congestion by reducing the swelling of the small blood vessels in the nostrils, creating more space for air. However, the FDA has concluded that taking the drug orally, which is the most common approach, means that not enough of it reaches the nose to have a meaningful effect because so much is lost on the journey of the stomach to the nose. The photo shows two of the medications taken orally that contain phenylephrine
Some over-the-counter medicines do not work
If you have a stuffy nose, you may not need to rush to the pharmacy.
US health advisors warned last month that cold and flu medications containing phenylephrine are virtually useless decongestants when taken orally.
Brand names such as Sudafed, Benadryl, Lemsip and Beechams sell the drug. There are also own brand versions available from Boots and LloydsPharmacy.
‘P“Henylephrine is not an ineffective nasal decongestant when taken orally, as it is metabolized in the gut and liver before reaching the nose,” says Professor Eccles.
“In my opinion phenylephrine products should be discontinued in the UK as they do not cause constipation.”
He recommends using a nasal spray within 48 hours of the first symptoms.
“Decongestant nasal spray is effective and works within minutes and decongestant lasts for eight hours,” he says.
Manufacturers claim that phenylephrine relieves nasal congestion by reducing the swelling of the small blood vessels in the nostrils, creating more space for air.
But the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has concluded that taking the drug orally, which is the most common approach, means that not enough of it gets into the nose to have a meaningful effect.
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Crystal Leahy is an author and health journalist who writes for The Fashion Vibes. With a background in health and wellness, Crystal has a passion for helping people live their best lives through healthy habits and lifestyles.
