There are no such known cures for colds and flu, hence, prevention is the only best way to escape from them. A proactive approach towards cold and flu will make your whole life healthier. Dr Bela Sharma, senior consultant, Internal medicine, Fortis Memorial Research Institute guides us with some measures to prevent cold and flu well in advance.
Follow Cough etiquette: People should make sure that they adhere to cough etiquette such as covering their mouth and nose with a tissue when coughing or sneezing, use the nearest waste receptacle to dispose of the tissue after use. Remember to perform hand hygiene as in washing hands with non-antimicrobial soap and water, alcohol-based hand rub, or antiseptic handwash after having contact with respiratory secretions and contaminated objects/materials.
Avoid being in closed places with infected individuals: One should maintain distance from infected people by standing or sitting back at least one metre apart, where possible, as it will help in reducing the chances of spreading the flu virus between people. If a household member has the flu, he or she should be separated from other members if possible, and be encouraged to wear a surgical mask. Similarly, if one is caring for someone who has the flu, then he or she too should wear a mask when in close contact to protect himself from catching the flu. Do not visit people who have the flu unless it is absolutely necessary.
Avoid shaking hands: The flu virus can travel through a mere hand shake. Hence, one must avoid shaking hands with the people who are coughing or sneezing. The germs can live for hours and can travel from person to person when come in contact.
Maintain personal hygiene: One can minimise the spread of the influenza by maintaining good household and personal hygiene. Following are some of the vital measures everyone should take care of:
- Washing the body often as everybody should ensure that they take bath every day. However, if one is not able to do so, then should at least wash the complete body with a wet sponge or a cloth.
- Cleaning teeth at least once a day to avoid gum disease and tooth decay
- Washing hair with soap or shampoo at least once a week
- Washing hands with soap after going to the toilet
- Washing hands with soap before preparing and eating food
- Wearing clean clothes
- Hanging clothes in the sun to dry as the sun rays kill some disease-causing germs and parasites
- Turning away from people and covering the nose and mouth with a tissue or with hands when coughing or sneezing, preventing them from spreading in the air
Do regular warm saline gargles and steam inhalation: A saline gargle or solution draw excess fluid from inflamed tissues in the back of the throat, which will result in less pain. This will also lead to loosening of thick mucus, making it easier to expel them. Meanwhile, steam also help in alleviating the symptoms of congestion.
Dispose of the nasal discharge and sputum properly: Although it can be loud and embarrassing at times, but this is the best way to get rid of this. Secondly, one must drink lots of water throughout the day, which will help your body to clear out the mucus.
Take influenza vaccine after consulting physician: Antivirals and vaccines may have some effectiveness in prevention of infection in people exposed to the influenza virus. However, colds are caused by viruses and do not respond to antibiotics.
Spend time in fresh air and sunlight: Fresh air is good for the respiratory system and sunlight is the direct source of Vitamin D, which if is in deficiency, will make your body vulnerable to contracting colds, influenza, and other respiratory infections. As per several researches, less than optimal vitamin D levels will significantly impair your immune system.
Exercise regularly: Exercise is one of the natural ways to avoid cold and flu. It speeds up the heart to pump larger quantities of blood, which makes you breathe faster to help transfer oxygen from your lungs to your blood. This process help increase the body's natural virus-killing cells.
