Top ways to prevent a cold

by Emma Bower

Cold and flu season is in full swing and only the lucky few will survive the winter without being bedridden with a runny nose, sore throat and headache.

But for students with essays, dissertations and exam deadlines fast approaching, a week can seem to much time to lose.

Shelves are stocked full of cold relief drugs, but these won’t help you avoid infection; just relieve the symptoms once it has been caught.

Luckily, there are some things that we can all do to prevent infection in the first place.

Avoidance

Avoidance is the best form of prevention. Try to avoid contact with people who have a cold or flu as it spreads by droplet transmission; from human to human.

It may seem too simple, but the best way to avoid infection is by washing your hands regularly.

Vitamin C

Vitamin C, also known as ascorbic acid, is great for boosting your immune system.

It can be taken in the form of a supplement or just by increasing the amount of fruits and vegetables in your diet.

Nutritionist Nadia Abdullah told Arts London News: “Good nutrition is important all year round. Dietary intake can greatly affect health, and during the winter months this can be very important.”

Echinacea

Echinacea, a flowering plant growing in the central and eastern regions of North America, is also known to stimulate immune systems.

It has been the subject of much debate and scientists have previously dismissed the benefits of taking this herbal remedy.

However recent evidence suggests that taking echinacea more than halves a person’s chances of catching a cold.

Garlic

Garlic is not only antibacterial and antiviral but it also boosts your immune system making it a great supplement to take for cold prevention.

Traditionally garlic was consumed in its raw form but now odourless garlic capsules are available from most pharmacies.

Including fresh, cooked or baked garlic in your recipies will not only enchance the flavour of the food but also keep the bacteria and viruses at bay.

We have all heard the old wives tales regarding prevention of illness, but is there any truth in sayings that have been passed down from generation to generation?

1. You will catch a cold if you go outside with wet hair.

Rachel Vreeman, an assistant professor of paediatrics at Indiana University School has put this to the test.

She said: "Scientists have studied this really well. They've put cold viruses in the noses of two groups of people. One group was then exposed to cold/wet conditions, and people who were chilled were no more likely to get sick than those who weren't"

2. Cover your mouth with your hand when you cough.

Although this may be polite when you cough or sneeze into your hand but large quantities of germs are transmitted onto the hand and this can be passed easily from person to person with any form of contact.

3. Have chicken soup when you are feeling ill.

Researchers have found that chicken soup with lots of vegetables alleviates some of the inflamation responsible for congestion.

“During cold and flu, appetite may be decreased but it is important to eat little and often."

"The immune system needs energy to increase its cell function and fight off microbes present in your body."

“Good foods to eat include soups and broths, with lots of vegetables."

"Red meat contains iron and this can increase energy levels and help you overcome symptoms faster."

"High sugary foods should be avoided as these quickly raise blood glucose levels and then cause a dip, leaving you feeling more tired,” said Nadia Abdullah.

4. Feed a cold, starve a fever.

When you are congested it is important to eat nutritious foods to boost your immune system.

You also need energy to fight off infection when you are feverish, so it is untrue to starve a fever.

Nadia Abdullah added, “Fluids are very important as high volumes are lost through sweating, mucus secretion, sickness and diarrhea. These need to be replaced to aid the body in eliminating the virus. The best fluids are water and fruit juice.”

Follow these tips and stay healthy through the winter months.