What is a Cold?
The common cold is caused by a viral infection and commonly effects the nose, throat and respiratory system. There are dozens of different cold viruses, once the body is exposed to one, generally, in a healthy person, that virus would not case an infection a second time around. However, because there are so many different types of viruses that cause the common cold or flu this is why we may be subject to acquiring a cold once or twice each year.
How can I prevent a Cold?
The common cold is generally passed on from person to person via droplet infection. This means that person that has a cold may cough or sneeze and droplets from this may come into contact with another person’s nose or respiratory system and this is how the virus is spread.
Practical ways to prevent contracting and passing on a cold include:
- Wash our hands regularly with soap and water and/or use hand sanitiser gel
- Minimise contact with people that may have cold or flu symptoms
- Keeping your mouth and nose covered when coughing or sneezing to help prevent the virus being passed onto others
Help boost your immune system to reduce the severity and duration of cold & flu symptoms by doing the following:
- Get plenty of rest. The body and immune system can function better on a good night’s sleep which usually consists of 8 hours each day
- Diet - eat plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables every day. Keep well hydrated by drinking at least 8 glasses of water per day
Important supplements to support your immune system during the winter months include;
- Zinc - an integral mineral in the functioning of the immune system efficiently and effectively
- Echinacea - herbal supplement shown to help enhance white blood cell activity in the body, it may assist in reducing the severity and duration of cold and flu symptoms
- Vitamin C - an oldie but a goodie. Vitamin C is a potent anti-oxidant along with enhancing immune response.
- Vitamin A - helps to support a health surface barrier for the respiratory and digestive tracts
- Olive Leaf Extract - another potent anti-oxidant with antiviral properties.
Should I see the Doctor?
If you are experiencing any of the following symptoms you should consider seeing your GP as soon as possible:
- Breathlessness or chest pain
- An increase in asthma like symptoms
- Ear-ache or facial ache
- Rusty coloured or blood-stained mucous from the nose or chest
- High fever (fever 38 degrees Celsius or above)
- Cough which persists for greater than 1 week
Did you know?
Should you be unwell and unable to attend work, Calanna Pharmacy can provide you with a Medical Certificate for Personal Leave for up to two (2) consecutive days!
No need to book an appointment - pop in or call - quick easy and only $20.00
Written by Matthew Calanna - Pharmacist - Calanna Pharmacy Group
No comments:
Post a Comment