How to stay germ-free this winter
To reduce the risk of infection, it is important to practice good hand hygiene
Enjoying the outdoors during the summer holidays can help us feel refreshed and strong, but as soon as September comes around our health often quickly plummets. Nasty coughs and colds can accompany the start of autumn and be really debilitating.
But what are the reasons behind this annual surge in illnesses, and what can do to protect ourselves from germs?
“During this time of year, many individuals return to close-contact environments such as schools, universities and workplaces after summer holidays. This increased interaction with new people, combined with the onset of cooler weather, contributes to higher infection rates,” says Dr Vikram Murthy, a UK NHS and private GP and co-founder of Harley Street clinic Murthy Health.
“The cooler months are characterised by drier air, which can weaken the body’s natural defense mechanisms in the nasal passages,” explains Murthy. “Additionally, the cold weather creates a more favourable environment for bacteria and viruses to thrive, increasing the likelihood of infections.
Coughs, colds and flu are caused by a variety of viruses and bacteria and spread through respiratory droplets or by contact with contaminated surfaces.
“You can catch the flu by touching a door handle, tea towel or a handrail that’s been contaminated,” says Dr Roger Henderson, GP and Olbas expert. “Once your fingers have been contaminated by the virus and you rub your eyes or nose, you pass the virus to areas that are better entrance points. You can also fall ill by breathing in droplets containing the illness.”
Common flu typically presents with symptoms such as a cough, cold, fever, runny nose, joint aches, headache and general body pains.
“These can range from mild to severe and often impact overall wellbeing,” adds Murthy.
To reduce the risk of infection, it is important to practice good hand hygiene. “Hands should be washed for at least 40 seconds, which is approximately the time it takes to sing Happy Birthday twice,” advises Murthy. “This duration ensures that all surfaces of the hands are cleaned effectively.”
Also, drinking lots of water will help your body stay healthy. “It helps maintain mucosal surfaces [the membranes that line the body’s airways, lungs, reproductive, and gastrointestinal tracts],” advises Dr Johannes Uys, doctor at Broadgate GP.
“Taken regularly, it not only helps keep your bones in good health, but can also help boost your immune system,” says Henderson.
Murthy adds: “Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or elbow when coughing or sneezing, while Henderson advises: “Eat a diet rich in fresh fruit and vegetables and aim to keep your alcohol intake within recommended levels,” suggests Henderson.
Dr Ashwin Sharma at online pharmacy MedExpress said: “If your hands have come in contact with a virus, touching your face can transfer this directly into your body, where it can infect your respiratory tract and cause illness.”
Keep your house clean - regularly disinfectsurfaces and frequently change tea towels at home. It is also good to increase ventilation by opening windows.”
“Try to exercise every day,” Henderson adds. “This can be as simple as a long walk in the fresh air.” Also, if you can stay away from someone you know is sick, this will of course limit your exposure to getting ill.
Over-the-counter treatments like paracetamol and ibuprofen can help manage symptoms. Get rid of a stuffy nose by using decongestant oils, a sore throat can be dispelled by using menthol lozenges, and headaches can be spared by using paracetamol or ibuprofen. If you have a blocked nose, try using a decongestant. However, if symptoms don’t get better after 10 days, get in touch with your GP.
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