4 Steps A Pharmacist Takes To Avoid Catching Cold And Flu

Cold and flu preventionColds and flu are more common in the winter, partly because people tend to spend lots of time indoors. This gives us an increased chance of transmitting disease to one another. It also seems some immune-boosting, “friendly” bacteria suffer in colder weather, potentially leaving us more open to viruses as our natural protection drops.So it’s a good thing Amir Bhogal, the director and superintendent pharmacist of Pyramid Pharmacy Group, shared some tips and tricks he uses to stay as healthy as he can in the cooler months. These are:1) Sleep and eat as well as you canThe best way to lower your chances of getting the flu (or at least very bad flu) is to boost your immune system, Bhogal told us.“Getting at least 7–9 hours of uninterrupted sleep each night allows your body to repair itself and build a stronger antibody response, helping it recognise and neutralise viruses faster,” he shared.“Combined with a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and lean proteins, you’ll have the essential vitamins and minerals needed to support healthy cell function and reduce susceptibility to infection.” It’s also important to stay hydrated when it’s cold out in order to “help key nutrients circulate more effectively throughout the body”.2) Identify “high-touch” areasGerms linger on surfaces like doorknobs, phone screens, and tabletops “up to 24 to 48 hours,” Bhogal told us. So it’s a good idea to work out where the most-touched areas of your home and workplace are and clean them “frequently”. “Make sure to always have a pack of cleansing wipes or antibacterial spray containing at least 70% alcohol to instantly sanitise surfaces, such as trolley handles at the supermarket or shared equipment in gyms,” Bhogal added.“Once you return home, thoroughly wash your hands with antibacterial soap for at least 20 seconds, making sure to cover all areas, including between your fingers and under your nails.“Better yet, change into fresh indoor clothing to reduce the risk of bringing viruses inside and infecting any immunocompromised family members or roommates.” 3) Book your flu vaccine early It takes about two weeks for immunity to build after getting your flu jab, which is why Bhogal recommends getting it as early as you can if you’re eligible.He says this is especially advised if you “belong in vulnerable groups such as the elderly, pregnant women, or young children.“Similarly, those with chronic health conditions like asthma, diabetes, or heart disease should make the flu vaccine a part of their annual medical routine to reduce the risk of complications.” 4) Don’t worry about causing offence – cancel plans if a person attending is unwellSometimes, your health is more important than manners, the pharmacist suggested. “While it may feel impolite, cancelling plans and keeping a safe distance from those who are unwell is one of the simplest ways to avoid catching the flu,” he said. That’s because “The virus spreads through microscopic droplets from coughing and sneezing, which can easily travel within close range.” If you’re already around someone who’s unwell, though, “keep windows open to disperse airborne particles, as well as prevent stagnant air where viruses can linger”.Related...Is This Water Trick The Key To Preventing Coughs And Colds?Here's How Doctors Actually Treat Their Own Colds At HomeDo Vitamin Supplements Really Work For Colds?

Comments

Breaking news

Prince Andrew ‘gagged Virginia Giuffre to protect Queen’s jubilee year’

Metro

Pictured: Company boss, 51, found 'murdered' in his own home two weeks after his wife died of cancer - as man, 31, is arrested

about 3 hours ago

Dailymail

Balcony collapse horror near University of Cincinnati as students plunge from 3rd floor while celebrating exams

about 3 hours ago

Dailymail

Top flight horse race is won by biggest-ever outsider in stunning 200-1 record upset

about 3 hours ago

Dailymail

Prince Andrew 'gagged' Virginia Giuffre for a year so the Queen's Platinum Jubilee celebrations wouldn't be tarnished, book claims

about 3 hours ago

Burnley and Leeds stars are booed for taking the knee - as one player refuses to perform the gesture

Dailymail

Gary Neville comes under fire at Salford game as fan - who is wearing shirt calling pundit a 'traitor' - plants St George's flag in centre circle amid chants labelling him 'a w****r'

about 3 hours ago

Dailymail

Awkward wardrobe malfunction forces referee to intervene as Royal Albert Hall hosts Grand Sumo Tournament

about 3 hours ago

Dailymail

Kelly Osbourne cuts a heartbreaking figure as she clutches Ozzy's lifetime achievement award and says it 'would have meant the world to him'

about 3 hours ago

Dailymail

British citizens who fought for Israel in Gaza should be tried for war crimes when they come home, Scottish Greens say

about 3 hours ago

Dailymail

Carol Vorderman, 64, reveals she's been 'very poorly' as she issues a major health update after being forced to quit her radio show following hospital scare

about 3 hours ago

Dailymail

Croissant for £42, caviar with scrambled eggs for £750 and a £48 omelette: How Michelin-starred breakfast became latest eating fad

about 3 hours ago

NHS nurse gets £300 parking fine while at work - as thousands of colleagues are targeted every year, new figures show

Dailymail

‘No Kings’ protests live updates: Anti-Trump rallies kick off in UK, Spain, Germany and Sweden before millions set to march in US

about 4 hours ago

Independent

The champion Dodgers are dominating October again. There's more behind their success than money

about 4 hours ago

Independent

Jason Momoa worked with a coach to speak Hawaiian authentically in 'Chief of War'

about 4 hours ago

Comments

Similar News

'If any of the boys were feuding nobody told me!': Belinda Stewart-Wilson who played Will's 'fit' mother on the Inbetweeners reveals what really happened behind the scenes of the beloved Channel 4 show... and whether she's been invited back

Child Psychologist Reveals the 4 Common Phrases Parents Should Never Say

4 Rejections, 1 bribe: The true, chaotic story of The Beatles breaking the US

'Vile' AI images complicate search for 4-year-old boy who vanished in the Australian outback

Savers leave £270BILLION in low-interest accounts: Why it's vital to switch if you get less than 4%

Will The Diplomat Get A Season 4 At Netflix? Here's What We Know

Shohei Ohtani hits 3 homers and strikes out 10 in scoreless outing for Dodgers in Game 4 of NLCS

KATIE HIND: Three years after their hit Channel 4 series was axed amid bullying claims, Dick and Angel are so desperate to get back on TV they've paid a fortune to make a new show themselves

Mets&#039; Superstar Gets Blockbuster 4-Year, $88 Million Contract Projection

Ohtani to Start Game 4: How to Watch Dodgers vs Brewers NLCS, Live Stream MLB Postseason, TV Channel

Dodgers Announce Roki Sasaki News Ahead of NLCS Game 4

Gold prices topped $4,300 this week. What's driving the surge?

Arizona set to execute a man who killed 4 members of a Phoenix family in 1993

Terrified puppy abandoned on streets twice in 4 weeks desperately needs forever home

Yankees 7-Year Veteran Projected To Sign Huge 4-Year, $72 Million Contract

French police arrest 4 in alleged plot targeting exiled Russian activist Vladimir Osechkin

Mongolia's leader ousted after 4 months in ruling party feud

When I collapsed on a girls' holiday aged 23, doctors thought I was hungover. In fact, I'd had a stroke because of a hidden condition that affects 1 in 4 people

How to Watch Blue Jays vs Mariners ALCS Game 4: Live Stream MLB Postseason, TV Channel

Gold on track for $5,000 as precious metal hits new record high to nudge $4,300 for first time

Breaking news

Prince Andrew ‘gagged Virginia Giuffre to protect Queen’s jubilee year’

New blood test for 50 cancers ‘could make substantial difference to outcomes’

Ten injured after balcony collapses near University of Cincinnati as students were celebrating end of exams

Developing Rosebank oil field ‘pure climate vandalism’, Scottish Green insists

Jewish film festival postponed after cinemas ‘refuse to host events’

Police launch investigation after bar worker, 19, found dead in Manchester flat

US jury issues $20M verdict against French bank BNP Paribas over Sudanese atrocities

Reform’s newest MP Danny Kruger: ‘On a personal level I deeply regret rejecting the Tory party’

Lady Annabel Goldsmith death: Socialite who gave her name to London nightclub dies, aged 91

Skeletal woman 'locked in bedroom for 27 years' utters three chilling words

School staff member dies 'after being kicked in chest by pupil'

Scots mum's blurry vision during pregnancy uncovered as serious brain condition

Police probe new allegation against Scots Tinder rapist who faked own death

Portugal set for burka ban

Protesters in Germany demand removal of Madeleine McCann suspect

Prince Andrew still worth £3.7m even after losing all his royal titles

Three UK areas told by Met Office to prepare emergency kit - see if yours is one

EastEnders 90s heartthrobs now - drugs, illness and 'clown feuds'

Urgent warning as 'dangerous' fake weight loss drug is being pushed on social media

Aldi urgently recalls steaks over health fears as shoppers warned 'DO NOT EAT'

Prince William 'was driving force' behind Andrew giving up titles, claims royal expert

Donald Trump protests live: No Kings march in Washington DC attracts tens of thousands

Queen's one-word response to Prince Andrew's allegations before she passed

Burglary suspect does a poo in courtroom and lobs it at the judge before verdict

Ange Postecoglou SACKED by Nottingham Forest just minutes after heavy Chelsea loss

This hot chocolate advent calendar saves you £2 a day on fancy takeaway drinks

Pictured: Company boss, 51, found 'murdered' in his own home two weeks after his wife died of cancer - as man, 31, is arrested

Balcony collapse horror near University of Cincinnati as students plunge from 3rd floor while celebrating exams

Top flight horse race is won by biggest-ever outsider in stunning 200-1 record upset

Prince Andrew 'gagged' Virginia Giuffre for a year so the Queen's Platinum Jubilee celebrations wouldn't be tarnished, book claims

Burnley and Leeds stars are booed for taking the knee - as one player refuses to perform the gesture

Net Zero destroyed my home: Father-of-one reveals how eco-friendly scheme cost him £250k and 'ripped his life apart'

Fury as historic Scottish sailing ship is towed out to sea and deliberately sunk off the coast of Hawaii

Gary Neville comes under fire at Salford game as fan - who is wearing shirt calling pundit a 'traitor' - plants St George's flag in centre circle amid chants labelling him 'a w****r'

Awkward wardrobe malfunction forces referee to intervene as Royal Albert Hall hosts Grand Sumo Tournament

Kelly Osbourne cuts a heartbreaking figure as she clutches Ozzy's lifetime achievement award and says it 'would have meant the world to him'

British citizens who fought for Israel in Gaza should be tried for war crimes when they come home, Scottish Greens say

Carol Vorderman, 64, reveals she's been 'very poorly' as she issues a major health update after being forced to quit her radio show following hospital scare

Croissant for £42, caviar with scrambled eggs for £750 and a £48 omelette: How Michelin-starred breakfast became latest eating fad

NHS nurse gets £300 parking fine while at work - as thousands of colleagues are targeted every year, new figures show

Inside Postecoglou's 39 days to forget at Forest

David Attenborough becomes oldest Daytime Emmy winner

Louisiana resident assisted in Hamas 7 October attack, US says

Watch: Brits row from Peru to Australia in tiny boat

Giuffre brother calls on King to strip Andrew of prince title

Eleven killed after Israel hits bus in Gaza, Hamas-run civil defence says

‘I dressed as Thatcher for Halloween 13 years ago as a joke – now it’s my full-time job’

Mystery of ‘crocodile’ spotted in UK river solved after police’s ‘strangest appeal ever’

Terrifying moment fire breaks out on plane travelling at 33,000ft

Fire chief’s home set ablaze after dog chews through lithium battery

Cowboy builder wrecked woman’s memorial garden for two-year-old granddaughter

Putin foe stabbed to death in Istanbul villa where he lived in exile

Ofcom orders BBC to air on TV finding that Gaza film broke broadcasting rules

Shutdown impact: What it means for workers, federal programs and the economy

Work begins to restore power to Ukraine’s Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant

Unions warn Reeves they could abandon Labour if she ‘panders to the right’ with more welfare cuts

Putin wants Farage to win to divide Europe, says Lammy

Mets' Superstar Gets Blockbuster 4-Year, $88 Million Contract Projection