Cold weather starts to become a problem for many people in the latter months of the year, as the chill picks on people’s joints and provides sustenance for menacing viruses and bacteria. Hundreds of different virus strains enter circulation during Autumn and Winter, which will see some people get sick more than once. People can take measures to ensure they are not left suffering from nasty symptoms for long, however.
How can you get rid of a cough or cold?
Colds are a nuisance during winter, but often do not result in dangerous symptoms.
There is no cure for the common cold so people cannot get a jab to prepare for winter.
There are remedies and solutions people can use to reduce cold symptoms.
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Sleeping
Sleep is one of the most important tools against viruses during the winter.
Sleeping for enough hours a night (eight or more) effectively arms the immune system for dealing with incoming infections.
Those who already have a cold can sleep off the effects with extra rest, and having a humidifier running can ensure people breathe easily.
Drinking
Sore throats are one of the most common symptoms of a cold or virus infection but are thankfully easy to medicate.
The easiest way to do so is by staying hydrated, which keeps the throat lubricated and makes it difficult for bacteria to settle.
If the pain becomes unbearable, people have trouble swallowing and breathing or are drooling and making a high-pitched breathing sound, the NHS recommends calling 999.
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Staying clean
Sick people are a virus’s best method of transportation, as they will cough and sneeze germs on public transport, in offices and anywhere else they travel.
In order not to fall foul of idle germs, people should pay extra attention to their cleanliness during winter.
To do so, health professionals recommend regularly washing hands, keeping hand sanitiser readily available, and using disposable tissues when they blow their nose.
The same rule applies to the home, as dust and dirt can be irritating, causing people to sneeze and irritating dry throats.
Use honey
According to a study from the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) and Public Health England (PHE), people should drink a cup of honey and lemon as a cold or cough remedy.
Health officials found honey can be effective at reducing symptoms of acute coughs, including how often people cough and how bad it is.
Their guidance is for adults and children aged over five, and they note it is not recommended for children under the age of one to drink honey.
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