CoronaVirus Prevention Tips

 COLDS AND FLU – 1

PREVENTION

Cold temperatures make the cells of the mucous layer lining the inside of the nose and throat more sensitive, causing colds. Preventing a cold is easier than treating it.

WASH HANDS 

Hands are the primary transmitter of cold-causing viruses. Frequent hand washing, especially after shaking hands or being with other people, prevents the spread of viruses.

DO NOT TOUCH THE FACE WITH HANDS

When the nose, eyes or mouth are touched by hands, these can introduce infectious agents into the body.

AVOID CROWDS

Cold-causing viruses (like the Corona virus) travel by way of saliva droplets projected when speaking, coughing or sneezing. The more people we have around us, and the closer they are to us, the greater the risk of their transmitting the cold virus or other infectious agents to us.

VENTILATE ROOMS WELL

Poorly ventilated rooms can habour viruses and other infectious agents. Windows need to be opened in order to circulate the air, for at least a little while each day.

CAREFUL WITH AIR CONDITIONING

Avoid the drastic changes in temperature when coming into a chilled environment due to very cold air conditioning, or when leaving.

Be sure that there is adequate maintenance of the air conditioning unit, including regular changing of filters, where viruses can nest.

BREATHE FRESH AIR

Although it is cold, the fresh air in the forests and mountains is preferable for cold prevention, as compared to the air in confined environments and where there is tobacco smoke. Whenever possible, get out to the countryside to breathe in the fresh air of the forest.

GET ENOUGH REST

Keeping regular rest periods, not staying up all night and avoiding stress help keep the immune system in good condition and prevent colds.

WARM CLOTHING

When it’s cold, the neck, ears, hands, and feet, as well as the abdomen, should be especially protected. These body parts are sensitive areas, and when they get cold, there is a vasoconstriction reflex (narrowing of the blood vessels) in the mucosa of the nose.

DRINK ENOUGH WATER

Staying well hydrated by drinking at least 6-8 glasses of pure water per day contributes to protecting the respiratory mucosa against viruses.

HUMIDIFY THE ENVIRONMENT

 Indoors where it is dry due to heating, it is good to use humidifiers. Dry air due to a combination of heating and insufficient ventilation irritates the respiratory mucosa and promotes cold.

WATCH THE DIET

Eat lots of fruits and vegetables that are rich in vitamin C and other antioxidants, such as fruits in general and particularly oranges and other citrus fruits, kiwi and dog rose (Rosa canina).

Eliminate or reduce consumption of cow’s milk and diary products, as they promote mucus production in the nose and airways.

WEAR A PROTECTIVE MASK

In case of an epidemic (like the corona virus), a facial mask is a very effective way to stop the spread of the viruses responsible for cold and flu.

AVOID ABUSE OF ANTIBIOTICS

Do not take antibiotics unnecessarily, since they weaken defenses. Viral infections such as colds, flu, covid-19 and many cases of bronchitis and sinusitis are not cured or improved with antibiotics. Having nasal mucus does not necessarily require the use of antibiotics. Actually, mucus is a defense mechanism to eliminate viruses from the nasal mucosa. When mucus stops being fluid and transparent, and becomes yellowish or greenish, it could be due to a bacterial superinfection of the nasal passages or paranasal sinuses (sinusitis). Antibiotics should only be taken if prescribed by a doctor.