by Maria C Collins

Created on: November 05, 2009

Coughs, colds and influenza all abound in winter. If you get through a whole winter without a cold you probably count yourself lucky but is it just a matter of chance? You need not just leave it to luck whether you succumb to a cold, cough or 'flu'. There are simple precautions that you can take that will lessen your chances of these viruses this winter.

There are reasons why people catch cold, cough or 'flu' viruses in winter. In winter people tend to congregate indoors rather than outside. Winter weather is often damp and damp combines with heating in buildings to form the humid conditions that are the optimum for germs to thrive and pass from person to person. Rooms in winter are often not well ventilated, after all who wants to open a window and let the heat out?

The old adage "coughs and sneezes spread diseases" is quite right. There are more than 20,000 virus droplets in every sneeze. These are propelled from the body by force and at speed. The infected person need not sneeze on you; a kiss, hug or handshake is enough to pass you the germs. Also the cold and 'flu' germs can live outside the body in the warm, moist conditions of winter rooms.

There things you can do that will lessen your chance of catching a virus.

Viruses are opportune and will enter a body that has a lowered immune system; therefore it makes sense to take care of your general health, in order to keep your immune system strong. In winter people tend to turn to comforting food and forget that they also need to eat a balanced and healthy diet as much in winter as in summer. As most health authorities advise, ensure that you get your five portions of fruit and vegetables a day. You might also wish to consider taking a good multi-vitamin, ask your pharmacist or doctor for advice. Vitamins D and C and zinc are necessary for winter health try to make sure that you get enough of these.

Try to get out in the fresh air every day, perhaps for a brisk walk. The exercise will help in your overall health, help get your circulation going and release endorphins which make you feel better and allow you to clear your head. Pay attention to your emotional and mental health in winter too.

Although getting very cold or wet does not cause you to catch a cold it can lower your immune system. Wear sufficient clothing in cold weather and suitable clothing in wet weather. Pay particular attention to feet, recent research shows that allowing your feet to get very cold weakens your immune system significantly;

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