Colds and flus tend to run rampant in winter, and experts confirm that it’s during the winter season that infections are most common. However, experts also know that there are ways to reduce the risk of catching the flu.

Before looking at strategies to avoid contracting the flu, it’s worth noting what you can & should do if you do come down with it. Seek medical attention if you or someone you care for has symptoms of the flu and if you are concerned. Fortunately, you need not wait for office hours and your doctor’s surgery to be open in order to receive medical attention. Access the services of a home doctor through a company like Doctor To You in order to be seen by a qualified, experienced GP in the comfort of your own home. A home doctor’s visit will help you determine exactly what is wrong and the actions you should take.

Back to flu avoidance. What can you do?

Stay Warm

It’s important to dress warmly in cold weather. By rugging up and staying warm, you can lower the likelihood of contracting flu, coughs and colds. It is interesting to note that the immune system is depressed when you are shivering and the act of shivering increases the risk of catching a cold or the flu.

Nothing like a froggy beanie to keep you warm on a cold winter's night!

Commit to Hand Washing

Infections can readily be passed from person to person through physical contact when a person sprays their germs by sneezing and coughing. Wash your hands thoroughly and often and ensure they are dried on disposable paper towels or hand towels that are regularly washed.

Watch out for Moist Weather

When weather conditions are dull and misty, germs tend to increase. In such conditions, viruses are able to survive for longer as they are more readily able to hang in the air that is attached to water droplets. Dull and cloudy conditions mean there is less breeze to blow germs away.

Keep Some Space

During winter, people tend to be physically closer and, when people huddle together, infections can more easily be transmitted from person to person. This is a particular problem on crowded public transport, in busy shops, and in a wide variety of places where people generally gather in close proximity.

Try Herbs

To make your immune system robust and ready to protect you from winter illnesses, the herb Echinacea may help. Echinacea is widely used to bolster the immune system against the flu and colds, and also to support the healing of infections that are both viral and bacterial.

Consume Zinc and Garlic

The mineral zinc is critical to fighting colds and strengthening a compromised immune system. Zinc-rich foods include: eggs, meat, seafood, oysters, tofu and wheat germ. Zinc and vitamin C are often consumed together to help the body combat the flu and colds. Garlic is also known to decrease the frequency at which an individual experiences colds and the flu, and it can help to remedy chest complaints.

Stay Hydrated

Drinking plenty of water is good for your health generally, but keeping well hydrated when you have a cold or the flu helps flush the infection out of your system.

Staying well and avoiding the flu this winter can be achieved by following a number of practices. Many of the best ways to avoid colds and the flu are simple to do and are excellent ways to protect and boost your health any time of year.

This sponsored post is in collaboration with Doctor To You - all images are my own. If you are interested in a product review or sponsored post content appearing on Breathe Gently, please email me.