Some Pro tips for a Healthy Winter
Avoid catching colds or flu
Catching a cold or another infection can trigger your symptoms to get worse or your condition to flare up.
If you catch a cold, watch out for symptoms that get worse
Make sure you have numbers on hand for your out of hours GP or specialist in case you need to contact them.
Don’t hold off thinking it will get better on its own – act as soon as you can.
Get vaccinated every year
Flu and pneumonia can be a serious illness, especially if you’re living with a lung condition
Having a flu and pneumonia vaccine reduces the risk of hospitalisation
Herpes zoster vaccine is also a good idea for immunodeficient patients.
Avoid contact with people who have cold symptoms
Cold and flu infections spread very easily.
Here are some other tips to reduce the risk of spreading infections:
cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when you cough or sneeze and encourage other people around you to do the same
if you don’t have a tissue, cough into your elbow or the crook of your arm to reduce the spread of germs
throw away used tissues as soon as you can
wash your hands regularly for at least 20 seconds or use a hand sanitiser gel if you’re out and about
Stay warm
Keep your window closed on a cold night to reduce risk of infection due to cold air
Keep warm by wearing layers of clothing when it’s cold, These trap warm air better than one bulky layer.
Have lots of hot drinks and at least one hot meal a day if you can
Have Healthy meals rich in nutrients like Vitamin C and rich in proteins
Keep active (Indoor Exercise)
Try to stay as active as you can to generate body heat
Get up, move around and do exercise regularly, Advised to exercise indoor to avoid cold exposure
When you’re out or travelling
Check the weather before you go out. If it’s too cold or breezy or if you are feeling unwell or are breathless, stay indoors and keep warm
When out, make sure to keep your extremities (head, hands and feet) and chest warm by wearing cap, gloves, muffler or thermals, even an extra pair of socks if you need to
Put oxygen tubings inside your coat/clothes
If you have a reliever inhaler, try using it 15 minutes before going outside. Carry your reliever medication with you as cold air can tighten your airways making it harder for you to breathe
Try to breathe through your nose instead of your mouth as this will help warm the air you breathe in
Have someone accompanying you to keep yourself safe and help you whenever required
SUMMARY
Regulate body temperature by layering comfortably with warm clothes
Keep your hands clean and free of germs
Incorporate some breathing exercises
Keep your home clean of dust, mold, and allergens
Stay hydrated. Take steam as suggested by your doctor, but do not try random home remedies that may further aggravate the problem
Consume a nutritious diet
When advised by your doctor, do take vaccines for flu and pneumonia.
Have follow-ups with their doctor and ensure their prescriptions are updated
Ask your GP about a prescription for medicine you can keep at home to use when symptoms of a chest infection appear
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