Top Doctors’ Ultimate Guide to Avoiding COVID-19, Flu, and Common Colds This Winter

As the temperatures drop and pollution levels rise, most people are at risk of succumbing to various viral infections, which include COVID-19, flu, common colds, and respiratory issues. These travel faster

during winter months, making you feel down with fever, a blocked nose, a chronic cough, and body pains. And so, a doctor has come up with his formula, which he calls the “ultimate” health hack for avoiding illness during the winter months. UK-based Dr Suraj Kukadia has cautioned that numerous ailments appear to be "going around" currently. It happens as bugs thrive more easily in cold and dry conditions, whilst we also tend to gather indoors with others more frequently. "If so, here are my top tips on home remedies in three categories that will help you stay healthy. And we'll also talk about things that I really don't recommend,” he wrote on Instagram.

Practice good hygiene

It is important to maintain proper hygiene routines that can significantly lower your likelihood of falling ill. “Hygiene habits that actually matter. So avoid close contact with people showing symptoms like coughs, colds, or runny noses and try to keep the windows or doors open when lots of people are gathered together,” Dr Suraj advised. He also recommended washing hands regularly and using a tissue while coughing or sneezing. “If you don't have a tissue, cough or sneeze into your elbow, which can help prevent germs from spreading through your hands,” he added. He continued: "And here's a pro tip about washing your hands if they're getting dried out - carry a moisturiser with you, use a mild detergent, or wash your hands with an aqueous cream.”

Treat your symptoms wisely

If you do feel you are about to fall ill, Dr Suraj has a lot of things that may or may not work for you. To begin with, he advises hydrating well to soothe your throat, ease congestion, and prevent dehydration – all of which can worsen your situation. “You can try mixing hot water with apple juice for extra comfort. Remember, honey and lemon are great for a sore throat,” he said. Also, you can regularly rinse your nasal passageways and sinuses with saline, which helps clear mucus from your nose or passageways. “But do not use tap water straight from a tap,” said Dr Suraj. “Either boil and cool it, or use sterile saline or distilled water.” Also, gargling is among the most effective ways to prevent colds and flus, as warm salt water relieves a sore throat and flushes out bacteria. It is also good for tonsillitis and throat infections.

Medicines for body aches, fever

According to Dr Suraj, if you have body aches and fever, do not shy away from taking over-the-counter relief medicines for pain relief like paracetamol, ibuprofen, or benzydamine, which help reduce pain, especially if your throat is sore. A cool mist humidifier can help by adding moisture to the air, and this can ease congestion. “But make sure to change the water daily and clean the unit as directed to prevent mould growth,” he said.