Dr Hilary says we must 'build up immunity to colds'
We use your sign-up to provide content in ways you’ve consented to and to improve our understanding of you. This may include adverts from us and 3rd parties based on our understanding. You can unsubscribe at any time. More info
Cold season has started in the UK off the back of an increasingly chilly autumn and society free of Covid measures. Most people will contract mild viruses during colder seasons, but autumn 2021 has provided an unusual challenge. People have increasingly complained of a new virus they have described as the “worst cold ever”.
How do you avoid the super cold?
The “super cold” has joined the growing ranks of respiratory infections people could contract this year alongside Covid.
The super virus has presented with souped-up versions of common cold symptoms, but it isn’t new.
Health experts have explained why these symptoms feel so severe and how to avoid them.
People with the “super cold” may report one or more of the following symptoms:
- Headaches
- A blocked or runny nose
- Muscle aches
- Coughs
- Sneezing
- Loss of taste and smell
- Facial and ear pressure
- Raised temperature (28C+)
- A sore throat
Speaking on ITV’s This Morning, Dr Philippa Kaye said people should use the same tactics to avoid the super cold that they would with Covid.
These include:
- Washing hands thoroughly and regularly
- Keeping the home well ventilated
- Getting enough sleep and resting well
- Keeping a healthy diet, with fewer processed foods and more vitamins
- Keeping hydrated (at least two litres of water per day)
- Going outside regularly and getting adequate exercise
DON’T MISS
WHO makes major vaccine U-turn as experts recommend third Covid jab – INSIGHT
NIPAH WARNING: Delta-variant of virus could kill 50% – ANALYSIS
Should Chris Whitty and Patrick Vallance resign over damning report? – POLL
These recommendations all help build up the immune system during cold season.
But while the immune system is vital for shortening the infection, it is responsible for symptoms.
Every symptom people experience, whether a mild cough or sky-high temperature, comes from an immune reaction.
They show concerted efforts to make the body uninhabitable for invading viruses and eventually destroy them.
And doctors have explained people aren’t accustomed to these reactions, so they feel much worse than usual.
The “super cold” is nothing more than a garden variety virus, but Covid measures have them away from people for the last year.
As such, many have lived for the last year without experiencing any adverse symptoms.
Dr Kaye explained those with the cold “don’t quite remember how miserable” viruses make them feel.
Source: Read Full Article