Colds and Flu
The following website contains useful information about the common cold and flu: http://www.fightflu.co.nz/
Our advice is as follows:
- Wash your hands often. Hand washing is an important line of defence against germs like flu and cold viruses.
- Keep your distance if someone is sick (coughing, sneezing, etc.). Flu viruses travel through the air, so try to stay away from people who have the above symptoms.
- It’s also a good idea to avoid touching your nose, eyes, and mouth — three places flu viruses can easily enter the body.
- Cough or sneeze into a tissue or your elbow — not into your hands. That way, you’re not spreading the virus when you touch surfaces that other people may touch too.
- Stay home if you have the flu or cold symptoms. You don’t want to pass your germs to someone else.
- You can also fight the flu on a daily basis by keeping your immune system strong. Some great immune boosters are getting enough sleep, eating healthy foods (including five or more servings of fruits and veggies a day!), drinking plenty of fluids, and getting regular exercise. You could also increase your intake of Vitamin C and Zinc to boost your immune system over the winter months.
If you get a cold:
- Have Eucalyptus steam inhalations.
- Drink at least 8 glasses water/day.
- Drink hot herbal teas/chicken soup
- Use turmeric in cooking (fights infection), Turmeric lattes
- Drink hot real squeezed lemon, with honey and real grated ginger.
- Get a good night’s sleep!
Keep well!
Ashia & Sally – The Nurses