During the autumn/ winter season many people catch a cold or flu. No body wants to become sick – it can slow you down, make you miserable and stop you from doing things. To avoid becoming ill keep yourself healthy and make sure that you avoid catching and spreading germs and diseases. Here are our tips on how to do this.

Wash your hands

It’s a well-established fact that coughs and sneezes spread diseases.

Cold and flu viruses are passed through tiny droplets of mucus that are sneezed or coughed out into the air by an infected person, and breathed in by another person.

If an infected person sneezes into their hand and touches an object (such as a door) the virus can pass from the object to the next person who touches it.

The best way to prevent catching a cold or flu is to wash your thoroughly when you go to the bathroom or before you eat. If you wash your hands thoroughly, you will ensure that any viruses you may have picked up are washed away. This will help prevent spreading the germs to others and yourself.

Keep Warm!

A new study by Yale University researchers indicates that being cold really might mean that you are more likely to catch a cold.  According to the study virus responsible for the common cold can reproduce itself more successfully at temperatures that are lower than average body temperature. This means that if your body is cold, the cold virus is more likely rapidly reproduce and infiltrate your immune system.

To keep your immune system healthy, the best thing to do when the temperature drops is to keep warm. You can do this by layering us clothes (wearing lots of thin layers traps a layer of air which becomes warmed by your body and act as insulation) or by wearing thick or specially designed warm clothing such as a fleece.

Avoid huddling

Students are prone to getting colds as they in close contact to other students and live in closer proximity and there are greater numbers than if you were at home. This makes it easier for germs and viruses to pass from one individual to the next. Try to avoid grouping together with people, especially when they are poorly.

Avoiding touching your eyes, nose and mouth

According to the NHS, you can help to prevent catching a cold or flu by not touching your eyes, nose and mouth and cold and flu viruses usually enter the body through one of these body parts.

If you have any infected droplets on your hands, and you touch your eyes, nose or mouth, you can pass the virus into your system. If you avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth, you’ll reduce your chances of catching a virus. You should also encourage others not to touch their eyes, nose, or mouth with their hands to help prevent cold and flu viruses from spreading.

Drink plenty of water

It is recommended that we drink at least 8 glasses of water a day to stay hydrated. Being hydrated boosts your immune system in so many ways! Read this article to find out more and reach for that bottle of water now!