Colds and flu - what can you do?

Colds

A cold is definitely the more bearable of the two, with symptoms including one, several or all of the list below:

• blocked nose
• runny nose and or eyes
• coughing
• sneezing
• headache
• earache
• mild fever

Flu (full name influenza)

There are similarities to a cold, however there are more severe symptoms as well:

• sweating (can feel clammy and cold but still sweat)
• painful or achy muscles
• exhaustion (tiredness)
• feeling faint
• dry, chesty cough
• sudden fever of around 38 to 40°C

What can you do help prevent a cold or flu?

Eat a healthy and well balanced diet to make sure you are receiving the right nutrients for good health.  In particular, certain foods are especially good at supporting our immune system, whose job it is to fight colds and flu:

• Zinc - dairy products, meat, cashew nuts and spinach.
• Vitamin C - oranges, red and green peppers, kiwi fruit, broccoli, kale, pineapple, mango (if you can’t eat these for health reasons, as a health professional for advice on a good quality vitamin C supplement).
• Vitamin E - nuts, sunflower seeds, avocados and fish.
• Water - making sure you keep hydrated is essential. Warm water with a slice of ginger root and a slice of lemon with a teaspoon of Manuka honey can be soothing and warming.

NHS Resource has information about the flu jab and cough and colds for further reference.