Take precautions to stay healthy during the cold months

“The weather changes are leading to symptoms like cold, runny nose, sinusitis, sore throat and headaches. And with the pandemic not showing signs of subsiding, prevention and better immunity are crucial now,” says Dr Ambanna Gowda, internal medicine consultant. Health coach and nutritionist Kavita Devgan agrees, adding that pollution, too, is aggravating respiratory distress, and it is important to focus on one’s immunity now. “Health issues that are triggered during this season are allergies that cause a runny nose, sneezing and wheezing, as well as difficulty in breathing,” warns Dr P Jagadeesh Kumar, consultant pulmonologist.

With the pandemic looming large, experts advise people to stay alert, as the early symptoms for both COVID-19 and a regular cold are the same. “Since it is tough to differentiate clinically between the Coronavirus and normal fever, it is advisable to get tested if the fever persists along with symptoms like runny nose, sore throat or headaches for more than three days,” advises Dr Ambanna.

Let food be your medicine

The key to staying healthy and boosting one’s immunity lies in eating right, says Preety Tyagi, nutrition and wellness. “The top three nutrients to ensure a strong immune system are Vitamin C, zinc and iron. The benefits of Vitamin C to boost immunity are well documented and it is advisable to take it. Try to get your Vitamin C in its natural form, unless you know you aren’t getting enough from dietary sources. Citrus fruits such as oranges, grapefruit and kiwis, as well as guava, bell peppers and broccoli are all good sources. Zinc deficiency is associated with increased susceptibility to pneumonia and other infections in children and the elderly. To get enough zinc, it’s recommended to eat eggs, poultry, fortified breakfast cereals, beans, chickpeas and nuts (cashews and almonds). Or just take a good zinc supplement. Vitamin D is also a must, so either step out in the sun to get your Vitamin D or have a supplement,” she says.

Expert says…

Precautions need to be taken (including wearing masks and maintaining social distancing) routinely, while patients using inhalers regularly should avoid crowded places, identify the trigger and keep their surroundings clean. Drop in the temperature can also aggravate cough and wheezing, and it can especially trigger early in the morning. So, patients with COPD or asthma should avoid exercising early in the morning.

Source: https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/life-style/health-fitness/health-news/take-precautions-to-stay-healthy-during-the-cold-months/articleshow/78807186.cms