How To Avoid Getting Ill This Christmas – And What To Do If You Do

Why Are Colds And Flus More Prevalent During The Festive Season?

“Colder weather means people tend to spend more time indoors in close proximity to others, which makes it easier for viruses to spread. Dry winter air, both outdoors and from indoor heating, can dry out the mucous membranes in your nose and throat, making it harder for your body to trap and fight off viruses. The festive season also comes with more stress, whether it’s an added workload or more social events, the list goes on. When you're stressed, your body produces a hormone called cortisol. In short bursts, cortisol can be beneficial for immunity but, if stress continues for long periods, this hormone causes inflammation in the body. As a result, your immune system becomes less effective, making you more prone to infections.” – Dr Vikram Murthy, GP and co-founder of Murthy Clinic

Why Do I Always Seem To Get Struck Down Just As I Switch Off?

“It’s not uncommon to feel like you’re struck down with a cold just as you switch off and relax, and there’s a physiological explanation for it. During busy or stressful periods, your body often operates in a ‘fight-or-flight’ mode, driven by stress hormones like cortisol. These hormones can temporarily suppress your immune system, masking the symptoms of an impending illness. Once you finally relax, the stress hormone levels drop and your immune system shifts its focus to addressing the underlying infection, causing symptoms to appear. In a way, your body was holding off the cold until you slowed down. This is why maintaining a strong immune system during busy times is essential – adequate sleep, a healthy diet, regular exercise and stress management can help keep illnesses at bay, even when life is hectic.”

What’s The Best Preventative Strategy To Try To Avoid Getting Ill?

“Maintain good hand hygiene and cover your mouth if you cough or sneeze. Keeping your nutrition in check, as well as integrating a good vitamin C supplement can help too, of course. While this last one may be trickier with the social season, do what you can to avoid contact with those who are unwell.” 

What’s The First Thing To Do If You Feel A Cold Coming On?

“Take rest as soon as possible and drink plenty of fluids. Make sure to pull back on overexerting the body and mind. Over the counter medications like paracetamol and ibuprofen should also help with fever and any pains.” 

Is It Possible To Stop A Cold Taking Hold?

“While it’s not possible to completely stop a cold once it’s started, there are ways to potentially reduce its severity and duration. Rest and hydration are key – your body heals best when it’s well-rested and properly supported. Taking zinc early in the course of a cold may help shorten its duration, and consistent intake of vitamin C through diet or supplements could also provide mild benefits. Over-the-counter remedies like decongestants and paracetamol won’t cure the cold but can ease symptoms, making it more manageable. Keeping the air moist with a humidifier or steam inhalation can also relieve congestion and throat discomfort. It’s important to practise good hygiene, such as regular handwashing and avoiding face-touching, to prevent spreading the virus or worsening symptoms. While colds are self-limiting and typically resolve within 7 – 10 days, these strategies can help you feel more comfortable. If symptoms persist or worsen, consult your GP for further advice.”

What Can We Eat, Drink Or Do To Shorten Severity And Duration Of A Cold? 

“You can boost your immune system by having immunisations, which introduce a small amount of the virus into the body to produce antibodies, helping to reduce and prevent a full infection. Nutrients like vitamins A, B, C, D, folate, iron, selenium and zinc also play a role in supporting immunity. Eating fruits and vegetables, especially greens and root vegetables high in beta-carotene, will also help. Nuts, seeds and pulses are great too. Probiotics can improve gut bacteria, which helps with immunity.”

What’s The Biggest Myth About Dealing With A Cold?

“One of the biggest myths is that antibiotics can cure a cold. Colds are caused by viruses, not bacteria, so antibiotics have no effect on them. Taking antibiotics unnecessarily can lead to side effects, disrupt your body’s natural balance of bacteria and even contribute to antibiotic resistance, which makes bacterial infections harder to treat in the long run. Another common myth is that you can ‘sweat out’ a cold. While staying warm and resting can make you more comfortable, raising your body temperature through extra layers or exercise won’t eliminate the virus. Similarly, large doses of vitamin C won’t prevent a cold, though regular intake as part of a balanced diet may help your immune system work effectively. The best way to manage a cold is through rest, hydration and symptom relief, allowing your body’s immune system to fight off the virus naturally. Another myth is that you don’t need to get the flu vaccine every year— this is incorrect as the flu virus is constantly mutating. Each year, the vaccine is updated to cover the most likely strains of the virus. Therefore, getting the flu vaccine annually helps boost your body’s immune response.”

Can A Common Cold Develop Into Something More Serious?

“Yes, in some cases, a common cold can lead to more serious complications, especially in individuals with weakened immune systems, young children, the elderly or those with underlying health conditions. While most colds resolve within a week or so without major issues, sometimes the virus can pave the way for secondary infections. For instance, the congestion and mucus build-up associated with a cold can lead to bacterial infections, such as sinusitis, ear infections or even bronchitis. In rare cases, a cold may contribute to more severe respiratory infections like pneumonia, especially if your immune system is already compromised.”

If Symptoms Persist For Longer Than Feels Normal, When Should One Consult A Doctor?

“Being mindful of symptoms can help you catch these complications early. If a simple cold seems to be getting worse – i.e. if you experience high fever, persistent cough, chest pain, difficulty breathing or if symptoms last more than 10 days, it’s wise to consult your GP.”

What’s The Difference Between A Cold And Flu, Or Something More Serious?

“Colds and flu are both respiratory illnesses caused by viruses, but they differ in terms of symptoms and severity. A common cold is usually milder, with symptoms like a runny or stuffy nose, sore throat, mild cough and sometimes a low-grade fever. Colds tend to come on gradually and typically resolve on their own within a week or so. Flu, on the other hand, is caused by the influenza virus and is generally more intense. Flu symptoms tend to start abruptly and can include a high fever, body aches, fatigue, headache and a more severe cough. Unlike a cold, flu can lead to serious complications, such as pneumonia or worsening of chronic conditions like asthma or heart disease, especially in vulnerable individuals like the elderly, young children or those with weakened immune systems. When it comes to something more serious, watch for red flags like difficulty breathing, chest pain, confusion, persistent high fever or symptoms that worsen after initially improving. These could indicate pneumonia or another serious respiratory condition that requires medical attention. If you’re ever unsure, it’s best to consult your GP for an accurate diagnosis and proper care.

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DISCLAIMER: Features published by SheerLuxe are not intended to treat, diagnose, cure or prevent any disease. Always seek the advice of your GP or another qualified healthcare provider for any questions you have regarding a medical condition, and before undertaking any diet, exercise or other health-related programme.