There is a familiar background noise in offices from the wet and cold winter months onwards. Colleagues have been sniffling and coughing for several days in the hot, dry air of the cranked-up heaters.
The perfect tips and tricks for the cold season
Even before the slight scratchiness in your throat, the pressure on your ears and the runny nose undeniably indicate that it's your turn to catch an unloved cold, there are a number of tips and tricks that can help prevent infection. We have compiled our top five tips and tricks for you - because now it's our turn to support our immune system in the fight against the nasty cold viruses in the best possible way.
Wash your hands regularly
Our number one recommendation is to wash your hands regularly - because, in addition to the so-called droplet infection caused by tiny particles that fly through the air when a sick person coughs, sneezes or speaks, so-called smear infections are the most common transmission routes for cold viruses.
All a sick person has to do is cough or sneeze into their hand and then touch an object such as the hold button on a bus door, the buttons on a card reader or a door handle - and the nasty cold viruses are already on it. The next person who touches these objects now has the viruses on their hand and touches their face during the course of the day. From there, they find their way into our mucous membranes.
However, if you regularly clean your hands thoroughly with soap and warm water or sanitise them with disinfectant, especially after spending time in crowded places and before eating, you can get rid of most pathogens in good time and thus prevent infection.
Correct ventilation to prevent infection with viruses
In winter, correct and regular ventilation is important to ensure a healthy indoor climate. Especially when people who are already ill are being cured at home, shock ventilation dilutes the concentration of pathogens indoors and thus reduces infection.
Our rule of thumb: Open the window fully for at least 5 minutes every hour.
Exercise in the fresh air
If you already have a fever, you should go to bed - no question! However, everyone else should make sure they get enough exercise in the fresh air, especially in winter. Especially when the sun is shining outside, there is no reason not to go for a long walk, as sunshine boosts vitamin D production, which contributes to the normal functioning of the immune system.
Balanced diet
A balanced diet is not only important during the cold season, but vitamins and minerals are particularly important in winter to maintain a well-functioning immune system. Fresh vegetables, fruit and nuts as well as fish, meat and cereals provide the body with the necessary substances and help it to stay healthy.
The famous homemade chicken soup has proven to be particularly helpful - because the protein cysteine, which has a decongestant and anti-inflammatory effect, and the zinc it contains strengthen the immune system. In addition, the hot vapours that rise from a fresh soup moisten the airways and help the mucous membranes to do their job again. Of course, this type of soup is not suitable for vegetarians or vegans, but the plant world also offers anti-inflammatory spices such as turmeric, chilli and ginger that can help you get back on your feet.
Drink enough
In winter, when temperatures are low and the air is dry, fluid loss increases to a similar extent as in summer. This means that the colder and drier the air, the more fluid needs to be supplied. In addition, dry mucous membranes are more susceptible to germs, viruses and bacteria in this condition. Only with sufficient fluids from water, tea, broth or smoothies can the body be at its best in the fight against pathogens.