EDITOR’S NOTE IT’S been over a year since the coronavirus interrupted our lives. Many people have learned to adjust and navigate through the new normal. While others are still recovering from the effects of the pandemic. With everything that has happened, we can’t help but also look at the silver lining when it comes to the pandemic. More people prioritised their health, and in the past year, flu was delayed and not widely spread, thanks in large to social distancing measures aimed at reducing the coronavirus’s spread. While we are grateful for that, we can not let our guard down. We need to protect ourselves from this year’s flu season. Reducing the spread of respiratory illnesses, like flu, this winter is more important than ever. This month’s health edition was put together to help you navigate the season and to help you fight any colds and flu during this time. We are also giving you tips on how to flu-proof your home by cleaning the most common things that may spread the virus. With many families learning more DIY remedies to fight colds and flu, in this edition we give you homemade remedies to keep you warm, must-haves in your pantry to fight flu, and what you need to know about flu season in coronavirus times. We also give you trendy and tasty soups that keep you hydrated and help you feel better, and there’s much more. Now, more than ever, we need to keep ourselves and our families safe from the coronavirus and this year’s flu strain. Keep safe and keep warm.
Viwe
How to dodge common
CONTENTS
WINTER BLUES
3 Avoiding germs this winter 4&5 Benefits of the flu jab 6&7 The power of vitamin C 8 Increase your fluid itake 9 What not to do when you’re sick 10&11 Covid-19 and the flu jab
HELP children to wash their hands. | KETUT SUBIYANTO Pexels
We can all catch a cold but some people are more susceptible than others. Here’s how you can protect yourself and your loved ones Vuyolwethu Fundam
12&13 Sensational soups 14 Healthy herbs 15 Treats for your winter skin 16 Essential vitamins and minerals 17 Treatments for sick children 18&19 DIY immune boosters
CONTACT US PUBLISHER Vasantha Angamuthu vasantha@africannewsagency.com HEALTH EDITOR Viwe Ndongeni-Ntlebi viwe.ndongeni@inl.co.za LIFESTYLE EXECUTIVE EDITOR Nelandri Narianan nelandri.narianan@inl.co.za DESIGN Juanita Minshull juanita.minshull@inl.co.za PRODUCTION Renata Ford renata.ford@inl.co.za BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT Keshni Odayan keshni.odayan@inl.co.za SALES Charl Reineke charl.reineke@inl.co.za ENQUIRIES info@anapublishing.com
WINTER is around the corner and that means, whether you’re an adult or child, you’re susceptible to catching a common cold. The common cold is an infection of your nose and throat, that can be caused by a variety of respiratory viruses. Rhinoviruses, the usual viral infectious agent in humans, are the most common causes, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Other viruses that can cause colds include a respiratory syncytial virus, human parainfluenza viruses, adenovirus, common human coronaviruses, and human metapneumovirus. You may catch a cold through close physical contact with someone who is infected, or by touching a surface that has been contaminated with their germs. According to the Mayo Clinic Book of Home Remedies, other risk factors that can increase your chances of getting a cold include: Age Children younger than six are at the greatest risk of colds, especially if they spend time in childcare settings. Weakened immune system Having a chronic illness or an otherwise weakened immune system increases your risk.
Season Both children and adults are more susceptible to colds in autumn and winter, but you can get a cold at any time. Smoking You’re more likely to catch a cold, and to have more severe colds, if you’re exposed to cigarette smoke. Exposure If you’re around many people, such as at school or on an airplane, your likely to be exposed to viruses that cause colds. The symptoms of a common cold generally appear one to three days after being exposed to the virus that causes it. A runny nose, scratchy throat, cough, congestion, slight body aches or headaches, and sneezing, are all symptoms that you might have caught it. How to protect yourself from catching a cold as per CDC: ◆ Wash your hands often, with soap and water. ◆ Wash them for 20 seconds, and help young children do the same. ◆ Avoid touching your eyes,
nose, and mouth with unwashed hands. Viruses that cause colds can enter your body this way and make you sick. ◆ Stay away from people who are sick. Sick people can spread viruses that cause the common cold through close contact with others. ◆ Disinfect frequently touched surfaces and objects, such as toys, doorknobs, and mobile devices. How to protect others if you are infected: ◆ Stay at home while you are sick and keep children out of school or daycare while they are sick. ◆ Avoid close contact with others, such as hugging, kissing, or shaking hands. ◆ Cough and sneeze into a tissue then throw it away, or cough and sneeze into your upper shirt sleeve, completely covering your mouth and nose. ◆ Wash your hands after coughing, sneezing, or blowing your nose. The CDC recommends staying home for 24 hours after experiencing symptoms of a cold.
