"As the weather cools, along come colds, the flu and a plethora of other bugs, often transmitted through public transport or small children. Such seasonal delights are already troubling Britain. And then there are the mental health challenges associated with this time of year. How can you avoid spending the next few months feeling unwell? Here, GPs give their advice on the best ways to stay healthy in the winter."
"Winter is a tricky time, says Dr Babak Ashrafi, a GP who works for Superdrug and is based in London. Short days, chilly air and a lot of time spent indoors with other people and their germs. My advice is to think of health as a three-legged stool: sleep, nutrition and movement. If one leg gets wobbly, the whole thing will tip over."
"The advice is to take up vaccinations if they are offered to you. On the NHS, the flu jab is free for over-65s, people with long-term health conditions (such as asthma or diabetes), pregnant women, and children in certain age groups, says Ashrafi. The Covid booster eligibility changes each year depending on government guidance, but the principle is the same: protecting the most vulnerable. He adds: If you're not eligible, I'd say it is well worth paying for a private flu jab."
Short days, chilly air and time spent indoors increase exposure to respiratory germs carried on public transport and by children. Maintaining adequate sleep, balanced nutrition and regular movement supports immune function and overall resilience. Routine hygiene measures such as frequent handwashing and wearing masks reduce transmission during peak germ season. Vaccination reduces risk of severe illness; influenza jabs are free on the NHS for older adults, people with long-term conditions, pregnant women and some children, while covid booster eligibility varies yearly. Paying for a private flu jab is an option for those not entitled. Limiting alcohol and managing mental health also support winter wellbeing.
Read at www.theguardian.com
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