A local GP has offered advice on how to avoid falling ill during the winter season.
Dr Shireen, an NHS doctor, shared her tips on TikTok, explaining that while there’s no guaranteed way to prevent colds and flu, certain precautions can help.
She emphasised the importance of being mindful of social gatherings and maintaining good hygiene to boost your immune system and navigate the colder months more healthily.
The doctor advised that these measures could “minimise” the risk of illness, acknowledging that unless one lives in a “sterile bubble,” there’s always a chance of catching a cold or flu.
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Reflecting on the social distancing rules enforced by the government in 2020, she urged viewers to remember those times.
Dr Shireen advised: “If you’re feeling sick, social distance, don’t attend events. If you’re going somewhere, check if anyone attending has coughs or colds. This might make you sound a bit health-anxious, but we need to look after ourselves. If you really don’t want to get sick and are attending a social event, please check and ensure no one is ill.”
Dr Shireen emphasises the importance of hygiene, particularly hand washing. “Hand washing is so important. As soon as you come in from being outdoors, wash your hands before you eat, wash your hands after the toilet.”
She added, “If you’re shaking someone’s hand, wash your hands. Like, wash or sanitise your hands as much as you can, but don’t forget hand health. The skin on your hands can get wrecked, especially if you’re using alcohol gel.”
The NHS also advises frequent hand washing and limiting social contact.
Their website states: “You’re infectious until all your symptoms have gone. This usually takes 1 to 2 weeks. It can be longer in babies and young children. Colds are spread by germs from coughs and sneezes, which can live on hands and surfaces for 24 hours.”
To minimise the risk of spreading a cold, they recommend washing your hands often with warm water and soap, using tissues to trap germs when you cough or sneeze, and disposing of used tissues as quickly as possible.
To reduce the risk of spreading a cold, you can:
- Wash your hands often with warm water and soap
- Use tissues to trap germs when you cough or sneeze
- Discard used tissues as quickly as possible