With winter comes the season of Cold and flu! We have all had our fair shares of cold or flu episodes several times in our lives. The unpleasant symptoms of runny or stuffy nose, chills, fevers, body aches and coughs are familiar to most of us. Whilst this discomfort only lasts 5-10 days in most healthy individuals, it can last much longer and can be very severe even life-threatening for others more vulnerable individualssuch as young children, elderly, pregnant women and people with long term lung and immune system problems.

So, what can we do about it? How can you protect yourself and loved ones from it?

The Centre of Disease Control and Prevention has listed following strategies to prevent oneself and others from cold and flu:

If, however, you have acquired flu and the symptoms are not improving after 1 week or if you or someone you know are one of the vulnerablegroups of people, then it is very important to seek medical help immediately. Early and appropriate treatment can speed up the recovery andcan prevent serious complications such as pneumonia.

I hope everyone finds these tips useful and has a healthy and an enjoyable winter!