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carol
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21-01-2019, 08:51 AM
1

Preventing winter virus's

Every year at the start of winter I seem to get a virus that leaves me feeling low & depressed and with a chesty cough that lasts for weeks.

I decided to try & prevent it this year so last November I started taking echinacea & vitamin C every day.

I was disappointed when the virus struck last week in spite of all my efforts - I was really ill with it too but at least I seem to be almost over it now and no lingering after effects.

I'm wondering if this mean my echinacea & vitamin c have helped or is it just a coincidence that I've got over it quicker?

I was wondering if any of out members do anything to prevent winter bugs?
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21-01-2019, 10:14 AM
2

Re: Preventing winter virus's

Hand washing a lot and I have taught myself to not touch my face Carol, I found I was touching door handles etc and then later my face. Transferring the bugs effectively into my system. By not doing that I believe I have improved my health greatly during the winter.

I do take vitamin c and a multi vitamin because I have limited diet rather than to keep bugs at bay but they may help I don't know.

Hope you feel better soon, spring won't be far away sun always seems more healthy somehow.
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21-01-2019, 10:23 AM
3

Re: Preventing winter virus's

Originally Posted by carol ->
Every year at the start of winter I seem to get a virus that leaves me feeling low & depressed and with a chesty cough that lasts for weeks.

I decided to try & prevent it this year so last November I started taking echinacea & vitamin C every day.

I was disappointed when the virus struck last week in spite of all my efforts - I was really ill with it too but at least I seem to be almost over it now and no lingering after effects.

I'm wondering if this mean my echinacea & vitamin c have helped or is it just a coincidence that I've got over it quicker?

I was wondering if any of out members do anything to prevent winter bugs?

Sterilize your system - this is why I add a tot of Brandy to my coffee some (not every) days.
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21-01-2019, 10:28 AM
4

Re: Preventing winter virus's

Hi Carol

Firstly, to my mind, there is no such thing as a "winter" virus. Viruses aren't aware of the seasons and don't all run off to far countries during the summer and then come back at winter.

The prevalence of cold and flu viruses every year at this time of year is therefore down to something else, and you should think long and hard about what it is imho.

Echinacea and Vit C should help but as with all things there are dirrerent types and qualities. Personally I would not rely on Vit C tablets or capsules. I would get your Vit C directly from citrus fruits and good vegetables and have plenty of them. I believe you would find those massively more effective than capsules.

Similarly with garlic. Never take garlic capsules thinking you'll get the benefit of garlic without the unpleasant stinky breath. Those capsules are junk. Have lots of real garlic and have it often. Also ginger and chilli.

Secondly, every time you suffer these viruses your body builds up its own antibodies and that increases your immunity for a another few years.

A bigger factor is possibly the amount of Vit D you managed to absorb/generate from being exposed to sunshine in the weeks/months before you caught the virus. Have you been out in teh sun much? Have you been abroad etc?

And of course the $64,000 question . . . . . Did you have the flu vaccine this year?
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21-01-2019, 10:29 AM
5

Re: Preventing winter virus's

I have never ever had 'flu, and haven't had a cold/virus for about 30 years.
I put it down to eating a wholesome diet including lots of fresh fruit, homemade soup, garlic and onions.

Also - lots of fresh air!
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21-01-2019, 11:00 AM
6

Re: Preventing winter virus's

Some good advice here Carol, and mine would be; Avoid other people, especially large groups (public transport, hospitals, waiting rooms)...Most colds and virus's are transmitted from person to person and the warmer the environment the longer the bugs will stay airborne. Your resistance will be low after the stress of the festive season, and less able to fight off infection.
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21-01-2019, 12:30 PM
7

Re: Preventing winter virus's

Yes they will help a lot carol but the other suggestions are great also especially avoiding other people. I can’t remember the last time I had a cold or the flu. I take vitamins but I think it’s because I avoid most people.
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21-01-2019, 01:10 PM
8

Re: Preventing winter virus's

I reckon one of the worst culprits for spreading Winter viruses are hairdressers. The number of times Mrs LD has come back from the hairdressers saying 'That (insert name) has got a terrible cold.' Then two days later, she has it, then I get it. They should wear a mask when dealing with the public.
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carol
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21-01-2019, 01:28 PM
9

Re: Preventing winter virus's

Thanks for the comments & advice.

I have had the flu jab as I do every year but I still manage to catch a nasty virus.
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21-01-2019, 02:36 PM
10

Re: Preventing winter virus's

I always have the jab but I always wonder what I am catching in the surgery at the same time.

Another thing I always stopped the kids playing with the toys in the waiting room, we would have a book or toy we took with us because all those sick sicks licking and playing with the toys seemed unhealthiest idea I ever saw
 
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