winter bugs

• With the usual winter bugs, like colds and flu descending upon us it is important to remember a few simple things.

  • If you are unwell stay at home, especially if you are suffering with vomiting and diarrhoea or flu. Get plenty of rest, fluids and good food when your appetite recovers, hot warming soups are immensely comforting and nutritious too.
     

  • I know it goes without saying but please use a tissue to cough or sneeze into and dispose of immediately.  Always wash your hands afterwards and try to disinfect all infected areas. 
     

  • If you have a temperature, make sure you have plenty of air circulating in the room.  
    If your temperature continues to rise or you are at all concerned please seek the advice of your G.P. or NHS direct immediately.  Tel: 0845 46 47 
    
    Alternatively if you think you may be experiencing flu, stay at home and call:
    The pandemic flu line on  0800 1 513 100
    or go to www.direct.gov.uk/pandemicflu 
     

  • Replacing lost fluids is vital and flat lemonade is a simple and pleasant way of balancing your sugar and salt levels too if you have experienced a sickness bug.
     

  • A combination of ordinary honey and ground cinnamon on a spoon or in warmed lemon juice and water is excellent for soothing dry, prickly throats.  Manuka honey is soothing for sore throats too and is available at all large supermarkets in the vitamin aisle.
     

  • Echinacea, Vitamin C and Zinc offer good immune system support, as does a healthy diet, remember to try and get your five a day, smoothies are a quick and easy way of putting them all together at once and they taste great!
     

  • Tea Tree is an effective anti-viral, anti-bacterial essential oil and can be used safely by diffusing 3 - 4 drops added to water in burners, atomisers and baths.  If you don't like them in your bath add the drops to warm water in the sink and close the door whilst your bath fills, this will soon infuse the oil into the air.  You many also put 1 drop onto a tissue and inhale but take care not to get it on to your skin: if you do so, rinse immediately in cold water.
     

  • If you are feeling nauseous 1 drop of ginger, peppermint or spearmint essential oil placed on a tissue and inhaled, is a gentle way of calming your stomach and stimulating your appetite. Do not use during pregnancy.
     

  • Use complementary therapies to help your body keep in optimum health or recover from your illness.