Simple at-home remedies to treat winter illnesses
This winter, it’s all about the simple things we can do to help prevent the spread of winter illness, so we can all continue to enjoy spending time with our loved ones.
However, if you become unwell, we have put together some at-home remedies to help you feel better and quickly return to your daily routine.
Stay hydrated
Fluids will thin the mucus buildup, making it easier to blow your nose. Plus they help to soothe your throat after all that coughing!
Gargle salt water
This can help ease a sore throat and nasal congestion if you’re suffering from an upper respiratory infection, as the mixture is designed to reduce and loosen mucus.
Simply dissolve 1 teaspoon of salt in a full glass of water, gargle it and spit it out.
Drink herbal tea
Homemade tea such as ginger root and hot water, hot water with honey and lemon or hot water and fresh turmeric is perfect for when you’re feeling under the weather.
These will help ease a sore throat and blocked nose, while the honey will soothe any throat pain and turmeric acts as a natural anti-inflammatory.
Adapt your diet
Depending on how you feel, you should temporarily change your diet. If you’re feeling particularly nauseous, it’s best to stick to a bland diet of chicken, rice, potatoes and bread.
If you’re bunged up, something with a bit of heat and spice will help clear your airways.
Take a relaxing bath or hot shower
A warm bath or hot shower will help reduce a fever and ease any aches and pains. Plus the steam will lift and drain away any mucus build-up.
If you don’t have access to a bath, you can also drop some hot water into a large bowl with a couple of drops of peppermint oil or a spoonful of vapour rub and drape a towel over your head.
Get lots of sleep and rest
If you do feel well enough to work, still try to take it easy during your downtime and work from home if possible to help prevent the spread of any germs.
When you’re sick, it’s the perfect excuse to curl up in bed and do nothing for a few days, we promise it will help you feel better sooner!
Don’t forget, if you become unwell, these four simple things will help prevent the spread of winter illness.
Wash your hands regularly
Sanitise surfaces
Cover your mouth when you cough or sneeze
Keep your distance from others
If your symptoms start to get worse but you think you’re still contagious, you can have a family member collect a prescription from your local pharmacy or they can deliver it to you.
Book a visit with your local GP or ring 111 if you think you may need urgent medical attention.
To find out more about at-home remedies to treat the common cold, please visit: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/common-cold/.
Wash hands
Sanitise surfaces
Cover face
Keep your distance
Hear what Medical Director Dr. Paul Fitzsimmons from Warrington and Halton NHS Foundation Trust has to say about staying well this winter
Discover how and when to do those simple things that help prevent the spread of bugs and diseases.
Brought to you by your local council and supported by the NHS in Cheshire and Merseyside.
