The quickest way to get rid of a cold
A SYDNEY doctor has given his top tips to beat a cold and listed five places to avoid catching common viruses. Dr Nick Fuller also revealed the supplements that will help and other over-the-counter pills that do nothing at all.
Lifestyle
Don't miss out on the headlines from Lifestyle. Followed categories will be added to My News.
A SYDNEY doctor has given his top tips to beat a cold and listed five places to avoid catching common viruses as winter approaches.
It might seem like common sense, but Dr Nick Fuller says the best way to avoid sickness is to “stay away from anyone you suspect is sick.”
“Wash hands with soap and water or use an alcohol-based hand run after coming into contact with frequently touched surfaces,” he added.
MORE RELATED: Cold or flu: Your questions answered
“Get the yearly flu vaccine especially if you work in environments where you regularly come into contact with people and avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth to avoid the spread of germs.”
Dr Fuller said taking a few sick days to rest was the quickest way to recover from the flu or common cold.
MORE:
Musician turned designer Harvey Miller at Fashion Week
Jodhi Meares’ ex husband Nicholas Tsindos gets cosy with blogger
Jessica Gomes reveals she has split with actor boyfriend
“Despite the clever marketing by various companies there is little evidence to suggest that taking any vitamins will help prevent or treat a common cold,” he said.
“However, some research has shown that vitamin C supplements may reduce duration of your cold or severity of symptoms but only if you are taking the supplement every day of the year — and more relevant in athletes that undergo extreme physical stress.
“For the slightly reduced recovery time from a cold that has been reported — one day — it’s not worth the extra cost that will hit your wallet.”
Dr Fuller said the worst thing people could do was to power through and go to work.
“Don’t go to the office if you suspect you are sick,” he said.
MORE:
Dr Nick Fuller: Why diets do nothing to curb obesity problem
Dr Nick Fuller: Diets are making you fat
Dr Nick Fuller: Ditching five foods key to weight loss
“You are only putting others at risk of catching the virus and you are also at risk of compromising your own health by delaying your recovery time and increasing your risk of serious health problems associated with the flu.”
Knowing the difference between a cold and flu is also important says Dr Fuller, who outlined the difference between the two.
“You may have a cough or blocked or runny nose with both the cold and flu but you will experience more intense symptoms with the flu such as a fever, body aches and fatigue,” he said.
Dr Fuller’s top 5 places to avoid catching the flu:
1. Busy environments like public transport
2. Small confined areas or high foot traffic areas
3. Food courts
4. Shops
5. Planes
‘What year?’: Why Aussie homes are so cold
You’d think a Swiss bloke moving to Australia would find winter pretty mild, but he has been left stunned and asking a question that’s gone viral.
Melb restaurant owner explodes at customers
After a group of diners complained about their meal, a well-known chef allegedly threw their pasta at the wall and booted them out of the restaurant.