I come from a hot and dry place. For me, Ambala in Haryana is like Shimla, when it comes to chilling winter. It was mentally depressing when I first had an asthma attack. But I was fortunate to be treated by a Ayurveda-cum-Allopathic doctor. He advised me to reduce the risk of catching a cold or flu if you are prone to asthma. “Hit the snake before it raises its hood. Likewise, treat cold before it triggers asthma”, the doctor had told me.
Statistics: According to the latest WHO data published in 2020, Influenza (Flu) and Pneumonia Deaths in India reached 392,425 or 4.63% of total deaths.
How to survive the cold weather?
My doctor had prescribed these smart tips to survive the cold and flu season, which proved useful to me.
Have strong willpower
‘The best pill is your willpower.’ This is my favorite tip for cold. Research says, “Positive emotional style is resistant to illness after experimental exposure to rhinovirus or influenza virus.” Build your willpower through meditation to stay positive and prevent a cold regardless of other factors. You should also not ignore eating healthy food and getting quality sleep for the best immune protection.
Befriend black pepper
It is said to have solar energy stored in it and can cure diseases ranging from common colds to acute respiratory problems. Further, it mitigates the symptoms associated with the flu.
Concoction: Boil one spoon of wheat flakes, five flakes of pepper and salt with a cup of water. Consume the concoction for much-needed relief.
Keep yourself warm in an effective way
Spread a warm blanket on the bed before covering yourself with another arm blanket. This way, you are warmly sandwiched between the blankets.
If you have to use the washroom or get up from your warm bed, remember to cover the place you are sleeping so that the warmth is retained when you return.
I prefer wearing a sweater and scarf while I go to bed to protect against sudden changes in temperature.
Plug your ears with cotton balls or ear muffs while you go outside in the cool breeze.
Sanitize your home and place of work
A study confirms that elevator buttons are contaminated heavily at the rate of 40%. Escalator rails are highly contaminated. Another research concludes that home TV remotes tested positive for cold viruses.
You should wash your hands frequently and sanitize the used items to avoid the spread of the virus. In my childhood, I would stop breathing for a short span when someone nearby would cough or sneeze. The habit continues.
Beat the Flu bug. Get your vaccine shot! Check flu season in your region
An investigation report suggests, “There are differences in influenza seasonality by latitude in Northern India, and so get vaccinated accordingly. Influenza (flu) positivity peaked in Srinagar (34.09°N) in January–March but peaked in New Delhi (28.66°N) in July–September. Srinagar should consider influenza vaccination in October–November, but New Delhi should vaccinate in May–June.”
Testimonial
Saran shares, “Before I practiced the Sudarshan Kriya technique, I suffered from stress-related diseases, allergies, and asthma. I was sad and depressed. On the first day of the Sudarshan Kriya, I noticed a huge change in my health. Now I have recovered from all the problems I had. I am healthier and happy.”
Written by: Pratibha Sharma
We’d love to hear from you!
Please write to us @artofliving about your tricks to survive the cold and flu season.
Related link
Immunity-boosting yoga to fight cough and cold
FAQs on tips to survive the cold and flu season
The droplets from coughing, sneezing or talking spreads the flu virus into the air. These droplets either reach the ground on the articles or furniture around them or on the head, face or nose of people within six feet distance. Later, when you happen to touch the infected objects and touch your face with the same hand, you catch the flu.
Healthy people may experience little to no symptoms of the flu. They are affected depending on their body's reaction to the virus.
The best way is to inhale steam before sleep and after you wake up. It deactivates the virus in the nasal passage keeping your respiratory tract healthy.
Inhale a long breath with a wide open mouth and exhale a long breath through your nose. Drape the towel over the back of your head to support maximum inhalation. Ten minutes of steam inhalation is sufficient.
A steamed-up bathroom or boiled water in a vessel.
