As temperatures decrease and the season of respiratory infections approach, the risk of flu, cold, and COVID-19 increases. A British doctor, Dr. Sophie Newton has shared three practical advice that can help protect respiratory routes and alleviate symptoms.
First, it recommends breathing through the nose, for the latter acts as a natural filter, grasping foreign particles and heating and moistening the air before reaching the lungs.
Second advice is to wear a nose and mouth covered with scarfs in cold days. Cold, dry air can affect the functioning of air – saving respiratory mechanisms, so heating and humidity in our breath can help.
Third, a doctor suggests washing his nose with physical solution in the first symptoms. This approach may help to remove secretions and alleviate nose blockage, although evidence for speeding up recovery from viral infections remains limited.
Meanwhile, experts stress that infections spread more easily during the winter due to longer stays in closed environments, close contact among people, and cold and dry air conditions.
However, these three suggestions do not guarantee the prevention of infections and do not replace more experienced measures, such as vaccination, hand hygiene, and environmental ventilation. Those with severe symptoms, breathing difficulties, or chest pains should seek medical help.
Source Layer: Insander