

Power Of The Scarf

Wrap up when you go out, remembering to keep hands, head and

nose warm - and get as much sunlight as you can.

Did you know more than 200 different viruses produce common

cold symptoms. Once a virus enters the nose in mucus that has come from an

infected person - often through a sneeze or from hand contact - it multiplies,

killing local cells. A watery fluid is produced to wash these out of the nose

and throat. As the body's white cells fight infection, they release chemicals

called cytokines that cause fever, tiredness and loss of appetite.

Most colds last 4-14 days.

Adults suffer an average of two to five a year and children

seven to 10 a year. But because we produce antibodies each time we have a cold,

we get fewer as we grow older. And you are more likely to pick up a cold if you

are stressed.

What's an active girl on the go to do?

Eat well and sleep well to boost your immune system.

Wash hands regularly to prevent the spread of infection.

Cooling of the nose may reduce our resistance to infection. Therefore, wearing a scarf across the

nose and mouth in cold weather may offer some protection.

Rest up and drink plenty - hot water with lemon juice and

honey is a good soother.

According to the Common Cold Centre, paracetamol, ibuprofen

and aspirin are equally effective in controlling painful cold symptoms. For

blocked noses, the centre suggests that a nasal spray containing xylometazoline or oxymetazoline is likely to be more effective than an oral decongestant,

especially at night.

Some swear that taking one to two grams of vitamin C daily

at the start of a cold can shorten its duration. Research suggests that zinc

lozenges may have the same effect. There is some evidence that echinacea

stimulates the activity of white blood cells, thus boosting the immune system.

For blocked noses, inhale tea tree or eucalyptus oil.

What do I think works? Wash your hands.

Any color will do!

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