There is a long list of drugstores in the Philippines that people can choose from, which is a good thing because this makes medicine more accessible in every location. It’s also important to stock up on medicine as there is also a high number of sicknesses people can contract during the Christmas season.
They vary from mild (like colds and flu) to serious (like hepatitis and dengue). Despite being considered a mild sickness, having colds is especially hard because there is no real cure for it; the best thing you can do is to prevent it. You can do that by following these simple tips:
Have a Healthy Lifestyle
Ardis Dee Hoven, MD, a specialist for infectious disease and internal medicine, says that it is important for people to have a healthy lifestyle in order to lessen the likelihood of having the cold, as well as a plethora of other sicknesses. He says not to underestimate the effects of having a proper diet, physical exercise, and adequate sleep on your body – particularly your immune system. After all, it is responsible for fighting off viruses and all sorts of infection that can infiltrate your body.
Clean Your Home Regularly
Having a clean household is important during the holidays not just because you want to impress your guests, but also to ensure the health and well-being of your family.
If you already have an infected person in your household, then be sure to wipe surfaces like light switches, sinks, countertops, remote controls, telephones, keyboards, drawer pulls, and door knobs so the virus doesn't spread. You can use disinfecting wipes or a rug with soap and water to clean off these surfaces.
Use Disposable Items
Disposable items could be really handy when you are hosting a Christmas party as well as preventing the virus from spreading in your family. Do not risk their (and your) health by sharing cups or glasses, especially if you have small children in the same house. Use disposable items like plastic cups and utensils in order to discourage sharing them and passing the virus to someone else in your household.
Quit Smoking
Exposure to cigarette’s smoke can make you and your family – especially your children – more susceptible to colds. According to a study published in the “Archives of Internal Medicine,” it can also make structural changes to your respiratory tract and immune system, which increases your chance to get infections. It has also been proven that it can destroy the little hair-like fibres in your nose known as cilia that helps prevent infectious diseases.
Wash Your Hands
Washing your hands is the simplest thing you can do in order to avoid colds this Christmas. Encourage everyone in your family to adopt this practice before they have their meals, after they use the toilet, and after touching someone who is sick. You may also want to carry sanitizing hand wipes and hand sanitizers so you can always clean your hands on the go or whenever you are doing some Christmas shopping.
It may be getting colder, but it’s not impossible to become cold-free this Christmas. Follow these tips and you will find yourself happy and healthy during the holidays!