Here's how you can fend off the flu and the common cold this winter with just a few small lifestyle changes. Get the latest top news stories sent straight to your inbox with our daily newsletter We have more newsletters Get the latest top news stories sent straight to your inbox with our daily newsletter We have more newsletters With colder weather comes the relentless annual nuisance - battling the onslaught of winter illnesses. With vaccine intake decreasing , health professionals are concerned about the spread of flu, Covid-19 and RSV this winter.
The shorter days seem to bring endless colds and fevers , but there are easy ways to boost your immune system and increase your chances of staying healthy this season. Experts recommend a variety of methods that involve just small changes to your lifestyle. As tempting as it is to hunker down this winter and watch cozy movies until the wee hours, sleep is one of our best defenses against illness.
Prolonged lack of sleep can weaken the immune system and make it easier to catch seasonal bugs, according to the NHS. Experts recommend 7-9 hours of sleep per night to maintain a healthy immune system. Try shutting down screens 30 minutes before bed.
Reading or listening to a podcast are other great ways to drift off to sleep without screens. Your diet can affect sleep as well. Certain foods - including high-fat and high-protein foods like biscuits, cheese, crisps, and meat - can make it more difficult to fall asleep, says the NHS .
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