How To Avoid Winter Colds: 4 Everyday Habits That Spread Germs, Says Pharmacist

Now that summer is winding down, it’s time to prepare ourselves for the joys of winter. You know, the festive season, snuggling under cosy blankets and the return of The Traitors in the new year. All of that and, uh, cold and flu season.

Despite it being so common to catch a cold during the chilly months, many of us rarely prepare ourselves in advance for it. In fact, Rachel Louise Jones, Pharmacy Superintendent at Superdrug Online Doctor warns that our everyday habits could be making us more susceptible to illness.

Back in the early days of Covid, many of us realised just how often we touch our faces. A small itch, resting our cheek on our hands etc. However, we’re also often touching door handles, toilets and our phones. This makes the transmission of germs very easy.

Jones explains “viruses are transferred from contaminated surfaces to mucous membranes and why breaking the habit can reduce exposure.”

She recommends keeping some antibacterial gel handy.

Realistically, we should all be in the habit of washing our hands far more frequently than we currently do. The NHS recommends cleaning your hands at these times:

• after using the toilet or changing a nappy
• before and after handling raw foods like meat and vegetables
• before eating or handling food
• after blowing your nose, sneezing or coughing
• before and after treating a cut or wound
• after touching animals, including pets, their food and after cleaning their cages

Jones adds: “People often remember to wash their hands before meals but forget to do so when they get home from work, school or the supermarket. Washing your hands as soon as you arrive home can help prevent viruses being transferred around your house.

“Home is where people often relax their hygiene habits, meaning germs picked up outside can spread to family members.”

Ever offer your friend a sip of your drink or a bite of your dinner? You could be passing germs. Jones says: “Sharing water bottles, lip balm, cutlery or even vaping devices can increase the spread of viruses between friends, family and colleagues.

“Some everyday items are easy to overlook but frequently come into contact with saliva.”

Many people wait until symptoms become severe before doing anything. While there’s no cure for the common cold, treating symptoms promptly can help you stay comfortable and make it easier to rest and recover.

Jones says “a pharmacist can recommend suitable treatments for symptoms such as congestion, sore throat, aches and fever, and advise when symptoms need further assessment.”