The following have been provided by nursing staff working for the Agency. The information is provided for interest only and at no time does the Agency recommend or endorse any of the suggestions contained.

Jane’s suggestion:
When you feel a cold coming on this hot drink helps. It has natural anti-histamines and antibacterial. Also good for the lungs (thyme has natural thymol) and sinuses
In a saucepan place 2-3 cups water
3 sprigs of thyme
1 crushed clove of Garlic or 1 teaspoon pre-crushed garlic
Squeeze of lemon juice
Sprig of sage if available
Slowly simmer contents, pour through sieve and drink over next couple of hours

Jean’s suggestion:
Trying to keep healthy during the winter months can be helped if you follow some basic rules and use common sense:
Always wear clothing that helps keep the chest, back and stomach area warm (i.e. singlet)
If you get wet or cold – have a hot bath or shower ASAP
Take plenty of vitamins and have your flu injection
At work maintain all your universal precautions
Get plenty of sleep - A small “tot” of whisky before retiring helps
An old remedy is to put “Vicks” vapour rub on the bottom of your feet – the idea being the vapours travel upwards and help clear chest colds
Look after yourself so you can look after others – keep healthy!

Ian’s suggestion:
At the first sign of a cold coming on – cancel all activities. Have a really hot bath/shower – put on warm clothing – put extra blanket/quilt on your bed – put some vapour rub on the front of your clothes – curl up in bed under the covers and sweat it out for the night – by the next morning you’ve broken the back of the cold – keep warm and you should be fine and not have a cold that lingers for days.

Leanne’s suggestion:
Not sure about staying healthy but once you feel you are getting a cold, remind the rest of the family how you always look after them when they are unwell and now it’s your turn to be looked after! Don’t continue doing the home duties as if you are well - delegate. Don’t make out you feel fine – tell them how rotten you feel and with a bit of luck they’ll get the hint and leave you to moan in isolation. I used to “soldier on” when I felt unwell and now I don’t. I have honestly found that I get sick less and am over any sickness much quicker!