Getting ready for winter

[btown]

Hi all this will be my first winter with copd, all advise is welcome on how to stay clear of additional health problems like colds, flu etc ♡

[warwickstag]

First priority is to make sure you get the annual flu jab, and the pneumonia jab if you haven't already had it.

[btown in reply to warwickstag]

Thanks Warwickstag, I will check it out with my doctor.

[sassy59]

I agree with warwickstag and would add that you should keep away from people with colds/flu, use hand gel to keep hands as germ free as possible, use scarf loosely wrapped around nose and mouth and maybe use tea tree oil or Vaseline say on nostrils to keep germs out. Wrap up warm and get fresh air too. Stay well btown and take care. xxxx

[btown in reply to sassy59]

Hi sassy59, I already use hand gel but your other suggestions are great thanks ♡

[RibvanRey]

Also tell family and friends to stay away from you if they have colds and flu. Don't smoke and don't allow smokers in your home.

[btown in reply to RibvanRey]

Hi Ribvanrey thanks will be like fort knox.

[bobsmum]

Taking on board replies as I'm new as well so thank you folks

[tigershay1]

First defence spray up nose or as above says tea tree im going to be tryinv these tips this year to hopefully limit infections . Great advice on here xx

[btown in reply to tigershay1]

Hi tigershay1, what is First defencespray, never heard of this ♡

[tigershay1]

Its by vicks or boots do own version ..you spray it up your nose during autumn winter in public places to hel gaurd against germs . I will be using it this year for sure anything that helps im also going to health shop to get immune support as i have no immune system due to rheumatoid arthritis x

[peege in reply to tigershay1]

Hi Tiger, I use mine all year round! Always in my bag. I've got two tiny grandchildren and they always seem to have snot!

I've not had a cold (or worse since Spring )

[Louisiana in reply to peege]

hey Peeg - that's very good advice...haven't ever used it, but am always getting infections (like right now as I speak - lucky me!!!) so will get some from Boots. I assume they will know what I am talking about. Nite nite

[peege in reply to tigershay1]

Hi Tiger, I use mine all year round! Always in my bag. I've got two tiny grandchildren and they always seem to have snot!

I've not had a cold (or worse since Spring )

[btown in reply to tigershay1]

Hi all thanks for all the input, Boots chemist for me tomorrow, already take vit c supplement and multi vit ♡♡

[Hidden]

Hadn't heard of it, thanks for tip.

[peege]

Yep, that 1st Defence is fantastic. I use the Boots version and don't go anywhere without it. It contains anti viral. I use it before, during and after public transport, shopping, confined places, close to children or anywhere else bugs may be lurking.

I have to say that last winter was my best for years after learning some tips here on BLF?

Another tip I found very beneficial was to buy a Buff (Google it or look on Amazon). It's tubular, you can wear as a neck muff, pull it up over your mouth when the outside air is very cold or pull it right up over your ears and head.

It stays dry inside when you breath through it and also dries fast when wet/washed.

Now, I'm not ashamed to to admit I'm vain, I wouldn't be seen dead in a bobble hat but my Buff is great. Mine's fine wool but they come in different fabrics. Good investment for your health.

3rd tip, be selfish and a bit brave about telling people you won't hug or be meeting up if your pal has a cold.

4th, get in a good multivitamin & mineral and take anything you can to keep your immune system in tip top condition - last winter I added super Vit D3, B12 plus some effervesant Vit C & zinc for a boost when snuffles hit or been near someone with snuffles.

5th keep exercising, inside if you can't get out. My dog forces me out for several walks a day.

Good luck, you and Bobsmum will pick up lots of ways to suit yourselves. P xx

[Hidden in reply to peege]

I got a present of a raspberry coloured snood last year and it was my absolute best friend for the rest of the winter. It's soft and almost fleecey and the cats have all tried to get squatters rights on it but I managed to secure possession. Will be beating a path into Boots for some of that spray

[btown in reply to peege]

Thanks peeg, you have given me some good advice will be following it very closely and googling Buff ♡♡

[longlungs in reply to peege]

Hey there peeg I couldnt agree more about the Buff have used mine hot weather for keeping all the flying bits that fly around in the warm weather when Im on gertie,and the winter for keeping that cold away. Janexx

[tigershay1]

Ooh thankd for tips i will start using it now its bit hard in summer asi use a hay fever steroid spray or i cant breath luvkily its cooler so im ok . Off to holland and barrets for me tomorrow xxx hope youre well P xxx

[peege in reply to tigershay1]

Not bad thanks Tiger, been fighting off something for a couple of weeks, winning I think.

Hope you're okay too

[marytaz]

Useful tip thanks peeps, I'm off to buy some tomorrow. Anything that can keep the dreaded infections at bay!! Thanks all again xx

[Daffodil51]

Hi brown. Can't agree with Peeg enough. It might've been Peeg that advised me initially but likewise first defense is always in my bag and i use it in all public places. I have also been taking those vitamins but in addition i use manuka honey 25+ umf which also helps fight bacteria . I have stayed well since using all these! Hope that helps

[btown in reply to Daffodil51]

Hi Daffodil 51, got manuka how do you use it, or is it just a spoonful ?

[Daffodil51 in reply to btown]

Hi brown. The BLF nurse recommended 2teaspoons daily.mi actually mix it with natural yogurt because it's so sweet. I've also used it as a hit honey and lemon drink-adding Lenin takes away sweetness. I've actually gargledvwithnthus drink when I could feel a sore throat developing-gone the next morning!

[btown in reply to Daffodil51]

Thanks Daffodil 51, I will try it your way ♡♡

[needtobreathe]

Thanks Peeg, fantastic tips. P

[FarmerD]

I would just add the importance of exercise ,is easy to make exuses(I can be my own worst enemy) so keep up the walking,dancing and singing lol.D.

[onamission]

My GP gives me antibiotics and steroids to keep in the house at all times so I self medicate if you get the flu the sooner you take the meds the better talk to your GP. Breath easy groups are also good places to meet people good luck

[btown in reply to onamission]

Thanks onamission, will talk to my doc about this.

[frances21]

Wow - so much good advice. It's my first winter with COPD too. I'm going to check out 1st defence and the Buff - look good; exercise and salt pipe are helping me too. Here's to a winter with no infections...

[btown in reply to frances21]

Hi frances21 I second that hope you also have a good winter, without problems♡