How to Survive Your Winter Cold

Natalie Zullo
BMHS PrideTime Reporter   

Coughing, sneezing, sniffing. With the approach of the winter season McMahon students should embrace themselves for the vicious attack of the winter cold and flu.
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    “I’ve noticed a lot of my friends getting sick recently, probably because of the cold weather” says Kassandra Scott ('18.) Why do we get sick in the winter? According to LiveScience, the influenza virus replicates and spread at the quickest rate when the air is cold and dry. 
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Avoiding the common cold and influenza virus is nearly impossible during this season so here are some tips to survive your sickness this Winter:

1.Rest -
Getting a full night of sleep can be difficult as a high schooler, but it's extremely crucial to your health. Rest allows our bodies to build the energy we need to heal and fight off sickness. 
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2. Orange Juice-
No, this is not the cure to the common cold, but heightened levels of Vitamin C will not only ease the symptoms of your cold but will also encourage a speedy recovery.

3.Salt Water-
Although not the tastiest, dissolving salt in warm water and gargling the mixture will ease any throat discomfort and loosen up any mucus in your sinuses.
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4.Steam- 
With the dry air and all the coughing you’ll be doing, your sinuses will be yearning for some moisture. Putting your head over a steaming pot of water, or even using a humidifier when you sleep, will ease congestion and dryness. 

5.Tea-
Hot liquids are incredibly soothing to the throat. Herbal teas in particular are not only relaxing but also opens the nasal passageways and can potentially boost your immune. 

6.Honey-
Adding honey to your tea, or even better, consuming a teaspoon of straight honey soothes the throat, eases coughing and can even improve sleep. 

7.Cough Drops-  
The obvious, cough drops that you can purchase at your local drug store/pharmacy are an easy trick to ease coughing. Cough drops generally contain one main ingredient/drug that works to calm the throat and lessen coughing. Not to mention, they’re tasty!
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