Why do you always get the flu at the start of winter even after being cautious about it?

Just being cautious is not enough to be safe from winter’s flu!

Alie hiraethsweven
Science For Life
5 min readNov 10, 2023

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Photo by Ryunosuke Kikuno on Unsplash

In today’s article, I’ll be sharing some self-tested remedies, medically proven theories and conclusions and some precautions that will help in getting away from Winter flu because it’s quite exhausting and ruins the beautiful charm of the season.

But why do you always get the flu at the start of winter even after you are cautious?

Influenza (flu) is a highly contagious respiratory illness caused by the influenza virus. It can cause fever, cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, muscle or body aches, and headaches. Some people may also experience fatigue, vomiting, and diarrhea.

The flu season typically begins in the fall and ends in the spring, with most cases occurring in the winter months. There are several reasons why we are more likely to get the flu in the winter, including:

The flu virus survives longer in cold, dry air. This is why the flu season tends to peak during the winter months when the air is coldest and driest.

We spend more time indoors during the winter months. This increases the chances of coming into contact with someone who is sick with the flu.

Our immune systems may be weakened in the winter. This is due to a number of factors, including lack of sunlight, stress, and poor nutrition.

Even if you take precautions, such as getting the flu vaccine and washing your hands frequently, it is still possible to get the flu. This is because the flu virus mutates rapidly, meaning that the vaccine does not always protect against all strains of the virus. Additionally, the flu virus can be spread through the air, even by people who are not showing symptoms.

So how do we avoid getting the flu at the start of winter?

The best way to avoid getting the flu is to get the flu vaccine every year not just when you already got it. The flu vaccine is safe and effective for people of all ages, including pregnant women and children over 6 months old.

In addition to getting the flu vaccine, there are several other things you can do to reduce your risk of getting the flu, including:

1-Wash your hands frequently with soap and water for at least 20 seconds because the less contact

2-Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth.

3-Avoid close contact with people who are sick.

4-Stay home from work or school if you are sick.

5-Clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces, such as doorknobs, light switches, and countertops.

Medically proven remedies for the flu:

There is no cure for the flu, but there are several things you can do to relieve your symptoms and get better faster.

1-Get plenty of rest.

2-Drink plenty of fluids, such as water, juice, and clear broth.

3-Take over-the-counter medications to relieve your symptoms, such as fever reducers and pain relievers.

4-Use a humidifier or take hot showers to help relieve congestion.

5- Gargle with salt water to help soothe a sore throat.

If you have severe symptoms, such as difficulty breathing, chest pain, or high fever, you should see a doctor. Your doctor may prescribe antiviral medication, which can help to shorten the duration of the flu and reduce the severity of your symptoms.

One of my safe self-tested remedy to fight winter’s flu:

1- Cinnamon and clove black tea (kahwa chai is called here in Pakistan and there are several types of it).

It’s really common here in Pakistan as a remedy for the winter flu and fever, cinnamon and clove black tea is a delicious and aromatic beverage that is also packed with health benefits. Both cinnamon and cloves are known for their anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, and when combined with the caffeine in black tea, they create a powerful drink that can support your overall health and well-being.

Here are some of the key benefits of cinnamon and clove black tea:

It reduces inflammation: Cinnamon and cloves contain compounds that can help to reduce inflammation throughout the body. This can be beneficial for people with conditions such as arthritis, asthma, and inflammatory bowel disease.

It boosts the immune system: Cinnamon and cloves are both rich in antioxidants, which can help to protect the body against damage from free radicals. Free radicals are unstable molecules that can contribute to the development of diseases such as cancer and heart disease.
It also Improves heart health: Cinnamon has been shown to help lower cholesterol levels and improve blood sugar control. This can help to reduce the risk of heart disease and stroke.

It helps with digestion: Clove tea has been traditionally used to aid digestion and relieve stomach upset. It may also help to reduce nausea and vomiting.
It relieves pain: Cloves contain eugenol, a compound that has analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties. This can make clove tea an effective remedy for toothaches, headaches, and muscle pain.

In addition to these health benefits, cinnamon and clove black tea is also a good source of vitamins and minerals, including manganese, magnesium, and iron. It is also low in calories and caffeine-free, making it a healthy choice for people of all ages. You can exchange it with you’re morning coffee in winters as it also helps in soothing sore throat and keeps you going for the rest of the day.

How to make your cinnamon and clove black tea?

To make cinnamon and clove black tea, simply add a cinnamon stick and a few cloves to a cup of hot water. Let steep for 3-5 minutes, till it forms a red-brownish shade then remove the cinnamon stick and cloves. Add 2 pinches of black tea then enjoy your tea plain or add a bit of sugar, honey or lemon to taste.

I hope it helps you!

Read more from my stories here. 🧚‍♂️✨

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Alie hiraethsweven
Science For Life

A lacunacorpse. Maybe I wasn't supposed to be born at the first place.