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Reading 2 min.
in collaboration with
Dr Gérald Kierzek (Medical Director)
Medical validation:
November 26, 2024
Has your cold persisted for several days without getting better? Perhaps it is due to this banal error, which is nevertheless easy to avoid on a daily basis.
When temperatures cool and viruses resurface, colds creep in with mischief. Generally benign, it can however become annoying if it persists. However, according to Judith Loeb Mansour, general practitioner, an error often made at home worsens the disease.
The habit to ban in case of a cold
Overusing medications, covering up excessively, not hydrating enough… Because we want to heal faster or through ignorance, many of us make missteps when we have a cold. But one mistake in particular – very frequently made – must absolutely be avoided, warns a doctor.
“The mistake that everyone makes and which should be avoided when you have a cold is to heat your room too much.“, warns Dr. Judith Loeb Mansour, in the magazine Cosmopolitan.
For what ? Because ambient air that is too dry blocks the nose and causes inflammation of the mucous membranes (nose and throat).
“These mucous membranes play an essential role in defending against infections. They must be well hydrated to help you recover more quickly“, she adds.
Dry air also increases the risk of contracting other infections: low humidity dries our mucous membranes and inhibits our body’s natural defenses against viruses.
The right reflex according to the pro? “Keep an ambient temperature of 19 degrees“.
Dr. Gérald Kierzek, medical director of Doctissimo, recommends adopting the following good actions to avoid winter viruses and recover more quickly in the event of infection:
- “Ventilate your home daily to renew the air and reduce the concentration of viruses and bacteria in the indoor environment”;
- “Maintain adequate humidity; Use a humidifier to maintain good humidity levels in the home, especially at night, as this can help clear the airways and relieve nasal congestion.”
- “Keep your home at a comfortable temperature but not too hot. Excessive heat can dry out the air and make cold symptoms worse.”
- “Make inhalations with essential oils such as eucalyptus or ravintsara to decongest the nose. You can add a few drops to a bowl of hot water and inhale the steam under a towel.”
- “Make sure frequently touched surfaces are cleaned regularly to prevent the spread of germs.”
- “Encourage frequent hand washing with soap to reduce transmission of the virus. And create a comfortable space where you can rest, because rest is essential for recovering quickly from a cold!”
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