To protect themselves from winter diseases, the French cover themselves well, wash their hands, take vitamin C … Pourquoidocteur takes stock of the good and bad initiatives.
More than one in six French people do not escape the evils of winter according to a recent Ifop poll for UPSA. And for good reason, since viruses are more resistant when temperatures drop. Colds, coughs, flu-like symptoms … the inconveniences of the cold are numerous, as are the means of escaping it. Respondents all say they have strategies in place to avoid winter illnesses. But are they really effective?
A majority of French people have the right reflexes
The methods most often cited to protect against the evils of winter are also the most effective. 60% of French people say that they cover themselves well to avoid catching a cold. A good initiative, since the Ministry of Health, in its recommendations, advises to protect yourself from the cold. Two measures are effective: cover his airways (chest, mouth, nose) and cover his extremities (cap for the head and ears, gloves for the hands, shoes and thick socks for the feet). All this helps keep the body at a constant temperature, which helps it defend against external aggressions, including microbes.
Four in ten also wash their hands more often in order to avoid getting sick. The Institute for Prevention and Health Education (Inpes) agrees with them: 80% of bacteria and viruses are transmitted through the hands. There are many possible sources of contamination: contact with sick people, contaminated surfaces in public places and public transport … At a time when the body is weakened, washing your hands regularly is therefore a good measure.
Very popular natural methods
The second most popular prevention strategy is natural solutions. Almost one in three French people eat a lot of fruits and vegetables to anticipate winter viruses. Five fruits and vegetables a day, approves the Ministry of Health. In winter, this is particularly valid: some provide a lot of vitamins, which helps fight infections. Fruits and vegetables rich in vitamin C are preferred. Nature being well made, these are also seasonal products: kiwi, orange and tangerine in the fruit section, peppers, black radish, broccoli and Brussels sprouts in the vegetable section. Fresh products are preferred, as they are richer in vitamins, but canned and frozen foods should not be ignored. Varying the recipes is also a good solution not to get bored.
A quarter of those polled said they used “grandmother’s remedies” such as herbal tea or grog to avoid winter illnesses. If grog is indicated as a good natural solution against influenza states, since it causes a rise in body temperature which eliminates viruses, its preventive effectiveness is not certain. The same goes for herbal teas and other herbal infusions. They certainly make it possible to fight against the evils of winter, or at least to alleviate their inconveniences, but not to avoid them.
Modest success of pharmaceuticals
Pharmacies are also successful when the first cold weather arrives, but these solutions remain limited. According to the survey, 23% of French people use a vitamin C cure for disease prevention. The solution is effective, since the consumption of fruits and vegetables rich in this vitamin is recommended. But nothing can replace natural solutions in terms of efficiency. So give preference to fruits and vegetables: a less expensive solution, but also better for your health. In addition to providing the necessary vitamins, they have beneficial effects for the rest of the body.
Respondents remain a minority to resort to self-medication to anticipate winter illnesses (12%). Taking medication without medical advice is strongly discouraged: only a health professional (doctor or pharmacist) is able to determine the right doses of medication. Because even paracetamol has harmful effects on the body if it is consumed in excess. Before opening the medicine cabinet, therefore, remember to ask your doctor or pharmacist for their opinion.
Last measure, less popular, to avoid falling ill in winter: heat the home a little more. 6% of respondents say they use this solution. The Ministry of Health recommends limiting heating. The room temperature should be between 19 and 21 ° C during the day, and around 17 ° C at night. Beyond that, the hot-cold effect can weaken the body. It is therefore not necessary to maintain a tropical climate in your home to fight against the evils of winter.
.
