Coronavirus had never left UK shores but the last couple of months saw a plateauing of cases. Now that period seems to have come to a screeching halt, with a resurgence well under way. The latest government figures show that there had been 6,178 coronavirus cases in the UK yesterday. An increase of 1,252 cases and 38 deaths from the day before.
The escalating figures come in the wake of a tighter restrictions being announced by the Prime Minister.
Included in the package of lawful requirements is working from home where possible, face covering made mandatory in more circumstances and a limit on Weddings.
The aim is to stem the spread of the virus so the government does not have to enforce further restrictions on people’s lives.
Now flu season is fast approaching, the UK is heading into uncharted waters.
It is more important than ever to shield yourself against the virus to the best of your ability.
According to breathing expert Tim Ives, there are five lesser-known ways to bolster your defences.
Breathe through your nose, not your mouth
According to Ives our nose is a very effective natural filter and does a great job at keeping many airborne viruses at bay.
“Our noses filter 98 percent of bacteria and allergens so breathing through our noses is recommended if you’re looking for protection,” he explained.
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Ives continued: “In my opinion, ensuring you are breathing through your nose compared with breathing through your mouth is more effective at protecting you from viruses than wearing a face mask.”
Wash your nose more than your hands
A recent US study carried out at the University of North Carolina showed that viruses like COVID-19 often start in the nose.
As a result, washing your nose is more important than washing your hands, according to Ives.
He said: “Keeping your nasal passages clean is an effective way to help protect yourself. Regular nasal hygiene should be a practical priority for all of the family.”
Ives concluded: “I recommend cleaning your nose twice a day, but you could also clean your nose preventatively before you go on public transport or into a crowded space. On top of this, make sure you don’t blow your nose with unwashed hands, as this can be very dangerous.”
Stay Hydrated
According to Ives, water performs so many functions in the body – it transports nutrients, regulates body temperature, and keeps your natural defences working properly.
“If you don’t keep yourself hydrated, your body will become susceptible to sluggishness and dizziness, and your body’s defences will be impaired,” he warned.
Ives added: “In this weakened state, the body has a much harder time fighting off harmful contaminants that enter the body.”
Get Plenty of Rest
Ives explained: “A lack of sleep blunts your immune system and makes you more susceptible to illness.”
“Sleep is the body’s mechanism to repair itself and rejuvenate.”
What does he recommend? “Make sure to get a consistent good night’s rest— it will help you stay healthy throughout your entire life.”
Make sure you wear your mask properly
Finally, Ives said to wear an effective face mask and wear it correctly: pinched on the bridge of the nose and under the chin with no gaps at the sides.
“Don’t touch any part of the face mask when wearing it, other than the ‘ear loops’,” he advised.
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