We explore the intricacies of respiratory infections and shared actionable protocols to prevent them. With the prevalence of global travel, the risk of respiratory infections, like common colds, has become a year-round concern.
Understanding Respiratory Infections
Respiratory infections are commonly categorised into two main types: Upper Respiratory Tract Infections (URTIs) and Lower Respiratory Tract Infections (LRTIs). URTIs typically involve viral infections impacting the nose, sinuses, throat, and airways, resolving within 10-14 days with proper self-care. On the other hand, LRTIs, which include more severe conditions like pneumonia and acute bronchitis, can be life-threatening and often necessitate hospitalisation.
Lower respiratory infections are the main reason for hospitalisations. In New Zealand, they account for around 6 100 hospitalisations per 100 000 people each year and that’s twice as many as the next most prevalent reason for being hospitalised which is skin and soft tissue trauma.
Epidemiologists have reported that the level of hospitalisations in New Zealand dropped by half for pneumonia and influenza during the 2021 season, when we had the more extreme COVID prevention measures in place.
Effective Prevention Protocols
The COVID-19 pandemic demonstrated the efficacy of stringent measures in reducing respiratory infections. Implementing these protocols can continue to benefit us today:
- Hand Hygiene: Consistent and meticulous hand washing using hot water and soap for at least 30 seconds is crucial. Opt for air drying or using a clean towel instead of wiping hands on your jeans or other clothing.
- Face Touching Awareness: Avoid touching your face with unwashed hands to reduce the risk of transferring pathogens from contaminated surfaces.
- Isolation When Unwell: If you exhibit symptoms, it’s best to stay home, rest, and stay hydrated. Keeping homemade cold and flu herbal teas in your pantry can be a great remedy. A blend of yarrow, peppermint, elderflower, and immune-boosting syrups like Kiwi Herbs immune berry syrup offers comfort and support.
- Cough Etiquette: Coughing into your elbow instead of your hands prevents the spread of viruses to surfaces you or others might touch.
- Supplementation: Stock up on vitamins C, D, and K, along with zinc and quercetin, to fortify your immune system against infections.
Bolstering Respiratory Health
Proactively maintaining respiratory health is instrumental in warding off infections:
- Breath Work and Exercise: Engaging in activities that promote deep breathing benefits your lungs.
- Hydration: Ensure your lung tissues remain moist by drinking plenty of fluids.
- Herbal Support: Incorporate herbs like Ribwort Plantain, Panax Ginseng, thyme, and horehound into your routine for their respiratory health benefits.
Kiwi Herbs’ immune berry syrup, is a delicious syrup of echinacea, New Zealand blackberry, manuka honey and apple cider vinegar. Make some tea to keep in the cupboard and use it when you come down with something. It’s really easy. Just combine equal parts of yarrow, peppermint and elderflower and then top it up with whatever you need in that moment. Also, keep a stock of vitamin C, zinc and quercetin and start taking that as soon as you feel something coming on and vitamins D and K can be helpful too.
Recognising When to Seek Professional Help
If you’re exhausted from the effort of trying to breathe, your cold or flu hasn’t improved after a week, or you have a cough that’s persisting, or it just seems to be getting worse, or most importantly, if you ever cough up blood, seek professional medical advice
There’s nothing heroic about going into work when you’re sick. Pushing through will prolong your cold or flu, and in some cases, it can open the door to something more serious such as a secondary infection.
Respiratory infections, while common, can be effectively managed and prevented through the simple yet powerful protocols, from washing hands properly and avoiding face touching to staying hydrated and utilising beneficial herbs, these measures can significantly reduce your risk. If symptoms persist or worsen, don’t hesitate to consult a healthcare professional.
By incorporating these practices into our daily lives, we can enhance our respiratory health, minimising the likelihood of infections.
Stay proactive, stay healthy, and remember—sometimes the best way to recover is to rest thoroughly.