Looking after your health in the colder months

Next week marks the official beginning of winter, and as the mercury falls, the number of people with winter bugs rises.

Ethan Griffiths takes a look at the top tips to stay healthy this winter.

Whanganui GP Dr Satya Prakash is heading into one of the busiest parts of his year.

The St John's Hill doctor says the winter months typically mean a busy schedule for doctors, with the appearance of winter ills and chills bringing people in for advice on how to kick it.

"We see all sorts of presentations, from young children and adults to older people with all sorts of issues," Prakash said.

"Common are colds, which can be caused by hundreds of different types of viruses. People have sniffles, they can have sore throats - those sorts of things. They are managed on a symptomatic basis, and with proper management, they settle down."

But it's when people present with influenza where it becomes much more serious.

"Influenza, for some people, can be dangerous. You can get very sick, and if not treated properly, it can have consequences.

"Because the virus spreads through air and contacts, it can be easy to contract. The main thing people need to do is recognise the condition. If it's a cold, you can take some paracetamol and keep yourself warm.

"If there are any complications like fever, vomiting, or headaches, the person needs to contact their doctor immediately. You have to treat the condition on its own merit. "

But often, a lot of winter issues can be prevented by simple good health.

Whanganui Central City pharmacist Cameron McNaught says that there are a variety of products to give you a boost during the winter months. Photo / Ethan Griffiths

"The key things are plenty of sleep, good diet and simply taking care of yourself," Whanganui's Central City pharmacist Cameron McNaught said.

"Winter hits everyone differently, but as long as you are generally healthy, you'll come out of it okay."

McNaught said the pharmacy had been busy with people gearing up for winter with customers looking for something to give them a boost.

"There are a variety of different supplements you can add to the mix," McNaught said.

"If people are wanting an extra kind of boost, there are things like multivitamins that can help. Vitamin C is always a good boost and can go a long way in keeping you bright and healthy."

"Ideally you want to keep well and not get sick. Doing all of those other things and taking something to prevent yourself from getting sick is one of the best things to do."

But the most simple measure to prevent any serious winter illness? Line up to get the flu jab, McNaught says.

"I'd recommend it to anyone - not just the elderly or people with conditions. Anyone can get the flu, even young healthy people.

"At the start of winter when the vaccine becomes available, there's really high demand. We've been doing quite a few which is good."

Whanganui's medical officer of health Dr Patrick O'Connor reinforced the importance of the vaccine, saying with borders now open to Australia, there's a higher chance of the virus floating around.

Whanganui's medical officer of health Dr Patrick O'Connor says that with the borders open to Australia this winter, there might be more of a chance for influenza to enter the country. Photo / NZME

"We're not really expecting a huge season, but it will be bigger than last year. It's very difficult to predict these things, but I guess we'd be anticipating a sort of in-between sort of season," he said.

"The flu vaccine is being promoted quite heavily, because it clearly has an effect on people's health. Getting it can be very valuable if you do end up coming down with the flu."

The increase in demand has been witnessed by Dr Prakash at his practice too, with a number of people, many of which are older, coming in for their jab.

"We've had people inquiring months ahead before we got the flu vaccine from the suppliers. There has been a lot of interest."

The flu vaccine is free for all people aged 65 or over, pregnant women, and those with heart disease, chronic liver disease, diabetes, cancer, or asthma.

Another aspect of health that often becomes victim to winter dreariness is mental wellbeing, something Whanganui counsellor Avril Spain says some people struggle with at this time of year.

"There are people out there that struggle with SADs, or seasonal affective disorder. The looking outside the window to look at the weather can make one feel a bit gloomy, and often it's all about what the person is entertaining in their thought processes.

The flu jab is one of the best ways to prevent winter illness, says pharmacist Cameron McNaught. Photo / File

"Thinking negatively will make you feel a bit lower, so trying to find situations that can create some more optimism."

There are also a number of simple things people can do that can act to foster mental wellbeing.

"Nutrition is really important, and even extra supplements like Vitamin C or magnesium. Staying in touch with friends and family is also important, isolation doesn't help. Getting in touch with your creative side and personal interests will boost your mental health too.

"Go out and do something. Reconnect with someone or do some exercise. These sorts of things can really act as a boost to mental wellbeing."

Getting plenty of vitamin C is recommended during winter. Photo / File

As for what to expect for winter, the good news is that this part of the country is supposed to come out slightly better than average.

According to NIWA's seasonal outlook for May through to July, the central and lower North Island is set to see above-average or near average temperatures, possibly meaning fewer morning frosts and chilly days.

The region is also set to see below-normal or near-normal rainfall, with a drier first few months of winter predicted over most of the country.

Weather aside, the key piece of advice from all four experts to prevent the worst of winter illnesses was the same: stay warm.