Cold comfort

The bad news-there is no cure for common cold. The good news,there are several things that can prevent cold and flu.

Simple remedies & common foods that can keep colds & flues at bay

The bad news there is no cure for common cold. The good news,there are several things that can prevent cold and flu. These two illnesses share some similar symptoms and both come during the cold winter months,with the season continuing till March, Dr Vikas Bhutani,senior consultant,internal medicine adds that we need to boost our immune system with a balanced diet,rest,regular exercise and by avoiding consumption of cold items,alcohol and exposure to cold winds and wearing multi-layered clothing. Allergic rhinitis,sinusitis and asthma,adds Dr Bhutani,are often associated with changing weather conditions and changes in temperature and an increase or drop can trigger asthma attacks. Usually preceded by a cold,the most common symptoms caused by allergy are sneezing,runny nose,nasal congestion,red watery eyes,itchy ears,cough,asthma,wheezing et al. And according to Dr Lovneesh Kumar,Consultant ENT Surgeon,preventive measures include avoiding contact with people who have cold and other viral upper respiratory infections and contact with things that trigger allergy attacks and avoiding cigarette smoke as it irritates inflamed membranes in nose and sinuses. Drink plenty of water,keep the home dust-free,treat nasal congestion caused by colds or allergies promptly,which can help you prevent a bacterial infection from developing in your sinuses and avoid breathing dry air…, advises Dr Kumar.

Whats more,look into your kitchen to find foods that can help relieve symptoms and speed your recovery. Chicken soup will warm you inside-out,while hot ginger tea can help kill germs and work wonders for an upset tummy,raw garlic has anti-fungal,anti-bacterial and antiviral properties and increases resistance against colds. To relieve cough and soothe sore throat,try honey,cinnamon and amla,a rich source of vitamin C and also stock up on oranges,as studies show that Vitamin C found in orange juice can shorten the duration of flu. Doctors say blow your nose rather than pushing the mucus back into the head. Gargles with salted warm water,drinking hot liquids to relieve nasal congestion,hot showers for providing moisture to nasal passages,try it all.

Parul

Parul is a Principal Correspondent at The Indian Express in Chandigarh. She is a seasoned journalist with over 25 years of experience specializing in public health, higher education, and the architectural heritage of Northern India. Professional Profile Education: Graduate in Humanities with a specialized focus on Journalism and Mass Communication from Panjab University, Chandigarh. Career Path: She began her career covering local city beats and human interest stories before joining The Indian Express in 2009. Over the last decade and a half, she has risen to the rank of Principal Correspondent, becoming the publication’s primary voice on Chandigarh’s premier medical and academic institutions. Expertise: Her reporting is deeply rooted in the institutional dynamics of PGIMER (Post Graduate Institute of Medical Education and Research) and Panjab University. She is highly regarded for her ability to navigate complex administrative bureaucracies to deliver student-centric and patient-centric news. Recent Notable Articles (Late 2024 - 2025) Her recent work highlights critical reporting on healthcare infrastructure, academic governance, and urban culture: 1. Public Health & PGIMER "PGIMER expands digital registry: Centralized patient records to reduce wait times by 40%" (Nov 20, 2025): A detailed look at the digital transformation of one of India's busiest medical institutes to tackle patient influx. "Robotic Surgery at PGI: Why the new urology wing is a game-changer for North India" (Oct 12, 2025): Reporting on the acquisition of state-of-the-art medical technology and its impact on affordable healthcare. "Shortage of life-saving drugs: Inside the supply chain crisis at government pharmacies" (Dec 5, 2025): An investigative piece on the logistical hurdles affecting chronic patients in the tri-city area. 2. Education & Institutional Governance "Panjab University Senate Election: The battle for institutional autonomy" (Dec 18, 2025): In-depth coverage of the high-stakes internal elections and the friction between traditional governance and central reforms. "Research funding dip: How PU’s science departments are navigating the 2025 budget cuts" (Nov 5, 2025): An analysis of the fiscal challenges facing researchers and the impact on India's global academic ranking. 3. Art, Culture & Heritage "Le Corbusier’s legacy in peril: The struggle to preserve Chandigarh’s Capitol Complex" (Dec 22, 2025): A feature on the conservation efforts and the tension between urban modernization and UNESCO heritage status. "Chandigarh Art District: How street murals are reclaiming the city’s grey walls" (Oct 30, 2025): A cultural profile of the local artists transforming the aesthetic of the "City Beautiful." Signature Style Parul is known for her empathetic lens, often centering her stories on the individuals affected by policy—whether it is a student navigating university red tape or a patient seeking care. She possesses a unique ability to translate dense administrative notifications into actionable information for the public. Her long-standing beat experience makes her a trusted source for "inside-track" developments within Chandigarh’s most guarded institutions. X (Twitter): @parul_express ... Read More

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