Avoiding the dreaded lurgy
Prevention is the key when it comes to keeping the dreaded winter lurgy at bay, according to health experts.
With the fall in temperature comes a rise in illnesses such as colds and flu so it is important to understand how to fight viruses.
_The West Australian _ will publish a special magazine edition of Health+Medicine tomorrow with expert advice on everything from exercise motivation and immunity-boosting foods to tips on how to avoid catching a cold.
Health experts do not know why respiratory illnesses are more prevalent in winter, but they say the flu vaccine is one of the most effective ways to prevent ill health.
Health Department clinical services director Tarun Weeramanthri said it could take people weeks to recover from a serious case of the flu.
"There are a few myths out there and one is that you can get flu from the vaccine - and that is completely not true," he said. "The other myth is that healthy people do not need the vaccine."
Fitness experts urge people to keep up their exercise routine during the cold weather, with physical activity linked to better health and wellbeing.
Think outside the square and plan ahead to stay motivated, HBF member health coach Shannon Kelly said.
"Keeping to a regular fitness routine is really important if you want to look after your health," she said.
