I got chills they're multiplying
Living in tropical Australia it’s rare to get extremely cold weather. Nevertheless, the cold and flu winter season still exists here as viruses replicate more easily in cooler environments. In the Far North, it’s also a popular time for travel and mid-year holidays, leading to more exposure among the community.
Are you catching a chill?
Often when relatives or friends come to visit, they feel the heat more than locals do. Just like our saltwater crocodiles who like to soak in the sun, many of us have adapted to the warmer weather that comes with living closer to the equator. Our constant body temperature should range between 35 – 40°. Thus, when the temperature is outside the usual range, it often implies we are unwell.
As it gets colder it’s common to ‘catch’ a chill. Catching a chill doesn’t always warrant a cold/ flu, but it does heighten the chances of falling sick. Being cold puts stress on your body, suppressing your immune system and making it harder for your body to fight illness.
It’s common to think, “I should feed a fever, starve a cold” or that “you lose most heat from your head”. Although undeniably good suggestions, your best bet is to drinks lots of fluids, eat when hungry, and wear clothing to feel comfortable. adaptive responses (like sweating and shivering) to regulate our body temperature.
The colder we feel, the more energy we use to deploy such responses to reach an ideal temperature. Having lower energy levels means having a weakened immune system, and hence: we get sick.
Being warm-blooded means that we have adaptive responses (like sweating and shivering) to regulate our body temperature. The colder we feel, the more energy we use to deploy such responses to reach an ideal temperature. Having lower energy levels means having a weakened immune system, and hence: we get sick.
On the contrary, a warm forehead probably means you’ve already caught a bug. You can buy mouth and head thermometers to keep an eye on your body temperature. A good old fashioned cool washcloth is also great to help cool hot flushes.
It’s best to stay home, rest, hydrate and eat nutrient-rich foods. If you’re stuck inside, Alive Pharmacy has an online store for home deliveries. We get it – when you’re sick the last thing you feel like doing is going to a busy shopping centre.