An NHS GP has shared one tip she claims will “reduce the severity and duration” of any cough or cold this winter. Dr Shireen Ghezel says it’s crucial to take action “the second you believe you’ve caught a bug” if you want to suffer as little as possible.
Take Vitamin C and zinc at the first sign of a cold
“So you’ve got a sore throat, itchy eyes or a runny nose… I want you to take Vitamin C and zinc,” she began in a TikTok video. “You can actually get these combined in an effervescent tablet from Boots or your local pharmacy… just start taking them.”
Dr Ghezel added that there is scientific evidence to suggest that if you take these early on, you can reduce the severity and duration of your illness. “It’s literally the difference between being able to go to work and not,” she continued. “Or being able to function for your kids or not.”
Inexpensive supplements with added benefits
The doctor closed by pointing out that Vitamin C and zinc tablets are “inexpensive” and that she’s been taking them for the last few years and “managed to avoid any kind of flu or illness” that has stopped her functioning.
While Dr Ghezel states that her advice is for the winter months, with the children back at school and ‘Freshers’ Flu’ doing the rounds at universities, her advice could be taken on board sooner too.
Writing in response to the clip, one TikTok user agreed: “I take Vitamin C plus zinc, Vitamin D, and multivitamins with iron daily. I have less colds and less severe ones. I’ve been doing this for over five years, really believe it helps.”
A second person hailed: “Brilliant advice. I did this a few weeks ago when I, out of nowhere, felt really run down. I took Vitamin C and zinc, plus two effervescent tablets on day one and I was right as rain the next day.”
How the supplements support the immune system
As Dr Ghezel states, you can get Vitamin C and zinc in combined supplements to support the immune system, protect cells from oxidative stress and contribute to overall health and vitality.
While vitamin C supports immune function, collagen formation and helps with tiredness, zinc is super important for things such as immune health, normal vision and cognitive function. When taken together, they provide a joint boost to the immune system.
Vitamin C, or ascorbic acid, is a vital nutrient found in fruits and vegetables. Having plenty of it in your diet helps you maintain healthy skin, blood vessels, bones, and cartilage.
NHS advice on treating a cold at home
According to the NHS website: “You can often treat a cold without seeing a GP. You should begin to feel better in about one to two weeks.”
“Symptoms of a cold can last longer in young children. They may also be irritable, have difficulty feeding and sleeping, breathe through their mouth and get sick after coughing.”
You can usually treat a cold at home, and there are things you can do to aid the issue. The NHS says these things include:
- Get plenty of rest
- Drink lots of fluid, such as water, to avoid dehydration
- Eat healthy food (it’s common for small children to lose their appetite for a few days)
- Gargle salt water to soothe a sore throat (not suitable for children)
- Drink a hot lemon and honey drink to soothe a sore throat
- Breathe in steam to ease a blocked nose – try sitting in the bathroom with a hot shower running
Further information can be found on the NHS website and, if you’re worried about anything, contact your GP for further advice. You should also seek medical guidance before taking supplements.
