Autumn cold season has officially started in Finland, with viruses spreading more actively as temperatures drop. Influenza season typically follows later in the year, but cases of common colds are already rising across the country.
“Tens of different viruses are circulating all the time,” said Dr Emilia Lagus, a general practitioner at Terveystalo. “Healthy adults get several colds per year, and for children under three, it’s still normal to be sick up to eight times a year.”
Colds are caused by hundreds of different viruses. A person is more likely to become infected by a virus their body hasn’t encountered recently.
While complete avoidance of colds is unrealistic, Dr Lagus said there are clear ways to reduce the risk. She emphasised that vitamin supplements alone do not prevent infection.
“There’s no convincing evidence that supplements protect against infection if there’s no deficiency,” she said. “Vitamin C and zinc may help slightly, and zinc might shorten the duration of a cold a bit. But they won’t prevent the virus from spreading.”
Instead, Dr Lagus recommends seven practical strategies to reduce the chance of getting sick:
1. Maintain basic physical health
Getting enough sleep, staying active, and eating a varied diet rich in vegetables, fruit, and berries supports the immune system. “The plate model is a good guide,” said Dr Lagus. “Vitamin D is the only supplement I recommend year-round in Finland.”
2. Manage long-term stress
“Short-term stress can briefly boost immunity, but chronic stress weakens it. Long-term stress alters how the immune system works and makes you more vulnerable to infections.”
3. Avoid smoking
“Smoking weakens the body’s defences and irritates the mucous membranes in the respiratory tract. This makes them more prone to infection,” Dr Lagus said.
4. Wash hands frequently
Handwashing remains the most effective way to prevent viral transmission. “Viruses often spread through contact. Wash your hands after returning home, before eating, after using the toilet, and after sneezing or blowing your nose.”
5. Change hand towels more often
During virus season, families should avoid sharing towels. “Each family member should have their own hand towel. It’s a small but effective way to reduce spread within households.”
6. Spend time outdoors
Being in nature helps support immunity. “We don’t know exactly why, but exposure to diverse bacteria in nature, physical activity, social interaction, and vitamin D from sunlight may all play a role.”
7. Learn how to sneeze and cough properly
Virus spread is also reduced by proper hygiene when coughing or sneezing. “The best method is to sneeze into a disposable tissue, throw it away, and wash your hands. If no tissue is available, sneeze into your shirt collar, not your sleeve.”
According to Dr Lagus, these simple habits form the best line of defence. While no method is foolproof, combining them lowers the risk and protects others too.
HT
