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I have a stuffy nose, how can I tell if it’s hay fever, COVID or something else?

<a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/deryn-thompson-1449312">Deryn Thompson</a>, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/university-of-south-australia-1180">University of South Australia</a> Hay fever (also called allergic rhinitis) affects <a href="https://www.abs.gov.au/statistics/health/health-conditions-and-risks/national-health-survey-state-and-territory-findings/latest-release">24%</a> of Australians. <a href="https://www.allergy.org.au/patients/allergic-rhinitis-hay-fever-and-sinusitis/allergic-rhinitis-or-hay-fever">Symptoms</a> include sneezing, a runny nose (which may feel blocked or stuffy) and itchy eyes. People can also experience an itchy nose, throat or ears. But COVID is still <a href="https://theconversation.com/xec-is-now-in-australia-heres-what-we-know-about-this-hybrid-covid-variant-239292">spreading</a>, and <a href="https://theconversation.com/i-feel-sick-how-do-i-know-if-i-have-the-flu-covid-rsv-or-something-else-234266">other viruses</a> can cause cold-like symptoms. So how do you know which one you’ve got? <h2>Remind me, how does hay fever cause symptoms?</h2> <a href="https://www.allergy.org.au/hp/papers/allergic-rhinitis-clinical-update">Hay fever</a> happens when a person has become “sensitised” to an allergen trigger. This means a person’s body is always primed to react to this trigger. Triggers can include allergens in the air (such as pollen from trees, grasses and flowers), mould spores, animals or house dust mites which mostly live in people’s mattresses and bedding, and feed on shed skin. When the body is exposed to the trigger, it produces IgE (immunoglobulin E) antibodies. These cause the release of many of the body’s own chemicals, including histamine, which result in hay fever symptoms. People who have asthma may find their asthma symptoms (cough, wheeze, tight chest or trouble breathing) worsen when exposed to airborne allergens. Spring and sometimes into summer can be the worst time for people with grass, tree or flower allergies. However, animal and house dust mite symptoms usually happen year-round. <h2>What else might be causing my symptoms?</h2> Hay fever does not cause a fever, sore throat, muscle aches and pains, weakness, loss of taste or smell, nor does it cause you to cough up mucus. These symptoms are likely to be caused by a virus, such as COVID, influenza, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) or a “cold” (often caused by rhinoviruses). These conditions can occur all year round, with some overlap of symptoms: <figure class="align-center zoomable"><a href="https://images.theconversation.com/files/624085/original/file-20241007-16-xf6euv.png?ixlib=rb-4.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=1000&fit=clip"><img src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/624085/original/file-20241007-16-xf6euv.png?ixlib=rb-4.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=754&fit=clip" sizes="(min-width: 1466px) 754px, (max-width: 599px) 100vw, (min-width: 600px) 600px, 237px" srcset="https://images.theconversation.com/files/624085/original/file-20241007-16-xf6euv.png?ixlib=rb-4.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=600&h=582&fit=crop&dpr=1 600w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/624085/original/file-20241007-16-xf6euv.png?ixlib=rb-4.1.0&q=30&auto=format&w=600&h=582&fit=crop&dpr=2 1200w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/624085/original/file-20241007-16-xf6euv.png?ixlib=rb-4.1.0&q=15&auto=format&w=600&h=582&fit=crop&dpr=3 1800w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/624085/original/file-20241007-16-xf6euv.png?ixlib=rb-4.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=754&h=731&fit=crop&dpr=1 754w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/624085/original/file-20241007-16-xf6euv.png?ixlib=rb-4.1.0&q=30&auto=format&w=754&h=731&fit=crop&dpr=2 1508w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/624085/original/file-20241007-16-xf6euv.png?ixlib=rb-4.1.0&q=15&auto=format&w=754&h=731&fit=crop&dpr=3 2262w" alt="" /></a><figcaption><a class="source" href="https://theconversation.com/i-feel-sick-how-do-i-know-if-i-have-the-flu-covid-rsv-or-something-else-234266">Natasha Yates/The Conversation</a></figcaption></figure> COVID still <a href="https://theconversation.com/xec-is-now-in-australia-heres-what-we-know-about-this-hybrid-covid-variant-239292">surrounds</a> us. <a href="https://www.sahealth.sa.gov.au/wps/wcm/connect/public+content/sa+health+internet/about+us/health+statistics/surveillance+of+notifiable+conditions/respiratory+infections+dashboard">RSV and influenza</a> rates appear higher than before the COVID pandemic, but it may be <a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC10888990/#:%7E:text=Increases%20in%20RSV%20patient%20volume,with%20an%20RSV%20diagnosis%20occurred">due to more testing</a>. So if you have a fever, sore throat, muscle aches/pains, weakness, fatigue, or are coughing up mucus, stay home and avoid mixing with others to limit transmission. People with COVID symptoms can take a rapid antigen test (<a href="https://www.health.gov.au/sites/default/files/2024-04/coronavirus-covid-19-rapid-antigen-tests.pdf">RAT</a>), ideally when <a href="https://www.cochrane.org/CD013705/INFECTN_how-accurate-are-rapid-antigen-tests-diagnosing-covid-19">symptoms start</a>, then isolate until symptoms disappear. <a href="https://www.mja.com.au/journal/2023/219/11/covid-19-rapid-antigen-tests-approved-self-testing-australia-published">One negative RAT alone</a> can’t rule out COVID if symptoms are still present, so test again 24–48 hours after your initial test if symptoms persist. You can now test yourself for COVID, RSV and influenza in a <a href="https://www.tga.gov.au/sites/default/files/2024-02/covid-19-rapid-antigen-self-tests-are-approved-australia-ifu-406813.PDF">combined RAT</a>. But again, a negative test doesn’t rule out the virus. If your symptoms continue, <a href="https://www.tga.gov.au/sites/default/files/2024-02/covid-19-rapid-antigen-self-tests-are-approved-australia-ifu-406813.PDF">test again</a> 24–48 hours after the previous test. <h2>If it’s hay fever, how do I treat it?</h2> Treatment involves blocking the body’s histamine release, by taking antihistamine medication which helps reduce the symptoms. Doctors, nurse practitioners and pharmacists can develop a <a href="https://www.allergy.org.au/images/pc/ASCIA_Allergic_Rhinitis_Treatment_Plan_2024.pdf">hay fever care plan</a>. This may include using a nasal spray containing a topical corticosteroid to help reduce the swelling inside the nose, which causes stuffiness or blockage. Nasal sprays need to delivered <a href="https://allergyfacts.org.au/are-you-using-your-nasal-spray-correctly/">using correct technique</a> and used over several weeks to work properly. Often these sprays can also help lessen the itchy eyes of hay fever. Drying bed linen and pyjamas inside during spring can <a href="https://www.allergy.org.au/patients/allergy-treatments/allergen-minimisation">lessen symptoms</a>, as can putting a <a href="https://www.nps.org.au/consumers/managing-hay-fever">smear of Vaseline</a> in the nostrils when going outside. Pollen sticks to the Vaseline, and gently blowing your nose later removes it. People with asthma should also have an <a href="https://asthma.org.au/manage-asthma/asthma-action-plan/">asthma plan</a>, created by their doctor or nurse practitioner, explaining how to adjust their asthma reliever and preventer medications in hay fever seasons or on allergen exposure. People with asthma also need to be <a href="https://www.nationalasthma.org.au/living-with-asthma/resources/patients-carers/factsheets/thunderstorm-asthma">alert for thunderstorms</a>, where pollens can burst into tinier particles, be inhaled deeper in the lungs and cause a severe asthma attack, and even death. <h2>What if it’s COVID, RSV or the flu?</h2> Australians aged 70 and over and others with underlying health conditions who test positive for COVID are <a href="https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/covid-19/medications#at-home">eligible for antivirals</a> to reduce their chance of severe illness. Most other people with COVID, RSV and influenza will recover at home with rest, fluids and paracetamol to relieve symptoms. However some groups are at greater risk of serious illness and may require additional treatment or hospitalisation. For <a href="https://www.health.nsw.gov.au/Infectious/factsheets/Pages/respiratory-syncytial-virus.aspx">RSV</a>, this includes premature infants, babies 12 months and younger, children under two who have other medical conditions, adults over 75, people with heart and lung conditions, or health conditions that lessens the immune system response. For influenza, people at <a href="https://www.health.nsw.gov.au/Infectious/Influenza/Pages/at-risk.aspx">higher risk</a> of severe illness are pregnant women, Aboriginal people, people under five or over 65 years, or people with long-term medical conditions, such as kidney, heart, lung or liver disease, diabetes and decreased immunity. If you’re concerned about severe symptoms of COVID, RSV or influenza, consult your doctor or call 000 in an emergency. If your symptoms are mild but persist, and you’re not sure what’s causing them, book an appointment with your doctor or nurse practitioner. Although hay fever season is here, we need to avoid spreading other serious infectious. For more information, you can call the healthdirect helpline on 1800 022 222 (known as NURSE-ON-CALL in Victoria); use the <a href="https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/symptom-checker">online Symptom Checker</a>; or visit <a href="http://healthdirect.gov.au/">healthdirect.gov.au</a> or the <a href="https://www.allergy.org.au/patients/allergy-treatments/allergen-minimisation">Australian Society of Clinical Immunology and Allergy</a>.<img style="border: none !important; box-shadow: none !important; margin: 0 !important; max-height: 1px !important; max-width: 1px !important; min-height: 1px !important; min-width: 1px !important; opacity: 0 !important; outline: none !important; padding: 0 !important;" src="https://counter.theconversation.com/content/240453/count.gif?distributor=republish-lightbox-basic" alt="The Conversation" width="1" height="1" /> <a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/deryn-thompson-1449312">Deryn Thompson</a>, Eczema and Allergy Nurse; Lecturer, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/university-of-south-australia-1180">University of South Australia</a> Image credits: Shutterstock This article is republished from <a href="https://theconversation.com">The Conversation</a> under a Creative Commons license. Read the <a href="https://theconversation.com/i-have-a-stuffy-nose-how-can-i-tell-if-its-hay-fever-covid-or-something-else-240453">original article</a>.

Body

I’ve recovered from a cold but I still have a hoarse voice. What should I do?

<div class="theconversation-article-body"><a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/yeptain-leung-1563747">Yeptain Leung</a>, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/the-university-of-melbourne-722">The University of Melbourne</a> Cold, flu, COVID and <a href="https://theconversation.com/rsv-is-everywhere-right-now-what-parents-need-to-know-about-respiratory-syncytial-virus-208855">RSV</a> have been <a href="https://www.abc.net.au/news/2024-06-21/flu-whooping-cough-rsv-cases-up-as-covid-cases-unkown/104002964">circulating across Australia this winter</a>. Many of us have caught and recovered from <a href="https://theconversation.com/i-feel-sick-how-do-i-know-if-i-have-the-flu-covid-rsv-or-something-else-234266">one of these</a> common upper respiratory tract infections. But for some people their impact is ongoing. Even if your throat isn’t <a href="https://theconversation.com/sore-throats-suck-do-throat-lozenges-help-at-all-184454">sore</a> anymore, your voice may still be hoarse or croaky. So what happens to the voice when we get a virus? And what happens after? Here’s what you should know if your voice is still hoarse for days – or even weeks – after your other symptoms have resolved. <h2>Why does my voice get croaky during a cold?</h2> A healthy voice is normally clear and strong. It’s powered by the lungs, which push air past the vocal cords to make them vibrate. These vibrations are amplified in the throat and mouth, creating the voice we hear. The vocal cords are two elastic muscles situated in your throat, around the level of your laryngeal prominence, or Adam’s apple. (Although everyone has one, it tends to be more pronounced in males.) The vocal cords are small and delicate – around the size of your fingernail. Any small change in their structure will affect how the voice sounds. When the vocal cords become inflamed – known as laryngitis – your voice will sound different. Laryngitis is a common part of upper respiratory tract infections, but can also be caused through misuse. <figure class="align-center "><img src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/614706/original/file-20240821-17-nzg1mc.jpg?ixlib=rb-4.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=754&fit=clip" sizes="(min-width: 1466px) 754px, (max-width: 599px) 100vw, (min-width: 600px) 600px, 237px" srcset="https://images.theconversation.com/files/614706/original/file-20240821-17-nzg1mc.jpg?ixlib=rb-4.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=600&h=366&fit=crop&dpr=1 600w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/614706/original/file-20240821-17-nzg1mc.jpg?ixlib=rb-4.1.0&q=30&auto=format&w=600&h=366&fit=crop&dpr=2 1200w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/614706/original/file-20240821-17-nzg1mc.jpg?ixlib=rb-4.1.0&q=15&auto=format&w=600&h=366&fit=crop&dpr=3 1800w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/614706/original/file-20240821-17-nzg1mc.jpg?ixlib=rb-4.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=754&h=460&fit=crop&dpr=1 754w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/614706/original/file-20240821-17-nzg1mc.jpg?ixlib=rb-4.1.0&q=30&auto=format&w=754&h=460&fit=crop&dpr=2 1508w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/614706/original/file-20240821-17-nzg1mc.jpg?ixlib=rb-4.1.0&q=15&auto=format&w=754&h=460&fit=crop&dpr=3 2262w" alt="Two drawn circles comparing normal vocal cords with inflamed, red vocal cords." /><figcaption>Viruses such as the common cold can inflame the vocal cords. <a class="source" href="https://www.shutterstock.com/image-vector/dry-sore-loss-cough-virus-viral-1821458117">Pepermpron/Shutterstock</a></figcaption></figure> Catching a virus triggers the body’s defence mechanisms. White blood cells are recruited to kill the virus and heal the tissues in the vocal cords. They become inflamed, but also stiffer. It’s harder for them to vibrate, so the voice comes out hoarse and croaky. In some instances, you may find it hard to speak in a loud voice or have a reduced pitch range, meaning you can’t go as high or loud as normal. You may even “lose” your voice altogether. Coughing can also make things worse. It is the body’s way of trying to clear the airways of irritation, including your own mucus dripping onto your throat (<a href="https://www.health.harvard.edu/staying-healthy/treatments-for-post-nasal-drip">post-nasal drip</a>). But coughing slams the vocal cords together with force. Chronic coughing can lead to persistent inflammation and even thicken the vocal cords. This thickening is the body trying to protect itself, similar to developing a callus when a pair of new shoes rubs. Thickening on your vocal cords can lead to physical changes in the vocal cords – such as developing a growth or “nodule” – and further deterioration of your voice quality. <figure class="align-center "><img src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/614707/original/file-20240821-21-vizs73.jpg?ixlib=rb-4.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=754&fit=clip" sizes="(min-width: 1466px) 754px, (max-width: 599px) 100vw, (min-width: 600px) 600px, 237px" srcset="https://images.theconversation.com/files/614707/original/file-20240821-21-vizs73.jpg?ixlib=rb-4.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=600&h=376&fit=crop&dpr=1 600w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/614707/original/file-20240821-21-vizs73.jpg?ixlib=rb-4.1.0&q=30&auto=format&w=600&h=376&fit=crop&dpr=2 1200w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/614707/original/file-20240821-21-vizs73.jpg?ixlib=rb-4.1.0&q=15&auto=format&w=600&h=376&fit=crop&dpr=3 1800w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/614707/original/file-20240821-21-vizs73.jpg?ixlib=rb-4.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=754&h=473&fit=crop&dpr=1 754w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/614707/original/file-20240821-21-vizs73.jpg?ixlib=rb-4.1.0&q=30&auto=format&w=754&h=473&fit=crop&dpr=2 1508w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/614707/original/file-20240821-21-vizs73.jpg?ixlib=rb-4.1.0&q=15&auto=format&w=754&h=473&fit=crop&dpr=3 2262w" alt="Diagram compares healthy vocal cords with cords that have nodules, two small bumps." /><figcaption>Coughing and exertion can cause inflamed vocal cords to thicken and develop nodules. <a class="source" href="https://www.shutterstock.com/image-vector/dry-sore-loss-cough-virus-viral-1821458126">Pepermpron/Shutterstock</a></figcaption></figure> <h2>How can you care for your voice during infection?</h2> People who use their voices a lot professionally – such as teachers, call centre workers and singers – are often desperate to resume their vocal activities. They are <a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7478078/">more at risk</a> of forcing their voice before it’s ready. The good news is most viral infections resolve themselves. Your voice is usually restored within five to ten days of recovering from a cold. Occasionally, your pharmacist or doctor may prescribe cough suppressants to limit additional damage to the vocal cords (among other reasons) or mucolytics, which break down mucus. But the most effective treatments for viral upper respiratory tract infections are hydration and rest. Drink plenty of water, avoid alcohol and exposure to cigarette smoke. <a href="https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/laryngitis#:%7E:text=You%20can%20help%20your%20voice%20recover%20by%3A%201,avoid%20nasal%20decongestants%20%28these%20make%20your%20throat%20drier%29">Inhaling steam</a> by making yourself a cup of hot water will also help clear blocked noses and hydrate your vocal cords. Rest your voice by talking as little as possible. If you do need to talk, don’t whisper – this <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0892199704001730">strains the muscles</a>. Instead, consider using “<a href="https://www.instagram.com/reel/C0d-oNIMM1y/">confidential voice</a>”. This is a soft voice – not a whisper – that gently vibrates your vocal cords but puts less strain on your voice than normal speech. Think of the voice you use when communicating with someone close by. During the first five to ten days of your infection, it is important not to push through. Exerting the voice by talking a lot or loudly will only exacerbate the situation. Once you’ve recovered from your cold, you can speak as you would normally. <h2>What should you do if your voice is still hoarse after recovery?</h2> If your voice hasn’t returned to normal after <a href="https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/laryngitis">two to three weeks</a>, you should seek medical attention from your doctor, who may refer you to an ear nose and throat specialist. If you’ve developed a nodule, the specialist would likely refer you to a speech pathologist who will show you how to take care of your voice. Many nodules can be <a href="https://britishvoiceassociation.org.uk/voicecare_vocal-nodules.htm">treated</a> with voice therapy and don’t require surgery. You may have also developed a habit of straining your vocal cords, if you forced yourself to speak or sing while they were inflamed. This can be a reason why some people continue to have a hoarse voice even when they’ve recovered from the cold. In those cases, a speech pathologist may play a valuable role. They may teach you to exercises that make voicing more efficient. For example, <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fwNPp-RS4IY">lip trills</a> (blowing raspberries) are a fun and easy way you can learn to relax the voice. This can help break the habit of straining your voice you may have developed during infection.<img style="border: none !important; box-shadow: none !important; margin: 0 !important; max-height: 1px !important; max-width: 1px !important; min-height: 1px !important; min-width: 1px !important; opacity: 0 !important; outline: none !important; padding: 0 !important;" src="https://counter.theconversation.com/content/236398/count.gif?distributor=republish-lightbox-basic" alt="The Conversation" width="1" height="1" /> <a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/yeptain-leung-1563747">Yeptain Leung</a>, Postdoctoral Research and Lecturer of Speech Pathology, School of Health Sciences, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/the-university-of-melbourne-722">The University of Melbourne</a> This article is republished from <a href="https://theconversation.com">The Conversation</a> under a Creative Commons license. Read the <a href="https://theconversation.com/ive-recovered-from-a-cold-but-i-still-have-a-hoarse-voice-what-should-i-do-236398">original article</a>. </div>

Body

No, your aches and pains don’t get worse in the cold. So why do we think they do?

<a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/manuela-ferreira-161420">Manuela Ferreira</a>, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/george-institute-for-global-health-874">George Institute for Global Health</a> and <a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/leticia-deveza-1550633">Leticia Deveza</a>, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/university-of-sydney-841">University of Sydney</a> It’s cold and wet outside. As you get out of bed, you can feel it in your bones. Your right knee is flaring up again. That’ll make it harder for you to walk the dog or go to the gym. You think it must be because of the weather. It’s a common idea, but a myth. When we looked at the evidence, <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0049017224000337">we found</a> no direct link between most common aches and pains and the weather. In the first study of its kind, we found no direct link between the temperature or humidity with most joint or muscle aches and pains. So why are so many of us convinced the weather’s to blame? Here’s what we think is really going on. <h2>Weather can be linked to your health</h2> The weather is often associated with the risk of new and ongoing health conditions. For example, cold temperatures <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27021573/">may worsen</a> asthma symptoms. Hot temperatures <a href="https://www.thelancet.com/journals/lanplh/article/PIIS2542-5196(22)00117-6/fulltext">increase the risk</a> of heart problems, such as arrhythmia (irregular heartbeat), cardiac arrest and coronary heart disease. Many people are also convinced the weather is linked to their aches and pains. For example, <a href="https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1111/j.1479-8077.2004.00099.x?casa_token=jvpSbA4szqoAAAAA%3ATyHyGaqXmfevWyuJe6LW_3Pap3IPHC8HSMTl3RN63mFzNO0X7ozQjBb6Bi3yVFuPjqkrf-WlB-J5A1q1">two in every three</a> people with knee, hip or hand osteoarthritis <a href="https://bmcmusculoskeletdisord.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/1471-2474-15-66">say</a> cold temperatures trigger their symptoms. Musculoskeletal conditions affect more than <a href="https://www.aihw.gov.au/reports/chronic-musculoskeletal-conditions/musculoskeletal-conditions-comorbidity-australia/summary">seven million Australians</a>. So we set out to find out whether weather is really the culprit behind winter flare-ups. <h2>What we did</h2> Very few studies have been specifically and appropriately designed to look for any direct link between weather changes and joint or muscle pain. And ours is the first to evaluate data from these particular studies. We looked at data from more than 15,000 people from around the world. Together, these people reported more than 28,000 episodes of pain, mostly back pain, knee or hip osteoarthritis. People with rheumatoid arthritis and gout were also included. We then compared the frequency of those pain reports between different types of weather: hot or cold, humid or dry, rainy, windy, as well as some combinations (for example, hot and humid versus cold and dry). <h2>What we found</h2> We found changes in air temperature, humidity, air pressure and rainfall do not increase the risk of knee, hip or lower back pain symptoms and are not associated with people seeking care for a new episode of arthritis. The results of this study suggest we do not experience joint or muscle pain flare-ups as a result of changes in the weather, and a cold day will not increase our risk of having knee or back pain. In order words, there is no direct link between the weather and back, knee or hip pain, nor will it give you arthritis. It is important to note, though, that very cold air temperatures (under 10°C) were rarely studied so we cannot make conclusions about worsening symptoms in more extreme changes in the weather. The only exception to our findings was for gout, an inflammatory type of arthritis that can come and go. Here, pain increased in warmer, dry conditions. Gout has a very different underlying biological mechanism to back pain or knee and hip osteoarthritis, which may explain our results. The combination of warm and dry weather may lead to increased dehydration and consequently increased concentration of uric acid in the blood, and deposition of uric acid crystals in the joint in people with gout, resulting in a flare-up. <h2>Why do people blame the weather?</h2> The weather can influence other factors and behaviours that consequently shape how we perceive and manage pain. For example, some people may change their physical activity routine during winter, choosing the couch over the gym. And we know <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28700451/">prolonged sitting</a>, for instance, is directly linked to worse back pain. Others may change their sleep routine or sleep less well when it is either too cold or too warm. Once again, a bad night’s sleep can trigger your <a href="https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s00586-021-06730-6">back</a> and <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1063458421007020">knee</a> pain. Likewise, changes in mood, often experienced in cold weather, trigger increases in both <a href="https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s00586-021-06730-6">back</a> and <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1063458421007020">knee</a> pain. So these changes in behaviour over winter may contribute to more aches and pains, and not the weather itself. Believing our pain will feel worse in winter (even if this is not the case) may also make us feel worse in winter. This is known as the <a href="https://link.springer.com/article/10.1186/s12891-018-1943-8">nocebo effect</a>. <h2>What to do about winter aches and pains?</h2> It’s best to focus on risk factors for pain you can control and modify, rather than ones you can’t (such as the weather). You can: <ul> <li> become more physically active. This winter, and throughout the year, aim to walk more, or talk to your health-care provider about gentle exercises you can safely do at home, with a physiotherapist, personal trainer or at the pool </li> <li> lose weight if obese or overweight, as this is linked to <a href="https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jama/article-abstract/2799405">lower levels</a> of joint pain and better physical function </li> <li> keep your body warm in winter if you feel some muscle tension in uncomfortably cold conditions. Also ensure your bedroom is nice and warm as we tend to sleep <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0033350623003359">less well</a> in cold rooms </li> <li> maintain a healthy diet and <a href="https://www.thelancet.com/journals/lanrhe/article/PIIS2665-9913(23)00098-X/fulltext">avoid smoking</a> or drinking high levels of alcohol. These are among <a href="https://ard.bmj.com/content/annrheumdis/82/1/48.full.pdf">key lifestyle recommendations</a> to better manage many types of arthritis and musculoskeletal conditions. For people with back pain, for example, a healthy lifestyle is linked with <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36208321/">higher levels</a> of physical function.<img style="border: none !important; box-shadow: none !important; margin: 0 !important; max-height: 1px !important; max-width: 1px !important; min-height: 1px !important; min-width: 1px !important; opacity: 0 !important; outline: none !important; padding: 0 !important;" src="https://counter.theconversation.com/content/235117/count.gif?distributor=republish-lightbox-basic" alt="The Conversation" width="1" height="1" /> </li> </ul> <a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/manuela-ferreira-161420">Manuela Ferreira</a>, Professor of Musculoskeletal Health, Head of Musculoskeletal Program, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/george-institute-for-global-health-874">George Institute for Global Health</a> and <a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/leticia-deveza-1550633">Leticia Deveza</a>, Rheumatologist and Research Fellow, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/university-of-sydney-841">University of Sydney</a> Image credits: Shutterstock This article is republished from <a href="https://theconversation.com">The Conversation</a> under a Creative Commons license. Read the <a href="https://theconversation.com/no-your-aches-and-pains-dont-get-worse-in-the-cold-so-why-do-we-think-they-do-235117">original article</a>.

Body

Ted Bundy cold case finally solved after 51 years

In March 1973 the half-naked body of Ann Woodward was found brutally murdered on the floor inside the pub that she owned with her husband. The 46-year-old mother's body was discovered between two pool tables, with her shirt unbuttoned and pants used to strangle her. Her murder has haunted the small US desert town of Moab, Utah for over half a century. While police were never able to find her killer, they believed Ted Bundy was the likely culprit, as he had raped and killed multiple women in the area around the time of her death. While Bundy admitted to thirty murders, his real victim count is unknown. However, they had not been able to prove that he was the culprit due to a lack of evidence, so police assumed she was just another one of his unnamed victims. 25 other men, including Douglas Keith Chudomelka, had also been of interest to police after the crime, as witnesses spotted Chudomelka's sedan parked near the victims car on the night of the murder. However, when Chudomelka was interviewed the next day, he denied being at the bar, and insisted that he was at a nearby tavern. His girlfriend at the time, a woman named Joyce, also backed his statement and said he was home at the time of the murder on March 2, 1973. A few months later, Chudomelka was arrested on a domestic violence charge, with an angry Joyce claiming he had been the one who killed Ann Woodward, but she soon retracted her statement. With no new leads, the case went cold, but forward-thinking Police Chief Melvin Dalton, decided to keep DNA evidence from both the victim and all potential suspects anyways, in hopes that one day the right technology would be used to identify the killer. In 2006, Dalton reopened the case, but had no luck until September 2023, when Detective Jeremy Dexler decided to uncover the two boxes of evidence collected from the initial investigation and send it to the crime lab. The DNA evidence had sat at the Moab police department's storage units for over 50 years and was not easy to locate as it had been moved to another building. The evidence was crucial in solving the cold case. When results from the crime lab came back at the end of May 2024, they confirmed that a substantial amount of Chudomelka’s DNA was on the inside of Ann’s pants and on all of the buttons of her shirt. This was enough to confirm that Chudomelka was the one responsible for Ann Woodward's murder. He was 36 when he committed the crime. Chudomelka was not known to the victim, but Detective Drexler believes that he may have played a game of poker with Ann when he visited the pub, and may have been angry at her for beating him. He added that it could have also been a crime of opportunity rather than rage as he had a violent history. Detective Drexler praised Dalton's forward-thinking for being the reason why they solved the case. “This case hinged on the hair Dalton pulled in 1973,” Drexler said. “I have no idea how he knew that we would be able to do that today. Dalton made this case very easy for us in that aspect.” Chudomelka passed away in 2002 at the age of 67 without ever paying for his crime, but County Lawyer Stephen Stocks believes that if he was still alive, he would've been found guilty of murder. “I hope today brings some closure to the family,” he said. “I truly believe had this been presented to a jury, Chudomelka would have been found guilty beyond reasonable doubt for the murder of Ann Woodward.” Images: Moab Police Department

Legal

Flight attendant reveals the unexpected reason why it's so cold on planes

When it comes to packing essentials in your carry-on for your next flight, many people add a jumper, extra socks, or even their own blanket to their bags. Because one thing’s for sure: you’ll probably be cold on your flight. But have you ever stopped to think of the reason why the cabin of a plane is so cold? According to a Canadian flight attendant, it's to do with keeping you feeling good. Vanessa Settimi told Reader's Digest that a cooler cabin helps passengers who are prone to fainting or have motion sickness during turbulence. She also clarified that despite what travellers may think, cabin crew don’t have control over the cabin temperature. "Temperature in the cabin is controlled by the pilots. Even though travellers often ask to get the temperature turned up during flights, it is kept on the cooler side." She went on to say that the key to staying warm on your next flight is bringing extra layers. "Now this might just be the flight attendant in me," says Settimi, "but you will never catch me flying as a traveller in sandals and a tank top!" Image credits: Shutterstock

Travel Trouble

Why a cold beer is best – chemically speaking

A quiet moment in a bar has led two researchers to study how alcohol tastes at different temperatures. No, this is real science. <div class="copy"> “Two years ago, Xiaotao Yang and I were drinking beer together. He had just finished his doctorate degree thesis and asked me, ‘what should we do next?’” says Lei Jiang, lead author of a new study <a href="https://doi.org/10.1016/j.matt.2024.03.017" target="_blank" rel="noopener">published</a> in the materials science journal Matter. Yang and Jiang are material scientists at the Chinese Academy of Sciences. “At the time, I was a scientific committee member of one of the biggest Chinese alcoholic beverage companies, and I had the idea to ask the question ‘why does Chinese baijiu have a very particular concentration of alcohol, either 38%–42%, 52%–53%, or 68%–75%?’” Baijiu is a clear grain liquor from East Asia. It’s typically distilled from fermented sorghum (a type of grass), though it is also sometimes made from rice, wheat, barley or millet. “Then we decided, let’s try something, so I put a drop of beer on my hand to see the contact angle,” says Jiang. Contact angle is a measure of surface tension. For example, water has a low contact angle which is why it appears bead-like when placed on a surface. Solutions with high <a href="https://cosmosmagazine.com/health/body-and-mind/debunks-vices-alcohol/">alcohol</a> concentration, however, have a higher contact angle meaning they flatten and spread out. Contact angle also reveals how molecules within the droplet interact with each other and the surface below. After plotting the concentration of ethanol (alcohol) against contact angle, the scientists were surprised with what they found. There is no linear relationship between alcohol concentration and contact angle. Instead, increasing the amount of alcohol leads to a series of plateaus and sharp rises in the plot. Further experiments showed that this arises out of the formation of clusters of ethanol and water in the solutions. At low concentrations, ethanol forms pyramid-like structures around the water molecules. At high concentrations, the ethanol molecules arrange end-to-end in a chain. They also found that these structures change depending on temperature. For example, 38%–42% and 52%–53% ethanol solutions have distinct cluster structures at around room temperature, but this difference disappears at higher temperatures, like 40°C. “Although there is only 1% difference, the taste of baijiu at 51% and 52% is noticeably different; the taste of baijiu at 51% is similar to that of lower alcohol content, such as 38%–42%. So, in order to achieve the same taste at a lower alcohol content, the distribution of baijiu products ranges most within the 38%–42% and 52%–53% categories,” says Jiang. The researchers also found that there is an increase in ethanol chains at 5°C in 5% and 11% ethanol solutions – the concentration range of beer – giving it a more “ethanol-like” taste which is generally preferred. “At low temperature, the tetrahedral (pyramid-shaped) clusters become the low concentration amount, and this is why we drink cold beer,” says Jiang. The researchers say their research could help beverage companies produce the best flavour with the lowest alcohol concentration. Image credits: Shutterstock <div> </div> <img id="cosmos-post-tracker" style="opacity: 0; height: 1px!important; width: 1px!important; border: 0!important; position: absolute!important; z-index: -1!important;" src="https://syndication.cosmosmagazine.com/?id=303282&title=Why+a+cold+beer+is+best+%E2%80%93+chemically+speaking" width="1" height="1" loading="lazy" aria-label="Syndication Tracker" data-spai-target="src" data-spai-orig="" data-spai-exclude="nocdn" /></div> <div id="contributors"> <a href="https://cosmosmagazine.com/science/chemistry/beer-taste-temperature/">This article</a> was originally published on <a href="https://cosmosmagazine.com">Cosmos Magazine</a> and was written by <a href="https://cosmosmagazine.com/contributor/evrim-yazgin/">Evrim Yazgin</a>. </div>

Food & Wine

Dog care below freezing − how to keep your pet warm and safe from cold weather, road salt and more this winter

<a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/erik-christian-olstad-1505284">Erik Christian Olstad</a>, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/university-of-california-davis-1312">University of California, Davis</a> Time outside with your dog in the spring, summer and fall can be lovely. Visiting your favorite downtown café on a cool spring morning, going to a favorite dog park on a clear summer evening or going on walks along a river when the leaves are changing color are all wonderful when the weather is favorable. But in much of the country, when winter rolls around, previously hospitable conditions can <a href="https://theconversation.com/is-winter-miserable-for-wildlife-108734">quickly turn chilly and dangerous</a> for people and pups alike. Winter brings some unique challenges for dog owners, since dogs still need activity and socialization during colder seasons. Studies have shown that dog owners are almost 50% less likely to walk their dogs <a href="https://doi.org/10.3390/ani11113302">when the weather gets cold</a>. Knowing the basics of winter safety is critical to maintaining a healthy lifestyle for your dog. I am an <a href="https://www.vetmed.ucdavis.edu/faculty/erik-olstad">assistant professor</a> at the University of California Davis School of Veterinary Medicine who weathered polar vortexes with my dog while living in Michigan early in my career. While I’ve since moved to sunny California, I’ve seen how quickly frigid temperatures can turn dangerous for pets. <h2>Breed and age differences</h2> Not all dogs have the same abilities to deal with cold weather. A short-coated dog like a Chihuahua is much more susceptible to the dangers of cold weather than a thick-coated husky. When the weather dips below 40 degrees Fahrenheit (4 degrees Celsius), the well-acclimated husky may be comfortable, whereas the Chihuahua would shiver and be at risk of hypothermia. Additionally, if your dog is used to warm weather, but you decide to move to a colder region, the dog will need time to acclimate to that colder weather, even if they have a thick coat. Age also affects cold-weather resilience. Puppies and elderly dogs can’t withstand the chill as well as other dogs, but every dog is unique – each may have individual health conditions or physical attributes that make them more or less resilient to cold weather. <h2>When is my dog too cold?</h2> Pet owners should be able to recognize the symptoms of a dog that is getting too cold. Dogs will shiver, and some may vocalize or whine. Dogs may resist putting their feet down on the cold ground, or burrow, or try to find warmth in their environment when they are uncomfortable. Just like people, <a href="https://vcahospitals.com/know-your-pet/frostbite-in-dogs">dogs can get frostbite</a>. And just like people, the signs can take days to appear, making it hard to assess them in the moment. The most common sites for frostbite in dogs are their ears and the tips of their tails. Some of the initial signs of frostbite are skin discoloring, turning paler than normal, or purple, gray or even black; red, blistered skin; swelling; pain at the site; <a href="https://www.britannica.com/science/ulcer">or ulceration</a>. Other <a href="https://vcahospitals.com/know-your-pet/frostbite-in-dogs">serious signs of hypothermia</a> include sluggishness or lethargy, and if you observe them, please visit your veterinarian immediately. A good rule to live by is if it is too cold for you, it is too cold for your dog. Getting your dog a <a href="https://www.cnn.com/cnn-underscored/pets/best-winter-dog-coats-jackets">sweater or jacket</a> and <a href="https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/vets-corner/protect-dogs-paws-snow-ice-salt/">paw covers</a> can provide them with protection from the elements and keep them comfortable. Veterinarians also recommend closely monitoring your dog and limiting their time outside when the temperature nears the freezing point or drops below it. <h2>Road salt dangers</h2> Road salt that treats ice on streets and sidewalks <a href="https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/kitchener-waterloo/ice-salt-toxic-for-pets-1.5020088">can also harm dogs</a>. When dogs walk on the salt, the sharp, rough edges of the salt crystals can irritate the sensitive skin on their paws. Dogs will often lick their feet when they’re dirty, wet or irritated, and if they ingest any salt doing that, they may face GI upset, dehydration, kidney failure, seizures or even death. Even small amounts of pure salt can <a href="https://www.petpoisonhelpline.com/pet-tips/my-dog-ate-road-salt-will-they-be-okay/">disrupt critical body functions</a> in dogs. Some companies make pet-safe salt, but in public it can be hard to tell what type of salt is on the ground. After walking your dog, wash off their feet or boots. You can also keep their paw fur trimmed to prevent snow from balling up or salt collecting in the fur. Applying a thin layer of petroleum jelly or <a href="https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/lifestyle/how-to-make-your-own-paw-balm-for-winter/">paw pad balm</a> to the skin of the paw pads can also help protect your pet’s paws from irritation. <h2>Antifreeze risks</h2> <a href="https://www.britannica.com/science/antifreeze-chemical-substance">Antifreeze, or ethylene glycol</a>, is in most vehicles to prevent the fluids from freezing when it gets cold out. Some people pour antifreeze into their toilets when away from their home to prevent the water in the toilet from freezing. Antifreeze is an exceptionally dangerous chemical to dogs and cats, as it tastes sweet but can be deadly when ingested. If a pet ingests even a small amount of antifreeze, the substance causes a chemical cascade in their body that results in severe kidney damage. If left untreated, the pet may have <a href="https://www.petpoisonhelpline.com/pet-owner-blog/antifreeze-poisoning/">permanent kidney damage or die</a>. There are safer antifreeze options on the market that use ingredients other than ethylene glycol. If your dog ingests antifreeze, please see your veterinarian immediately for treatment. When temperatures dip below freezing, the best thing pet owners can do is keep the time spent outside as minimal as possible. Try some <a href="https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/lifestyle/great-indoor-games-to-play-with-your-dog/">indoor activities</a>, like hide-and-seek with low-calorie treats, fetch or even an interactive obstacle course. Food puzzles can also keep your dog mentally engaged during indoor time. Although winter presents some unique challenges, it can still be an enjoyable and healthy time for you and your canine companion.<img style="border: none !important; box-shadow: none !important; margin: 0 !important; max-height: 1px !important; max-width: 1px !important; min-height: 1px !important; min-width: 1px !important; opacity: 0 !important; outline: none !important; padding: 0 !important;" src="https://counter.theconversation.com/content/221709/count.gif?distributor=republish-lightbox-basic" alt="The Conversation" width="1" height="1" /> <a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/erik-christian-olstad-1505284">Erik Christian Olstad</a>, Health Sciences Assistant Professor of Clinical Veterinary Medicine, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/university-of-california-davis-1312">University of California, Davis</a> Image credits: Getty Images This article is republished from <a href="https://theconversation.com">The Conversation</a> under a Creative Commons license. Read the <a href="https://theconversation.com/dog-care-below-freezing-how-to-keep-your-pet-warm-and-safe-from-cold-weather-road-salt-and-more-this-winter-221709">original article</a>.

Family & Pets

You’ve heard of long COVID, but did you know there might also be a long cold?

<a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/giulia-vivaldi-1476903">Giulia Vivaldi</a>, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/queen-mary-university-of-london-1745">Queen Mary University of London</a> At least <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41579-022-00846-2">10% of people</a> infected with SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID, have symptoms that last more than four weeks after the infection. With more than <a href="https://covid19.who.int/">770 million infections</a> to date, this translates to tens of millions of people living with the long-term consequences of COVID, known as “long COVID”. <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41579-022-00846-2">More than 200 symptoms</a> of long COVID have been studied, with some of the most common being fatigue, breathlessness and cognitive difficulties, such as memory problems or “brain fog”. The condition can be debilitating – many people have to <a href="https://www.thelancet.com/journals/eclinm/article/PIIS2589-5370(23)00387-5/fulltext">reduce their working hours</a> or are <a href="https://ifs.org.uk/publications/long-covid-and-labour-market">unable to work entirely</a>. But COVID may not be alone in causing long-lasting symptoms. In a <a href="https://www.thelancet.com/journals/eclinm/article/PIIS2589-5370(23)00428-5/fulltext">new paper</a>, my colleagues and I report the findings of a study comparing long-term symptoms reported by people who experienced different types of acute respiratory infection. We asked more than 10,000 people to report on 16 symptoms commonly found in long COVID, such as fatigue, breathlessness, aches and pains, and dizziness. We then compared how common these symptoms were among three groups: people who had reported COVID, those who had reported another acute respiratory infection (but had tested negative for COVID), and those who had not reported either infection. We focused on long-term symptoms by only including people who had been infected more than four weeks earlier. We also took into account people’s general health before they were infected, and whether they had any existing respiratory conditions. Our study showed that all the symptoms considered were more common in people with previous COVID than in people with no infections, regardless of whether they reported long COVID. But this finding wasn’t unique to COVID. Almost all the symptoms we looked at were also more common in people with non-COVID respiratory infections than in those with no infection. In other words, our findings hinted towards the existence of a “long cold”: long-lasting health effects from other respiratory infections, such as colds, flu, or pneumonia, that are currently going unrecognised. Some of the most common symptoms of the long cold include coughing, stomach pain, and diarrhoea. These symptoms were reported an average of 11 weeks after the infection. While a severe initial infection seems to increase the risk of long-term symptoms, our research does not yet tell us why some people suffer extended symptoms while others do not. <h2>Important differences</h2> Importantly, we have no evidence that symptoms of the long cold have the same severity or duration as long COVID. In fact, we saw some important differences in the symptoms reported in the two groups, with those recovering from COVID more likely to experience light-headedness or dizziness and problems with taste and smell. These findings shine a light not only on the impact of long COVID on people’s lives, but also other respiratory infections. A lack of awareness, or even the lack of a common term, such as “long cold” or “long flu”, prevents both reporting and diagnosis of these conditions. And people who do report their long cold may still struggle to get a diagnosis, owing to the wide range of symptoms and <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41591-022-01810-6">lack of diagnostic tests</a>. Long-lasting symptoms after respiratory infections are not a new phenomenon. Studies in survivors of two previous coronavirus outbreaks – the severe acute respiratory syndrome (Sars) pandemic and the Middle East respiratory syndrome (Mers) outbreak – have found long-term impacts on <a href="https://www.rcpjournals.org/content/clinmedicine/21/1/e68">lung function, quality of life and mental health</a>. And some people hospitalised with influenza A have experienced <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-017-17497-6">respiratory and psychological problems</a> at least two years after being discharged from hospital. But most of the research so far has focused on people with severe disease, often severe enough to be hospitalised. Little is known about the long-term effects respiratory infections might have among people whose acute disease episode is less severe. Long COVID has bucked this trend, being studied in people with all levels of severity of the initial infection. This is in large part due to <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0277953620306456">strong patient advocacy</a>, showing that it can affect even those with mild initial symptoms. In demanding recognition of their condition, people with long COVID have cast a much-needed spotlight on post-infection syndromes more generally. Now is the time to improve our understanding, diagnosis and treatment of these conditions. Let’s not wait for another pandemic.<img style="border: none !important; box-shadow: none !important; margin: 0 !important; max-height: 1px !important; max-width: 1px !important; min-height: 1px !important; min-width: 1px !important; opacity: 0 !important; outline: none !important; padding: 0 !important;" src="https://counter.theconversation.com/content/214995/count.gif?distributor=republish-lightbox-basic" alt="The Conversation" width="1" height="1" /> <a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/giulia-vivaldi-1476903">Giulia Vivaldi</a>, , <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/queen-mary-university-of-london-1745">Queen Mary University of London</a> Image credits: Getty Images This article is republished from <a href="https://theconversation.com">The Conversation</a> under a Creative Commons license. Read the <a href="https://theconversation.com/youve-heard-of-long-covid-but-did-you-know-there-might-also-be-a-long-cold-214995">original article</a>.

Body

Taking an antidepressant? Mixing it with other medicines – including some cold and flu treatments – can be dangerous

<a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/treasure-mcguire-135225">Treasure McGuire</a>, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/the-university-of-queensland-805">The University of Queensland</a> In the depths of winter we are more at risk of succumbing to <a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7522168/">viral respiratory infections</a> – from annoying sore throat, common cold and sinusitis, to the current resurgence of respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), influenza and COVID. Symptoms of upper respiratory tract infection range in severity. They can include fever, chills, muscle or body aches, cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, earache, headache, and fatigue. Most antibiotics target bacteria so are <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32495003/">not effective</a> for viral infections. Many people seek relief with over-the-counter medicines. While evidence varies, guidelines suggest medicines taken by mouth (such as cough syrups or cold and flu tablets) have a <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25420096/">limited but potentially positive</a> short-term role for managing upper respiratory infection symptoms in adults and children older than 12. These include: <ul> <li>paracetamol or ibuprofen for pain or fever</li> <li>decongestants such as phenylephrine or pseudoephedrine</li> <li>expectorants and mucolytics to thin and clear mucus from upper airways</li> <li>dry cough suppressants such as dextromethorphan</li> <li>sedating or non-sedating antihistamines for runny noses or watery eyes.</li> </ul> But what if you have been prescribed an antidepressant? What do you need to know before going to the pharmacy for respiratory relief? <h2>Avoiding harm</h2> An audit of more than 5,000 cough-and-cold consumer enquiries to an Australian national medicine call centre found questions frequently related to drug-drug interactions (29%). An 18-month analysis showed 20% of calls <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26590496/">concerned</a> potentially significant interactions, particularly with antidepressants. Australia remains in the “<a href="https://www.aihw.gov.au/mental-health/topic-areas/mental-health-%20prescriptions#Prescriptionsbytype">top ten</a>” antidepressant users in the <a href="https://stats.oecd.org/Index.aspx?DataSetCode=HEALTH_PHMC">OECD</a>. More than <a href="https://www.aihw.gov.au/mental-health/topic-areas/mental-health-prescriptions">32 million</a> antidepressant prescriptions are dispensed on the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme each year. Antidepressants are commonly prescribed to manage symptoms of anxiety or depression but are also used in chronic pain and incontinence. They are classified primarily by how they affect chemical messengers in the nervous system. These classes are: <ul> <li>selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRI) such as fluoxetine, escitalopram, paroxetine and sertraline</li> <li>serotonin and noradrenaline reuptake inhibitors (SNRI) such as desvenlafaxine, duloxetine and venlafaxine</li> <li>tricyclic antidepressants (TCA) such as amitriptyline, doxepin and imipramine</li> <li>monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOI) such as tranylcypromine</li> <li>atypical medicines such as agomelatine, mianserin, mirtazapine, moclobemide, reboxetine and vortioxetine</li> <li>complementary medicines including St John’s wort, S-adenosyl methionine (SAMe) and L-tryptophan</li> </ul> Medicines within the same class of antidepressants have similar actions and side-effect profiles. But the molecular differences of individual antidepressants mean they may have different interactions with medicines taken at the same time. <h2>Types of drug interactions</h2> Drug interactions can be: <ul> <li>pharmacokinetic – what the body does to a drug as it moves into, through and out of the body. When drugs are taken together, one may affect the absorption, distribution, metabolism or elimination of the other</li> <li>pharmacodynamic – what a drug does to the body. When drugs are taken together, one may affect the action of the other. Two drugs that independently cause sedation, for example, may result in excessive drowsiness if taken together.</li> </ul> There are many <a href="https://wchh.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/pdf/10.1002/pnp.429">potential interactions</a> between medications and antidepressants. These include interactions between over-the-counter medicines for upper respiratory symptoms and antidepressants, especially those taken orally. Concentrations of nasal sprays or inhaled medicines are generally lower in the blood stream. That means they are less likely to interact with other medicines. <h2>What to watch for</h2> It’s important to get advice from a pharmacist before taking any medications on top of your antidepressant. Two symptoms antidepressant users should monitor for shortly after commencing a cough or cold medicine are central nervous system effects (irritability, insomnia or drowsiness) and effects on blood pressure. For example, taking a selective SSRI antidepressant and an oral decongestant (such as pseudoephedrine or phenylephrine) can cause irritability, insomnia and affect blood pressure. Serotonin is a potent chemical compound produced naturally for brain and nerve function that can also constrict blood vessels. Medicines that affect serotonin are common and include most antidepressant classes, but also decongestants, dextromethorphan, St John’s wort, L-tryptophan, antimigraine agents, diet pills and amphetamines. <a href="https://reference.medscape.com/drug-interactionchecker">Combining drugs</a> such as antidepressants and decongestants that both elevate serotonin levels can cause irritability, headache, insomnia, diarrhoea and blood pressure effects – usually increased blood pressure. But some people experience orthostatic hypotension (low blood pressure on standing up) and dizziness. For example, taking both a serotonin and SNRI antidepressant and dextromethorphan (a cough suppressant) can add up to high serotonin levels. This can also occur with a combination of the complementary medicine St John’s Wort and an oral decongestant. Where serotonin levels are too high, <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/15666281/">severe symptoms</a> such as confusion, muscle rigidity, fever, seizures and even death have been reported. Such symptoms are rare but if you notice any of these you should stop taking the cold and flu medication straight away and seek medical attention. <h2>Ways to avoid antidepressant drug interactions</h2> There are a few things we can do to prevent potentially dangerous interactions between antidepressants and cold and flu treatments. 1. Better information Firstly, there should be more targeted, consumer-friendly, <a href="https://www.webmd.com/interaction-checker/default.htm">online drug interaction information</a> available for antidepressant users. 2. Prevent the spread of viral infections as much as possible Use the non-drug strategies that have worked well for COVID: regular hand washing, good personal hygiene, social distancing, and facemasks. Ensure adults and children are up to date with immunisations. 3. Avoid potential drug interactions with strategies to safely manage symptoms Consult your pharmacist for strategies most appropriate for you and only use cold and flu medications while symptoms persist: <ul> <li>treat muscle aches, pain, or a raised temperature with analgesics such as paracetamol or ibuprofen</li> <li>relieve congestion with a nasal spray decongestant</li> <li>clear mucus from upper airways with expectorants or mucolytics</li> <li>dry up a runny nose or watery eyes with a non-sedating antihistamine.</li> </ul> Avoid over-the-counter cough suppressants for an irritating dry cough. Use a simple alternative such as honey, steam inhalation with a few drops of eucalyptus oil or a non-medicated lozenge instead. 4. Ask whether your symptoms could be more than the common cold Could it be influenza or COVID? Seek medical attention if you are concerned or your symptoms are not improving. <img style="border: none !important; box-shadow: none !important; margin: 0 !important; max-height: 1px !important; max-width: 1px !important; min-height: 1px !important; min-width: 1px !important; opacity: 0 !important; outline: none !important; padding: 0 !important;" src="https://counter.theconversation.com/content/208662/count.gif?distributor=republish-lightbox-basic" alt="The Conversation" width="1" height="1" /> <a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/treasure-mcguire-135225">Treasure McGuire</a>, Assistant Director of Pharmacy, Mater Health SEQ in conjoint appointment as Associate Professor of Pharmacology, Bond University and as Associate Professor (Clinical), <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/the-university-of-queensland-805">The University of Queensland</a> Image credits: Getty Images This article is republished from <a href="https://theconversation.com">The Conversation</a> under a Creative Commons license. Read the <a href="https://theconversation.com/taking-an-antidepressant-mixing-it-with-other-medicines-including-some-cold-and-flu-treatments-can-be-dangerous-208662">original article</a>.

Body

What happens in our body when we encounter and fight off a virus like the flu, SARS-CoV-2 or RSV?

<a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/lara-herrero-1166059">Lara Herrero</a>, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/griffith-university-828">Griffith University</a> and <a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/wesley-freppel-1408971">Wesley Freppel</a>, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/griffith-university-828">Griffith University</a> <a href="https://www.labcorp.com/coronavirus-disease-covid-19/covid-news-education/covid-19-vs-flu-vs-rsv-how-tell-difference">Respiratory viruses</a> like influenza virus (flu), SARS-CoV-2 (which causes COVID) and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) can make us sick by infecting our respiratory system, including the nose, upper airways and lungs. They spread from person to person through respiratory droplets when someone coughs, sneezes, or talks and can cause death in serious cases. But what happens in our body when we first encounter these viruses? Our immune system uses a number of strategies to fight off viral infections. Let’s look at how it does this. <h2>First line of defence</h2> When we encounter respiratory viruses, the <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S193131281600038X?via%3Dihub/">first line of defence</a> is the physical and chemical barriers in our nose, upper airways, and lungs. Barriers like the mucus lining and hair-like structures on the surface of cells, work together to trap and remove viruses before they can reach deeper into our respiratory system. Our defence also includes our behaviours such as coughing or sneezing. When we blow our nose, the mucus, viruses, and any other pathogens that are caught within it are expelled. But sometimes, viruses manage to evade these initial barriers and sneak into our respiratory system. This activates the cells of our innate immune system. <h2>Patrolling for potential invaders</h2> While our acquired immune system develops over time, our innate immune system is present at birth. It generates “non-specific” immunity by identifying what’s foreign. The cells of innate immunity act like a patrol system, searching for any invaders. These innate cells patrol almost every part of our body, from our skin to our nose, lungs and even internal organs. Our respiratory system has different type of innate cells such – as macrophages, neutrophils and natural killer cells – which patrol in our body looking for intruders. If they recognise anything foreign, in this case a virus, they will initiate an attack response. Each cell type plays a slightly different role. Macrophages, for example, will not only engulf and digest viruses (phagocytosis) but also release a cocktail of different molecules (cytokines) that will warn and recruit other cells to <a href="https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1111/cmi.12580">fight against the danger</a>. In the meantime, natural killer cells, aptly named, attack infected cells, and stop viruses from multiplying and <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41577-021-00558-3">invading our body further</a>. Natural killer cells also promote inflammation, a <a href="https://www.hindawi.com/journals/jir/2018/1467538/">crucial part of the immune response</a>. It helps to recruit more immune cells to the site of infection, enhances blood flow, and increases the permeability of blood vessels, allowing immune cells to reach the infected tissues. At this stage, our immune system is fighting a war against viruses and the result can cause inflammation, fevers, coughs and congestion. <h2>Launching a specific attack</h2> As the innate immune response begins, another branch of the immune system called the adaptive immune system is <a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK21070/">activated</a>. The adaptive immune system is more specific than the innate immune system, and it decides on the correct tools and strategy to fight off the viral invaders. This system plays a vital role in eliminating the virus and providing long-term protection against future infections. Specialised cells called T cells and B cells are key players in acquired immunity. T cells (specifically, helper T cells and cytotoxic T cells) recognise viral proteins on the surface of infected cells: <ul> <li> helper T cells release molecules that <a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3764486/">further activate immune cells</a> </li> <li> cytotoxic T cells directly kill infected cells with a very great precision, <a href="https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fimmu.2018.00678/full">avoiding any healthy cells around</a>. </li> </ul> B cells produce antibodies, which are proteins that can bind to viruses, neutralise them, and mark them for <a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7247032/">destruction by other immune cells</a>. B cells are a critical part of memory in our immune system. They will remember what happened and won’t forget for years. When the same virus attacks again, B cells will be ready to fight it off and will neutralise it faster and better. Thanks to the adaptive immune system, vaccines for respiratory viruses such as the COVID mRNA vaccine keep us protected from <a href="https://www.health.gov.au/our-work/covid-19-vaccines/our-vaccines/how-they-work">being sick or severely ill</a>. However, if the same virus became mutated, our immune system will act as if it was a new virus and will have to fight in a war again. <h2>Neutralising the threat</h2> As the immune response progresses, the combined efforts of the innate and adaptive immune systems helps control the virus. Infected cells are cleared, and the virus is neutralised and eliminated from the body. As the infection subsides, symptoms gradually improve, and we begin to feel better and to recover. But recovery varies depending on the specific virus and us as individuals. Some respiratory viruses, like rhinoviruses which cause the common cold, may cause relatively mild symptoms and a quick recovery. Others, like the flu, SARS-CoV-2 or severe cases of RSV, may lead to more severe symptoms and a longer recovery time. Some viruses are very strong and too fast sometimes so that our immune system does not have the time to develop a proper immune response to fight them off. <img style="border: none !important; box-shadow: none !important; margin: 0 !important; max-height: 1px !important; max-width: 1px !important; min-height: 1px !important; min-width: 1px !important; opacity: 0 !important; outline: none !important; padding: 0 !important;" src="https://counter.theconversation.com/content/207023/count.gif?distributor=republish-lightbox-basic" alt="The Conversation" width="1" height="1" /> <a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/lara-herrero-1166059">Lara Herrero</a>, Research Leader in Virology and Infectious Disease, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/griffith-university-828">Griffith University</a> and <a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/wesley-freppel-1408971">Wesley Freppel</a>, Research Fellow, Institute for Glycomics, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/griffith-university-828">Griffith University</a> Image credits: Getty Images This article is republished from <a href="https://theconversation.com">The Conversation</a> under a Creative Commons license. Read the <a href="https://theconversation.com/what-happens-in-our-body-when-we-encounter-and-fight-off-a-virus-like-the-flu-sars-cov-2-or-rsv-207023">original article</a>.

Body

6 habits of people who don’t get sick

Winter is a dangerous time. Although cold temperatures themselves don’t cause us to get sick, our winter habits invite the spread of germs and risk of contagion is high. If you find yourself sick every winter, here are some useful habits of those healthy people to take up. 1. They get enough sleep It’s easy to experience disrupted sleep during winter. When air is too cold, it will negatively affect melatonin production and cause the body's sleep cycle to be disrupted. However, research shows that people who sleep only five to six hours a night have a 30 per cent chance of catching a cold when exposed to the virus; those who get more than seven hours reduce their risk to 17 per cent. 2. They pay extra attention to hygiene With more germs in the air, now is the time to stay conscious about where they may be festering. Key areas include bathroom door handles, taps, fridges, elevator buttons and public transport. Keep antibacterial wipes on you so whenever you touch a high risk surface, you can cleanse you hand before eating, or touching your face and eyes. 3. They exercise regularly Winter is notorious for zapping our work-out motivation. However, exercise strengthens the immune system and makes you less likely to catch upper respiratory infections. 4. The get their flu shot Flu shots, approved for all adults, are effective 50 to 60 per cent of the time in preventing the flu and may also reduce the severity of symptoms. 5. They don’t smoke Cigarette smoke appears to damage the mucus membranes, which act as the frontline barrier to infectious agents, making smokers twice as likely to catch a cold and several times more likely to develop the flu. 6. They enjoy a drink Harvard University School of Public Health researchers found that red wine was particularly protective against colds, probably due to the anti-inflammatory action of the phenol, resveratrol. Just keep in mind that drinking more than two glasses a day raises the risk for infections. Image credit: Shutterstock

Body

Do aches and pains get worse in the cold?

Andrew Lavender, Lecturer, School of Physiotherapy and Exercise Science, Curtin University, asks if joint and muscle aches get worse in the cold. The winter chill is often associated with an increase in aches and pains for many older people, particularly in the joints, but also in the muscles. Some <a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/?term=Strusberg+I+Mendelberg" target="_blank" rel="noopener">recent studies</a> have shown an increase in general aches and pain in older men and women, and in particular a correlation between joint pain and weather conditions in patients with <a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/27633622" target="_blank" rel="noopener">rheumatoid arthritis</a> or <a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/26329341" target="_blank" rel="noopener">osteoarthritis</a>. For those without these conditions, any experience of pain with cold or wet weather may be related to changes in physical activity and diet. How does the cold affect our muscles and joints? In investigating a link between weather and joint pain, <a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/11838853" target="_blank" rel="noopener">studies have examined</a> temperature, barometric pressure, precipitation, humidity and sunshine for their links to pain. The results are somewhat inconclusive because they vary greatly. This is largely because pain is subjective and it’s difficult to isolate a particular cause. Other factors like exercise, mood and diet also have an influence on pain perception. <a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19714599" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Some research focused on the idea</a> that atmospheric pressure may have the greatest effect. This is because there are gasses and fluids within joints, and if atmospheric pressure reduces, these gasses and fluids might expand, putting pressure on surrounding nerves causing pain. But this has not been shown clearly. A <a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/?term=Savage+rheumatoid+arthritis+pain+2015" target="_blank" rel="noopener">recent study found</a> the combination of temperature, sunlight exposure and humidity correlates with joint pain in patients with rheumatoid arthritis. But the authors were quick to point out the variability in pain perception and other factors, like exercise and diet, means a clear link still can’t be drawn with confidence. How we can prevent aches in winter There are some things that can help reduce pain during the colder months. Exercise: joint pain is <a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/28355375" target="_blank" rel="noopener">often associated with excess weight</a>, so a weight-loss exercise program will help to take the pressure off the joints. Exercise also helps to improve metabolism and blood flow through muscles and joints, which can reduce inflammation, stiffness and pain. Many people tend to be more active in the warmer months when the weather is pleasant and it’s comfortable to be outside. It’s important to continue exercise into winter as a reduction in physical activity in winter for more than two weeks <a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/?term=Colliander+detraining" target="_blank" rel="noopener">results in loss of muscle strength</a> and mass as well as reduced bone density. Being inactive for long periods can lead to a gain in fat mass and overall body weight which puts <a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/28142365" target="_blank" rel="noopener">excess pressure on joints that can lead to injury</a>. Movements that include large muscles of the legs, arms and torso such as squats, sit-ups and push-ups can be done in a fairly small space, and so are ideal inside during winter. Resistance exercise of this type is important for muscle and bone strength. Like muscles, bones adapt to the stimulus of repeated load bearing making them stronger and less prone to injury. This is <a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/?term=Beavers+Martin+CHnge+bone+mineral+density+2017" target="_blank" rel="noopener">particularly important</a> for older individuals. This doesn’t mean you need to go to a gym and lift heavy weights, although you may consider joining a gym for individual or group exercise sessions. You can get enough stimulation for maintenance of muscle and bone strength through daily tasks and home workouts. Vitamin D: exercising regularly can help to reduce symptoms in the long term, and getting outdoors for longer periods more often provides <a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/27258303" target="_blank" rel="noopener">vitamin D for healthier bones and joints</a>. When daylight hours are limited, vitamin D supplements are a good way to continue to get the benefits of this vitamin, which has an important role in bone mineralisation, muscle function and nerve growth. Studies have found daily supplementation with vitamin D <a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22592290" target="_blank" rel="noopener">reduces the risk of bone fracture</a> and improves muscle strength for older people. It’s recommended adults get at least 200 to 600 international units (IU) of Vitamin D daily if they’re getting some exposure to sunlight most days. It’s not easy to get vitamin D through diet, but in a country like Australia, where sunlight is available even in winter, this presents less of a problem than for people living in regions that have limited sunlight in winter. The best foods for vitamin D include fatty fish like sardines, mackerel and herring, milk, margarine and vitamin D-fortified soy drinks. But it’s important to remember dietary sources alone are not sufficient to provide enough vitamin D. Sunlight is an important source and supplementation should be considered for those who have limited exposure to the sun in winter. Glucosamine and chondroitin: glucosamine and chondroitin sulphate help to provide nourishment to cartilage to improve joint function. They make movement of the joint smoother by <a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/26881338" target="_blank" rel="noopener">reducing the friction produced</a> between the articulating surfaces of the bones. Crustaceans provide a good source of glucosamine, while chondroitin sulphate can be obtained from cartilage of animal bones. Supplementation of these is <a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/26881338" target="_blank" rel="noopener">prescribed for patients</a> with osteoarthritis to help restore cartilage. Heat therapy: heat therapy can help greatly when you do have pain. Warm baths or showers, particularly in the morning <a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/27403866" target="_blank" rel="noopener">can make a big difference</a> to the level of pain and stiffness. Warming the body increases elasticity of the tissue and improves blood flow making movement easier. It also activates neural pathways that <a href="http://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/00325481.2015.992719" target="_blank" rel="noopener">reduce the brain’s perception of pain</a>. Written by Andrew Lavender. Republished with permission of <a href="http://theconversation.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">The Conversation</a>.<img src="https://counter.theconversation.com/content/81260/count.gif?distributor=republish-lightbox-advanced" alt="The Conversation" width="1" height="1" /> Images: Getty

Body

Pets can get colds too – here’s how to keep them safe

With winter comes <a href="https://www.annualreviews.org/doi/10.1146/annurev-virology-012420-022445">cold and flu season</a>, making coughs and sneezes rife. But it isn’t just humans who get struck down by these seasonal illnesses – our pets can too. While many of us have an arsenal of home remedies that we can use to combat these illnesses, the same doesn’t necessarily exist for pets. So what can we do for our four-legged companions if they become ill – and how can we prevent seasonal illnesses in the future? <h2>Cold and flu</h2> In the same way that coughs, colds and other respiratory illnesses spread more easily when we’re indoors with other people, the same applies to our pets. Dogs often pick up illnesses after staying in kennels, attending indoor training classes or at competitive events where they’re <a href="https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jcpa.2020.02.005">in close contact with other dogs</a>. Infections can quickly spread via airborne particles, by sharing drinking water or from contaminated surfaces. We may also inadvertently carry infections to our pets, especially if we have previously handled or stroked an infected animal. Some disease-causing organisms can even remain viable on our clothes and footwear for several hours. Washing your hands, changing your clothes, and good hygiene remain <a href="https://www.aafp.org/pubs/afp/issues/2016/1115/p794.html">simple but effective ways</a> of limiting the spread of many infections, especially if you’re regularly in contact with several animals. <div data-id="17"> </div> Occasionally, diseases can also be passed between species, <a href="https://doi.org/10.1098/rstb.2016.0167">including from animal to human and vice versa</a>. These are called zoonotic diseases and can range from mild infections to more deadly diseases, such as <a href="https://doi.org/10.1146/annurev-virology-100114-055157">rabies</a>. In such cases, more extreme control measures are needed to control the virus – such as quarantining animals. But if you do have a cold, your pet won’t catch it from you. The viruses that cause colds are specific to humans, though there are dog and cat versions that may cause <a href="https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cvsm.2019.10.009">similar cold symptoms in our canine companions</a> and our <a href="https://www.mdpi.com/1999-4915/13/8/1435">feline friends</a>. The good news is that they also cannot share their cold with us. Similarly, <a href="https://virologyj.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s12985-022-01888-x">flu tends to be species-specific</a>, although the influenza virus is good at mutating and occasionally “jumping” the species barrier. While rare, this does mean that there is a theoretical risk of <a href="https://doi.org/10.1111/zph.12723">flu transmission between animals and humans</a>. This why good hygiene and minimising close contact with <a href="https://doi.org/10.1093/bmb/ldz036">other species during outbreaks</a> is a good idea. <h2>Cold symptoms</h2> If your dog or cat does contract a cold, the symptoms are very similar to what we experience: sneezing, runny nose, coughing, possibly fever, tiredness and often reduced or lost appetite. If you think your pet is sick, it’s best to speak to your vet first to ensure you get the correct diagnosis. Your pet may also need specific treatment (such as antibiotics). Never be tempted to treat your pet with human medications, however. Over-the-counter medications that are safe for us can be potentially toxic for our pets. Ibuprofen, for example, is <a href="https://doi.org/10.1016/S0167-5877(98)00051-8">dangerous for dogs</a>. There are many easy things you can do to help your pet when they’re sick. First, make sure they’re warm and comfortable, as this is essential for helping them recover. You can do this by providing extra bedding, or even pet-safe clothing for them. Many older dogs benefit from coats both indoors and out to keep old joints warm. Just make sure to wash or change their bedding regularly, to keep a pleasant environment for them to recover in. This will also help <a href="https://www.mdpi.com/2076-2615/8/4/59">reduce the risk</a> of the infection spreading to other pets in the household. Rest is important. Make sure your pet has a quiet, safe space – perhaps away from people and other animals. Reducing exercise is also a good idea, especially if your pet has a respiratory infection so you don’t stress their body further. Make sure fresh, clean drinking water is always available. If the weather is very cold, consider adding some warm water to encourage drinking. This is especially important for pets who live outdoors. If your dog starts to cough, especially when waking – and might even gag or retch – it’s <a href="https://doi.org/10.1016/j.prevetmed.2003.10.001">possible they’ve picked up kennel cough</a>. This is highly infectious, and a coughing dog should be kept well away from other dogs until the coughing has stopped and they have recovered. This includes not taking a coughing dog into your vet’s waiting room. However, kennel cough cannot spread to other species of pets (such as cats). For most otherwise healthy pets, seasonal illnesses are mild and self-limiting. Most pets recover quickly – within a few days. But if you’re at all concerned, your pet is very young or old, or suffers from other health conditions, always seek prompt advice from your vet. <h2>Keeping pets healthy</h2> There are many things you can do to reduce a pet’s likelihood of becoming ill. First, keep their <a href="https://www.cambridge.org/core/journals/epidemiology-and-infection/article/use-of-vaccines-and-factors-associated-with-their-uptake-variability-in-dogs-cats-and-rabbits-attending-a-large-sentinel-network-of-veterinary-practices-across-great-britain/F9ED2C4B0E2E6D6C57A3B95C6ED71A5A">vaccinations up to date</a> and ask your vet if there are any local diseases that may be of concern. While vaccinations won’t prevent everything, they will help support your pet’s health and reduce the risk of severe illness. Keeping pets <a href="https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jcpa.2017.03.006">lean and at a healthy weight</a>, feeding a <a href="https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fvets.2021.748776/full">balanced diet</a> and making sure they always have clean drinking water are also simple, effective measures of supporting pet health. Keeping their sleeping area and <a href="https://journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371/journal.pone.0259478">food and water bowls clean</a> can also reduce disease risk further. We might share our homes, lives and sometimes beds with our pets, but fortunately, we don’t need to worry about sharing our seasonal coughs and colds with them. Image credit: Shutterstock This article originally appeared on <a href="https://theconversation.com/pets-can-get-colds-too-heres-how-to-keep-them-safe-196682" target="_blank" rel="noopener">The Conversation</a>.

Family & Pets

3 reasons you feel hungrier and crave comfort foods when the weather turns cold

As we move through Autumn, parts of Australia are starting to see cooler weather. For some of us, that can mean increasing feelings of hunger and cravings for “comfort food” such as as pasta, stews and ramen. But what’s happening in our body? <h2>3 things change when it gets cold</h2> 1. Our body conserves heat It sends this energy it conserves to our internal organs so they can maintain their temperature and work properly. The body can also perform heat-generating activities (such as shivering), which uses <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/21261804/">energy</a>. The body will then look for additional energy through calories from eating food. 2. Our body warms up when eating When we eat, the body needs to expend energy to digest, absorb, and metabolise the nutrients. This process requires the use of energy, which generates heat in the body, leading to an increase in body temperature termed “<a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36012714/">diet-induced thermogenesis</a>”. However, the amount of energy used to keep us warm is quite <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/medicine-and-dentistry/nonshivering-thermogenesis">modest</a>. 3. Some people experience a drop in the neurotransmitter called serotonin This is partly because the rate our body produces serotonin is related to <a href="https://www.thelancet.com/pdfs/journals/lancet/PIIS0140673602117375.pdf">sunlight</a>, which is lower in winter. Serotonin helps to regulate mood, appetite, and sleep, among other things. When serotonin levels are low, it can lead to increased hunger and decreased satiety (feeling that you’ve had enough to eat), making us feel hungrier and less satisfied after meals. <h2>Why we love comfort food in winter</h2> Many of us struggle to eat salad in winter and crave mum’s chicken soup or a slow cooked, brothy ramen. Research shows our brain detects the cold weather and looks for warm <a href="https://www.mdpi.com/2072-6643/9/6/592">food</a>. Warm food can provide a sense of comfort and cosiness, which is particularly appealing during the colder months when we spend more time indoors. <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1878450X16300786">Comfort food</a> can mean something different for everyone. They are foods we reach for in periods of stress, nostalgia, discomfort (like being cold), or emotional turmoil. For most of us, the foods we often over-indulge in are rich and carbohydrate heavy. A drop in serotonin has also been shown to stimulate an urge to eat more <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/16340952/">carbohydrate-rich</a> foods such as gnocchi, pasta, ragout, mashed potatoes. <h2>What happens to those extra calories?</h2> If you consume more energy in cooler weather, some of it will be used to keep you warm. Beyond keeping us warm, extra calories we consume are stored. While most humans today have access to a year-round food supply, some research shows our bodies may still have some leftover instincts related to storing energy for the cooler months when food was harder to come by. This behaviour may also be driven by biological factors, such as changes in hormone levels that regulate appetite and <a href="https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fnins.2013.00140/full">metabolism</a>. A fundamental principle of nutrition and metabolism is that the balance between the energy content of food eaten and energy expended to maintain life and to perform physical work affects body <a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3302369/">weight</a>. This means any excess energy that we don’t use will be stored – usually as fat. Using mathematical modelling, researchers <a href="https://royalsocietypublishing.org/doi/10.1098/rspb.2015.2443">have predicted</a>weight gain is more likely when food is harder to find. Storing fat is an insurance against the risk of failing to find food, which for pre-industrial humans was most likely to happen in winter. <h2>It doesn’t have to be unhealthy</h2> No matter your cravings during cooler months, it’s important to remember your own personal health and wellbeing goals. If you’re worried about excess energy intake, a change in season is a great time to rethink healthy food choices. Including lots of whole fresh vegetables is key: think soups, curries, casseroles, and so on. Including protein (such as meat, fish, eggs, legumes) will keep you feeling fuller for longer. Image credits: Getty Images This article originally appeared on <a href="https://theconversation.com/3-reasons-you-feel-hungrier-and-crave-comfort-foods-when-the-weather-turns-cold-202831" target="_blank" rel="noopener">The Conversation</a>.

Food & Wine

Cold homes increase the risk of severe mental health problems – new study

Concerns about <a href="https://theconversation.com/energy-crisis-the-uk-is-still-heading-for-widespread-fuel-poverty-despite-the-governments-price-cap-190290" target="_blank" rel="noopener">fuel poverty</a> and people not being able to heat their homes adequately are not new in the UK, but these worries have been <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2022/oct/26/warm-banks-open-wolverhampton-cost-of-living-crisis" target="_blank" rel="noopener">heightened</a> by significant increases in energy costs and the <a href="https://theconversation.com/the-cost-of-living-crisis-has-been-many-years-in-the-making-but-politicians-on-both-sides-ignore-this-189483" target="_blank" rel="noopener">cost-of-living crisis</a>. And as winter approaches, things are about to get a lot worse. Despite a relatively mild climate, the UK has higher levels of excess winter deaths – deaths associated with cold weather – than <a href="https://linkinghub.elsevier.com/retrieve/pii/S0140673614621140" target="_blank" rel="noopener">many colder countries</a>. This greater exposure to cold, despite milder weather, is related to poor housing quality, the high cost of heating homes and poverty. We know quite a lot about how living in a home that you can’t keep warm enough affects your physical health. Colder temperatures <a href="https://www.instituteofhealthequity.org/resources-reports/the-health-impacts-of-cold-homes-and-fuel-poverty/the-health-impacts-of-cold-homes-and-fuel-poverty.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noopener">suppress the immune system</a>, for example. But we know relatively little about the effects on mental health. <a href="https://doi.org/10.1016/j.socscimed.2022.115461" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Our new research</a> shows that living in a cold home is a significant mental health risk. Living in a cold home can affect your mental health in several ways. For many, heating costs are a source of stress and financial strain. Not being able to keep your home and family comfortably warm reduces feelings of control and autonomy over your environment. People who are unable to heat their home often adopt coping mechanisms that <a href="https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/j.1365-2524.2005.00558.x" target="_blank" rel="noopener">limit socialising</a> – for example, not inviting friends over and going to bed early to keep warm. And many people are just worn down by the drudgery of a whole winter of being uncomfortably cold. Using <a href="https://www.understandingsociety.ac.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">data</a> from a large representative sample of adults in the UK, we followed people over many years and tracked the effect of being unable to keep your home warm on mental health. When people’s homes became cold, their risk of severe mental distress significantly increased. For people who previously had no mental health problems, the odds of severe mental distress doubled when they had a cold home, while for those who had some (but not severe) mental health symptoms, the risk tripled (see chart below). We found these effects even after taking into account many other factors associated with mental health, including income. Odds of reporting severe mental distress following transition into cold housing compared to those who remained in warm homes <figure class="align-center "><img src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/492381/original/file-20221028-61968-sxkqgr.png?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=754&fit=clip" sizes="(min-width: 1466px) 754px, (max-width: 599px) 100vw, (min-width: 600px) 600px, 237px" srcset="https://images.theconversation.com/files/492381/original/file-20221028-61968-sxkqgr.png?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=600&h=483&fit=crop&dpr=1 600w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/492381/original/file-20221028-61968-sxkqgr.png?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=30&auto=format&w=600&h=483&fit=crop&dpr=2 1200w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/492381/original/file-20221028-61968-sxkqgr.png?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=15&auto=format&w=600&h=483&fit=crop&dpr=3 1800w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/492381/original/file-20221028-61968-sxkqgr.png?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=754&h=607&fit=crop&dpr=1 754w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/492381/original/file-20221028-61968-sxkqgr.png?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=30&auto=format&w=754&h=607&fit=crop&dpr=2 1508w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/492381/original/file-20221028-61968-sxkqgr.png?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=15&auto=format&w=754&h=607&fit=crop&dpr=3 2262w" alt="" /><figcaption>author provided</figcaption></figure> Sadly, the risk of living in a cold home differs greatly across the UK population. Lone parents and people who are unemployed or long-term sick are much more likely to live in cold homes. There is also significant inequality across ethnic groups – more than 12% of black people live in cold homes compared with under 6% of white British people, for example. Those who rent rather than own their home are also far more likely to live in cold homes, for social renters this is despite the, on average, <a href="https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/1088447/EHS_Housing_quality_and_condition_report_2020.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noopener">higher quality and</a><a href="https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/1091144/Energy_Report_2020_revised.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noopener">efficiency</a> of social rented homes. Putting on another jumper won’t be enough to get many in the UK through the coming winter. And mental health distress is just one consequence. Cold homes cause issues with significant personal and societal costs – from individual health effects to the increased pressure on the NHS, as well as broader economic loss due to missed work. Rishi Sunak’s new government needs to help people live in adequately warm homes this winter. But how? The older age of housing in the UK is <a href="http://www.instituteofhealthequity.org/projects/the-health-impacts-of-cold-homes-and-fuel-poverty" target="_blank" rel="noopener">heavily implicated</a> in the UK’s high levels of cold. Support for energy efficiency improvements is therefore a possible means of reducing cold homes. This will also mean tackling the so-called “split incentive” in the private rented sector, which houses a significant proportion of households. The split incentive refers to the challenge of the benefits of improvements not being experienced by the property owners but by tenants, reducing the incentive for owners to invest. This results in poorer quality and more expensive homes for renters. Heat or eat? Most can’t afford either The high proportion of cold homes in the social housing sector – despite having the best average energy efficiency due to insulation and building types (flats) – shows that energy efficiency improvements alone will not eliminate cold. <a href="https://www.resolutionfoundation.org/publications/the-living-standards-outlook-2022/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Incomes in the UK are falling</a>. Benefit levels are <a href="https://theconversation.com/raising-benefits-in-line-with-earnings-will-make-the-poor-worse-off-heres-why-192880" target="_blank" rel="noopener">painfully low</a> and worsened by policies including the benefit cap, two-child limit and sanctions. Years of cuts and <a href="https://www.jrf.org.uk/file/59072/download?token=acsEgZp7&filetype=briefing" target="_blank" rel="noopener">below inflation rises</a> mean that the term “heat or eat”, used to describe difficult spending decisions for low-income households, is now out of date, as <a href="https://www.jrf.org.uk/file/59191/download?token=PCFIM8W9&filetype=briefing" target="_blank" rel="noopener">many can afford neither</a>. The combination of low household incomes with surging energy costs has created devastating pressure on household budgets. While the energy cap has limited energy cost increases below the worst estimates, energy bills have still <a href="https://theconversation.com/energy-crisis-the-uk-is-still-heading-for-widespread-fuel-poverty-despite-the-governments-price-cap-190290" target="_blank" rel="noopener">more than doubled in the past year</a>. And prepayment meters mean that those the with the least end up paying the most. There are, therefore, many areas for potential government intervention, and clear evidence that failing to intervene will cause harm to health.<img style="border: none !important; box-shadow: none !important; margin: 0 !important; max-height: 1px !important; max-width: 1px !important; min-height: 1px !important; min-width: 1px !important; opacity: 0 !important; outline: none !important; padding: 0 !important;" src="https://counter.theconversation.com/content/193125/count.gif?distributor=republish-lightbox-basic" alt="The Conversation" width="1" height="1" /> Writen by Amy Clair. Republished with permission from <a href="https://theconversation.com/cold-homes-increase-the-risk-of-severe-mental-health-problems-new-study-193125" target="_blank" rel="noopener">The Conversation</a>. Image: Getty Images

Real Estate

Why has my cold dragged on so long, and how do I know when it’s morphed into something more serious?

Common colds are caused by viruses. There are no effective cures, and antibiotics do not work on viruses, so treatment is targeted at managing the symptoms until your immune system has cleared the cold. So why might someone go to a doctor at all for a cold? Well, occasionally a cold might turn into something more serious requiring assessment and specific treatment, and a GP visit could be warranted. Or you may just want reassurance and advice. <h2>Don’t rush to the GP for something totally normal</h2> Problems arise when there too many unwarranted visits to GPs for cold symptoms. Studies have shown <a href="https://www.annfammed.org/content/11/1/5" target="_blank" rel="noopener">antibiotics</a> are <a href="https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.5694/mja16.01042" target="_blank" rel="noopener">still prescribed widely</a> for viral colds, even though they don’t help, and this contributes to antibiotic resistance. It hastens the arrival of an era when many antibiotics simply don’t work at all. On average, children have <a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7152362/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">four to six colds</a> per year, while in adults the average is <a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7152362/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">two to three</a>. Some people are more <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S1530156705601189?via%3Dihub" target="_blank" rel="noopener">prone</a> to colds, but we don’t know exactly why. The usual cold persists about one week, although 25% last two weeks. In one <a href="https://journals.asm.org/doi/10.1128/jcm.35.11.2864-2868.1997" target="_blank" rel="noopener">study</a> with 346 adults, the infection lasted 9.5 to 11 days. Cold symptoms may last longer in younger children. One <a href="https://publications.aap.org/pediatrics/article-abstract/87/2/129/56810/Upper-Respiratory-Tract-Infections-in-Young?redirectedFrom=fulltext" target="_blank" rel="noopener">study</a> showed an average duration of colds ranged from 6.6 to 9 days. But symptoms lasted more than 15 days in 6.5% of 1-3 year old children in home care, and 13.1% of 2-3 year old children in day care. A cough tends to last longer than other symptoms, and often beyond the actual viral infection. The average <a href="https://www.annfammed.org/content/11/1/5" target="_blank" rel="noopener">duration</a> of a cough is about 17.8 days. <h2>Discoloured sputum, cough or snot</h2> Discoloured mucus in snot or cough is a common trigger for requesting antibiotics from a GP. But as we know, antibiotics are useless against a virus. They only work against bacterial infection. In fact, thick or coloured nasal mucus secretion is common following colds. Only a tiny proportion <a href="https://europepmc.org/article/pmc/pmc7151789" target="_blank" rel="noopener">involve</a> bacterial infection. When it happens, this is termed <a href="https://www.nps.org.au/australian-prescriber/articles/treating-acute-sinusitis-3" target="_blank" rel="noopener">acute rhinosinusitis</a>. But antibiotics are not recommended unless it lasts more than ten to 14 days and there are <a href="https://europepmc.org/article/pmc/pmc7151789" target="_blank" rel="noopener">signs</a> of bacterial sinusitis infection, such as: <ul> <li>symptoms worsening after improvement in the original cold</li> <li>return of fever and</li> <li>strong facial pain.</li> </ul> A prolonged cough after colds is usually caused by an irritated throat or the clearing of sticky mucus coming down from the nose. The cough may sound moist (so wrongly called “chesty”) due to the phlegm, but only small amounts of phlegm are coughed up. Yellow or green coloured mucus is often interpreted as a <a href="http://theconversation.com/health-check-what-you-need-to-know-about-mucus-and-phlegm-33192" target="_blank" rel="noopener">sign</a> of bacterial infection. But yellow or green sputum alone <a href="https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/02813430902759663" target="_blank" rel="noopener">does not</a> mean you have a serious bacterial infection. One study found being prescribed antibiotics under these circumstances <a href="https://erj.ersjournals.com/content/38/1/119" target="_blank" rel="noopener">failed</a> to shorten recovery time. Nasal saline sprays and washes can be used to rinse out the nose and sinuses and possibly <a href="https://dtb.bmj.com/content/57/4/56" target="_blank" rel="noopener">shorten</a> rhinosinusitis and cough after colds. <h2>Could it just be hayfever, or another underlying issue?</h2> Hayfever or allergic rhinitis is a common cause for prolonged symptoms after a cold, especially cough and nasal congestion and maybe also sneezing. The damage in the upper airways following a viral infection may allow airborne allergens to trigger hayfever. Self-medicating with antihistamines, nasal saline spray or intranasal steroids is worthwhile if <a href="https://theconversation.com/health-check-why-do-i-have-a-cough-and-what-can-i-do-about-it-119172" target="_blank" rel="noopener">allergic rhinitis</a> is suspected. There may be other reasons for persistence of cough, such as exacerbation of underlying asthma or chronic lung disease. If so, this may require a visit to your GP. <h2>What about bronchitis or pneumonia?</h2> Many people worry about developing a chest infection after a cold. Acute bronchitis is a self-limiting infectious disease characterised by acute cough with or without sputum but without <a href="https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/pneumonia/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">signs of pneumonia</a> (such as high temperatures and feeling breathless). Most acute bronchitis cases are caused by viruses. Antibiotics are often prescribed, but produce <a href="https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/14787210.2016.1193435" target="_blank" rel="noopener">no significant clinical improvement</a> compared with placebo, so are not recommended. Pneumonia is a potentially serious secondary disease that <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28159155/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">may follow</a> an episode of flu in a small number of cases, but is <a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK532961/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">relatively rare</a> following a cold. Symptoms and signs of pneumonia feature heavily in the list of warning signs that signal the need for a medical assessment. <h2>When should I seek medical help for a cough or a cold?</h2> Contact a GP if you experience: <ul> <li>shortness of breath or trouble breathing</li> <li>feeling faint or dizzy</li> <li>chest pain</li> <li>dehydration</li> <li>fever or cough symptoms that improve but then return or worsen</li> <li>worsening of chronic medical conditions such as asthma.</li> </ul> This is not a complete list, but may guide you on what to expect and what to watch out for. You might also contact your GP (perhaps for a telehealth consult) if you are finding your symptoms very unpleasant, or are concerned your condition is more serious or prolonged than expected. You might just need reassurance and education about self care options. This article originally appeared on <a href="https://theconversation.com/why-has-my-cold-dragged-on-so-long-and-how-do-i-know-when-its-morphed-into-something-more-serious-190429" target="_blank" rel="noopener">The Conversation</a>. Image: Shutterstock

Body

Best cold weather workouts you can do from the comfort of home

Although most of us will be tempted to hit snooze on those colder mornings, the chilly season doesn’t mean we have to hibernate our fitness routines. With a vast library of content, <a href="https://www.onepeloton.com.au/home-trial?utm_source=google&utm_medium=search&utm_campaign=portfolio&gclsrc=aw.ds&gclid=CjwKCAjwi8iXBhBeEiwAKbUofZ2cinznTjKrGyrUBTp1P0c5mEGYJTdPZxy1Yq9RiKTabUq6095i1RoCEb4QAvD_BwE" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Peloton</a> provides a digital fitness experience with convenience at its centre – allowing you to work out anywhere, anytime, all while catering to your individual fitness goals and ability. Leading cardiologist and member of the Peloton Health and Wellness Advisory Council, Dr Suzanne Steinbaum says, “Exercising throughout the year can decrease the major risk factors associated with heart disease and help manage cholesterol, blood pressure, sugars, weight and stress levels, which in turn can dilate the arteries and maximise cardiac functioning. Structured workouts, like Peloton’s range of HIIT and low-impact classes, can motivate and help you stay on track, while also being part of a vibrant community that supports and cheers you on, while working out at your own pace”. Peloton has curated the best workouts to overcome the winter woes and develop a regular fitness routine. 1. Strength: Lean muscle mass naturally diminishes as we age. Choose a strength training class, starting with a beginner workout such as <a href="https://members.onepeloton.co.uk/classes/player/dda80a799bf64531ba1e2947a0896df6" target="_blank" rel="noopener">20 Min Strength Roll Call with Jess Sims</a> to develop stronger bones, manage chronic conditions as well as regulate your weight and improve your heart's strength. The great thing about strength training in winter is you can do it inside with whatever you have available or use the <a href="https://www.onepeloton.com.au/guide" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Peloton Guide</a> if you want to take your workout to the next level. With the Peloton Guide, or by using the Peloton App on your TV, you can turn your living room into a home gym enhanced by a guided workout experience with features including a Movement Tracker to keep you accountable. It’s always important to remember that even when working out from home, ensure that you are exercising safely and are aware of your surroundings in order to prevent injury. 2. Warm-up class: A 15-minute warm-up can be the push you need to get going in the morning. Instead of reading the news or flicking through the TV channels, scroll through the various warm-up classes offered on the <a href="https://www.onepeloton.com/app" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Peloton App</a>. A warm-up class can help you feel more energised and focused for the day ahead and is good for the mind as well as the body. Once you've started, you’ll likely feel exhilarated from the music that you'll want to keep going with a full class. Sometimes just getting started is the hardest part, but once your heart starts beating and blood starts flowing, you will feel energised and motivated particularly on those cold days.. 3. Cardio: If you'd rather just get right into it, a solid HIIT (High-Intensity Interval Training) workout usually lasts 20 to 30 minutes, with classes available on the Peloton App as well as the Bike. The winter air can help improve your endurance for cardio exercises, therefore you might use this indoor time to get into a routine and create a regular exercise program. Plan to take a 20-30 minute class where you get your heart rate up at least 5 days a week for maximum benefit. Choose a HIIT class from the <a href="https://www.onepeloton.com/app" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Peloton App</a> to boost your heart rate to not only keep you warm but improve your cardiovascular health. Dr Suzanne Steinbaum, says: “High-intensity interval training, or HIIT, workouts are popular for a reason: Studies suggest that these types of workouts can deliver the same health benefits of a moderate workout in half the time. It’s true, but only if you strike the right balance and work out on a consistent basis.” 4. Yoga: Although yoga might not be the first thing that comes to mind for a great workout, it actually has a lot of benefits. It helps to improve your flexibility, balance and increase you stamina. A 2016 <a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4728955/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">study</a> also found that even bi-weekly yoga sessions can help with recovery, boost performance, strengthen your mental game, help with breathing more efficiently, open up tight hips, quads and hamstrings and build core strength. 5. Meditation: If you’re looking for something to help you stay centred all winter long, try a Peloton Meditation class from the comfort of your warm home. Bring a little more calm, focus and positive energy into your life, with Peloton’s range of meditation classes, many of whom are led by Peloton’s first Australian Instructor,<a href="https://www.onepeloton.com.au/instructors/peloton_l" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Kirra Michel</a>. Kirra stresses the importance of incorporating mindfulness and meditation in your exercise routine. “I might have a bias towards yoga and meditation as it's my passion. But, it's special in the fact it incorporates physical activity, breath work, and mindfulness. All of which positively affect cardiovascular risk factors. Modalities we conveniently have on the OnePeloton App!” About Peloton Peloton makes fitness entertaining, approachable, effective, and convenient while fostering social connections that motivate its members to commit to their fitness journeys. Australians can access the Peloton library with thousands of live and on-demand classes at the gym, at home, on the road, or wherever they choose to move, through the Peloton Bike, Peloton Bike+, Peloton Guide, and Peloton App on any iOS or Android device and select smart TVs. For more information, visit <a href="http://www.onepeloton.com.au/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">www.onepeloton.com.au</a>. About Suzanne Steinbaum Dr Suzanne Steinbaum is a leader in preventive cardiology, now in private practice in New York, and she is a paid consultant of the Peloton Health and Wellness Advisory Council. She is the CEO/Founder of Heart-Tech Health, a technology-based prevention model. She published Dr. Suzanne Steinbaum’s Heart Book: Every Woman’s Guide to a Heart-Healthy Life, and has been a national spokesperson for Go Red through the American Heart Association for 18 years. Follow her on <a href="https://www.instagram.com/drsteinbaum/?hl=en" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Instagram</a> and<a href="https://twitter.com/drsteinbaum?lang=en" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Twitter</a>. Image: Supplied

Body

Winter-proof your garden

The start of winter doesn’t mean you have to hang up your gardening hat for the season. Many people see winter as a time to close down the garden and cease all green-thumb activities. But before you hang up your gardening gloves and put away the packets of seeds, you might want to consider a few things first. Prepping your garden before and through winter will make a big difference when spring rolls around. Instead of going into damage control and fixing winter’s havoc, your garden will be ready to enjoy when spring’s first blooms have sprung. We’ve put together a list of things to stay on top of. It will not only give you a good start in spring, but protect your garden through winter. Getting the garden ready for winter checklist: Guard young trees Not only is it a good idea to protect young trees and shrubs from animals (think rabbits and mice), but during winter you have to take extra care of them to ensure the winter elements like rain, gusty winds, snow and ice don’t completely destroy them. Use plastic or wire mesh (known as hardware cloth) to guards around the slender trunks and shrubs. Make sure the guard is high enough, over the snow line. Keep the water coming Most people probably think that during winter, the garden doesn’t require water. But this is not always the case. As long as the ground is not frozen and can accept water, you should at least water your evergreens. While a lot of plants are dormant during these cooler few months and not using much water, evergreens keep their needles all winter and thus lose water through their needles. Keeping water supplied to the roots on a weekly basis as long as possible into the winter season will help reduce stress on evergreens. Brush it off If ice or snow settle or piles up on evergreens, try to gently brush it off and don’t shake the branches. If you’re in a snowy part of Australia, the snow may freeze on the branch and will not brush off easily, if this is the case it is best to let it melt naturally, to avoid damage to the tree or shrub. If tree limbs break due to the weight of ice or snow, remove the broken limbs as soon as the weather permits. The tree’s wound will heal better in spring if it has clean edges instead of ragged tears. Get leafy with it Come winter it is quite possible that your garden floor is covered in leaves. Rather than throwing them out with the garbage, consider shredding autumn leaves and using them as winter mulch on flower beds. You can also add shredded leaves to the compost pile. Weekly clean-up A stitch in time save nine! This is a good thought to live by in the garden, too. Don’t wait until all the leaves have fallen, as during the cooler months of the year the lawn still needs sunlight and leaves left on the lawn will weaken it. Branch off When it comes to broken branches – as there can be a lot of these in winter – removing the most susceptible parts of a plant prior to the onset of winter weather can help with future breakage. Ice, snow, hail, wind, and other winter-weather extremes often cause branches to break, altering the plant’s appearance and, possibly, its productivity. Branches that appear partially dead or especially weak would qualify for early removal. Weed them out Do a big weed before winter sets in and discard any weeds that have seeds on them into the bin instead of compost. You will also want to do a good weeding and edging of the flower beds. Love your lawn It’s a good idea do apply lawn fertiliser late autumn as this encourages winter hardiness and promotes quick greening in spring. Perennial garden clean-up Cut down dying perennial foliage now and this way you don't have to clean up in the spring. A good compromise when getting your garden ready for winter is to remove leaves and stalks that frost turns to mush and any that are diseased. When cutting plants down, prune perennials so they're 4 to 5 inches of the ground. Spring into the warmer months It might sound odd, but this is still a good time to plant spring-flowering bulbs before the ground freezes hard. That way when spring is sprung you will be organised and can just sit back and watch your garden grow. Image credits: Getty Images

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What is my PCR test testing for?

As <a href="https://cosmosmagazine.com/australia/2022-flu-season-australia-influenza/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">COVID and flu collide</a> to create a <a href="https://cosmosmagazine.com/health/covid-changing-flu-season-flurona/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">winter of sick days</a>, it’s not obvious <a href="https://cosmosmagazine.com/australia/explainer-do-i-have-covid-or-flu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">which illness you have</a>. And some people undergoing PCR (polymerase chain reaction) tests for COVID have discovered that their samples are also being tested for influenza and other bugs. How does this work, and where are COVID tests being used to find more than just COVID? At this point, we’re all well-versed on the <a href="https://cosmosmagazine.com/health/covid/rise-of-rapid-antigen-testing/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">different COVID tests you can get</a> – RATs can be done at home but are less accurate, while <a href="https://cosmosmagazine.com/science/what-is-pcr/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">PCR tests</a> are more reliable. In brief, PCR tests work by identifying and amplifying viral DNA or RNA. If you’re looking for the presence of SARS-CoV-2, you add a primer (a specific type of DNA) for SARS-CoV-2 to the sample and it amplifies the presence of SARS-CoV-2 in the sample. (You can learn about PCR tests in more detail in <a href="https://cosmosmagazine.com/science/what-is-pcr/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">these</a> <a href="https://cosmosmagazine.com/science/how-is-rt-pcr-used-to-diagnose-covid-19/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">articles</a>.) <div class="newsletter-box"> <div id="wpcf7-f6-p196191-o1" class="wpcf7" dir="ltr" lang="en-US" role="form"> </div> </div> Looking for influenza uses the same trick: you just use an influenza primer rather than one for SARS-CoV-2. The DNA primer added has a different “code”, but all the other parts of the test and equipment used to do it are the same. You can also use PCR to find other viruses that cause cold symptoms – like rhinoviruses, respiratory syncytial viruses (RSV), or adenoviruses. All of these tests can be undertaken using the same original swab sample. If it’s possible to test for all these viruses with PCR, why haven’t we been doing so until recently? Many of us over the past two years have used a PCR test to establish we don’t have COVID, but we definitely have something. Testing for a variety of things is often done on healthcare workers or people with specific vulnerabilities, but most people don’t benefit from knowing whether they’re sick with a rhinovirus or an adenovirus. Additional tests use additional resources for little advantage. However, with the unusually early arrival of the flu season, it has become more useful to monitor for influenza. Private providers, in particular, may check for viruses other than SARS-CoV-2, depending on the resources and government rebates available to them. <img id="cosmos-post-tracker" style="opacity: 0; height: 1px!important; width: 1px!important; border: 0!important; position: absolute!important; z-index: -1!important;" src="https://syndication.cosmosmagazine.com/?id=196191&title=What+is+my+PCR+test+testing+for%3F" width="1" height="1" /> <div id="contributors"> <a href="https://cosmosmagazine.com/health/pcr-covid-influenza-rsv/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">This article</a> was originally published on <a href="https://cosmosmagazine.com" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Cosmos Magazine</a> and was written by <a href="https://cosmosmagazine.com/contributor/ellen-phiddian" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Ellen Phiddian</a>. Ellen Phiddian is a science journalist at Cosmos. She has a BSc (Honours) in chemistry and science communication, and an MSc in science communication, both from the Australian National University. Image: Getty Images </div>

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If you’re renting, chances are your home is cold. With power prices soaring, here’s what you can do to keep warm

If you’re feeling the cold this winter, you’re not alone. About a quarter of all Australians have trouble keeping their homes warm enough in winter. That figure is likely to soar this year, due to poor quality housing and the rapidly escalating energy crisis. Renters are particularly at risk, but our research has shown many home owners are in the same boat as well. We’ve collected data over the last few years on how many Australians have cold homes, find it <a href="https://theconversation.com/forget-heatwaves-our-cold-houses-are-much-more-likely-to-kill-us-83030">difficult to stay warm</a>, and can’t afford their heating bills. What counts as cold? The World Health Organization recommends a <a href="https://www.who.int/publications/i/item/WHO-CED-PHE-18.10">minimum home temperature</a> of 18℃ for health and wellbeing. About a fifth of Australian renters, for example, <a href="https://doi.org/10.1038/s41597-022-01136-5">have cold homes</a>. Our <a href="https://able.adelaide.edu.au/housing-research/research/healthy-housing-cre/cold-in-australian-homes#0">current research</a> has shown this applies to home owners as well, with 26% of people across all housing types unable to stay warm at least half of the time during winter. Australia’s energy crisis is likely to see soaring rates of energy poverty, meaning being unable to keep your home warm or cool enough. Here’s why this is such a problem – and what you can do about it. <h2>Cold homes affect our health</h2> If you’re cold at home, you have a higher risk of developing <a href="https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s00484-017-1379-0">respiratory problems</a>and <a href="https://journals.lww.com/jhypertension/fulltext/2014/08000/Stronger_association_of_indoor_temperature_than.8.aspx?casa_token=TFv1eApy3hQAAAAA:9tc6eHiZCAk72mWgrmcgSxQT7kLczUDd7XNpXvNvoIFcMF6pJPSGpORK3SI-Veu4oc994saGXCWuJFBCs3pYN4g">high blood pressure</a>. People in the coldest homes face a higher risk of <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0013935114003661?casa_token=vWpvR-oc8iMAAAAA:q72pW312N2oWIm1Gf9jpTTGUr3sH8uM_DankOAVzziVRT8_OPPnPjxJzDIC_x5j4Pr7O_Uuq">dying in winter</a>. Cold can have a flow-on impact on our health system, which is already struggling. Australia’s south-east has had the coldest start to winter <a href="https://thenewdaily.com.au/news/national/2022/06/09/cold-winter-weather-australia/">in decades</a>. Melbourne hasn’t been this cold this early since 1949, while Sydney hasn’t seen these temperatures in early June since 1989. <h2>Double trouble: cold weather and the energy crisis</h2> If you’ve been hit by the recent cold snap, chances are you’ll have been reminded how cold your home can get. This is not a surprise given how badly <a href="https://www.sustainability.vic.gov.au/research-data-and-insights/research/energy-efficiency-and-reducing-emissions/household-retrofit-trials">existing homes</a> and <a href="https://theconversation.com/australias-still-building-4-in-every-5-new-houses-to-no-more-than-the-minimum-energy-standard-118820">new housing</a> perform in keeping an even temperature. The cold has made many people doubly worried, because the energy required to heat our leaky, poorly insulated homes is about to get <a href="https://theconversation.com/expect-more-power-price-hikes-a-1970s-style-energy-shock-is-on-the-cards-183911">very expensive</a>. Early results from <a href="https://able.adelaide.edu.au/housing-research/research/healthy-housing-cre/cold-in-australian-homes#0">our survey</a> of over 350 Australians found 25% of people were experiencing shortages of money to the point they will be unable to adequately heat their homes. One third of our respondents said energy was unaffordable. Some reported making trade-offs, such as skimping on food or healthcare to pay energy bills. These people are experiencing energy poverty, where a household is unable to properly heat or cool their home or face significant financial difficulty doing so. While data about energy poverty in Australia is patchy, we know around 180,000 households <a href="https://vcoss.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/Persistent-Energy-Hardship-FINAL-Web-Single-Page.pdf">in Victoria</a> had persistent bill payment issues as of 2018, and 45,000 households were consistently unable to heat their homes. <h2>Energy price increases hit lower income households hardest</h2> Lower income households are more at risk from the cold. That’s because they’re more likely to live in homes that are in <a href="https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/10852352.2016.1197714?casa_token=D_2YbBQ9wRkAAAAA%3A5Z_XqM42cmGunbSwhVJ-EaaHrtV4w3nORhDq9ZoaqAMBx700PldV7_9VVPdAWy7mm2hi3KYLOij3">poor condition</a> and hard to heat. One quarter of low income households told us they struggle to stay warm. Insulation may be a key factor, with 25% of our respondents reporting their rental properties did not have insulation. Insulation matters, because heat escapes homes through <a href="https://www.yourhome.gov.au/passive-design/glazing">single-pane windows</a>, or poorly insulated walls and ceilings. As a result, poorly insulated homes <a href="https://environmentvictoria.org.au/resource/10-tips-warm-house/">cost more to heat</a>. This makes life harder for low income renters, given they have little control over insulation or other home modifications. Worse still, heaters that are cheap to buy are often the most <a href="https://www.climatecouncil.org.au/top-tips-improve-home-energy-efficiency/#:%7E:text=Shoot%20for%20the%20stars%3A%20Top%20tips%20to%20improve%20your%20home's%20energy%20efficiency,-26.11.21%20By&text=Compared%20to%20a%206%2Dstar,amount%20of%20electricity%20we%20use.">expensive to run</a>. While an efficient reverse cycle air conditioner would save money and heat the space better over the longer term, it is often difficult for renters to negotiate installation with property managers or landlords – especially given the intense competition for rentals at present in many cities. That can mean renters will suffer in silence, unwilling to ask for something that will make their lives better. <h2>What can renters do?</h2> Low income renters face real threats from energy poverty this year. While we need systemic change to improve the outlook for Australia’s renters, there are low-cost DIY ways to improve how <a href="https://www.yourhome.gov.au/">your house retains heat</a> this winter. The first step: check your current heating appliances are working efficiently. Many people don’t clean the filters on their reverse cycle air conditioners. This makes them less efficient, and can drive up energy bills. Poorly sealed windows and doors make it hard to stay warm. Using <a href="https://home.howstuffworks.com/home-improvement/heating-and-cooling/insulated-curtains.htm">thermal curtains</a>, and keeping them closed makes a big difference. Putting a piece of plywood or even a scarf between the curtain rail and the wall to make a <a href="https://environmentvictoria.org.au/2011/07/05/take-the-chill-out-of-winter-with-diy-pelmets/">DIY pelmet</a> also helps keep the heat in. If you have single glazed windows, consider <a href="https://renew.org.au/renew-magazine/buyers-guides/window-buyers-guide/">window films</a> as a way to improve performance for a fraction of the cost of double glazed windows. <a href="https://blog.csiro.au/draught-proof-house/">Sealing the cracks</a> around windows, under doors and around the wider home is also important. Silicon or expanding foam can be used for gaps and cracks. Draughts under doors can be stopped with door seals or door snakes. Close the doors to your bathroom, laundry and other rooms not in use to keep the heat where you need it most. Hanging a blanket over a doorway can also be a cheap way to seal off a room and concentrate heat. It’s also worth checking what rebates and concessions your state government or council is offering. These might include energy efficiency improvements or extra help with heating costs. If you’re renting, your home must meet <a href="https://www.energy.vic.gov.au/energy-efficiency/minimum-rental-standards">minimum standards</a>, so make sure you check what you are entitled to as these vary by state. Everyone deserves a warm home. Our health and well-being depend on it. Building new, energy efficient homes is only part of the answer. We also have to make our 10.8 million <a href="https://www.abs.gov.au/statistics/economy/price-indexes-and-inflation/total-value-dwellings/latest-release#:%7E:text=Total%20value%20of%20dwelling%20stock,-Download&text=Range%3A%206400000%20to%2010400000.&text=End%20of%20interactive%20chart.&text=The%20preliminary%20estimate%20of%20the,in%20the%20December%20quarter%202021.">existing dwellings</a> warmer. Image credits: Getty Images This article originally appeared on <a href="https://theconversation.com/if-youre-renting-chances-are-your-home-is-cold-with-power-prices-soaring-heres-what-you-can-do-to-keep-warm-184472" target="_blank" rel="noopener">The Conversation</a>.

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If you’re renting, chances are your home is cold. With power prices soaring, here’s what you can do to keep warm