Surprising reason doctor says 'cut your long nails' during winter

Long and carefully manicured nails can be stylish and finish off a look to perfection. However a doctor is warning that they can also be a health risk to both adults and children - and it is nothing to do with cuts or scratches they can give.

GP, Dr Alexis Missick, who works with online pharmaceutical company UK Meds says long nails can harbour germs which can then make you or your children sick. She issued the warning as cases of seasonal illnesses begin to rise.

The latest flu surveillance data published by the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) show both flu and Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) have increased. And figures showed flu cases were highest in schoolchildren aged five to 14.

READ MORE: People are only just discovering the correct way to eat apples

READ MORE: GP says how much breaking wind is normal, and when it is a problem

Changes in temperature and a lack of vitamin D mean that the winter months often see parents struggle to boost their children’s immunity and prevent illness. Dr Missick has shared some reasons for the rising sickness levels, how to help prevent it and key ways to soothe coughs and colds in babies and children.

Why children get ill in winter and how to prevent it

Dr Missick says: "Around this time of year, people are indoors more, with different groups of people and in close proximity to one another. The spaces people gather in don’t tend to be ventilated, so unlike in the spring and summer months where people meet outdoors, we are more likely to pick up germs from one another.

"Immune systems are also weaker and less supported at this time of year as we tend to get less vitamin D. To combat this, giving your children foods filled with vitamins and nutrients can help to strengthen their immune systems and stop them from getting ill is important.

"You can even try giving children multivitamin gummies to be sure they are getting enough. Examples of some immune-boosting foods to feed your children include:

• Citrus foods: grapefruits, oranges and lemons, as well as other citrus fruits, are full of vitamin C which helps boost immunity

• Red bell peppers: another great source of vitamin C

• Broccoli: filled with vitamins and minerals, including vitamins C, E and A as well as other antioxidants

• Yoghurt: greek yoghurt is filled with live activities which help to strengthen your immune system

What is causing cold and flu and what are the symptoms?

The doctor explains: "Haemophilus influenza is the leading virus causing cold and flu, other viruses include rhinoviruses, Parainfluenza to name a few. They are easily spread from person to person through the air (coughing and sneezing), contact (our hands)

"Symptoms for this include coughing, sneezing, runny nose and a low-grade fever. If you or your children start presenting these symptoms, you should avoid social gatherings to prevent the illness from spreading."

What to do if you or your children start feeling ill

Dr Alexis Missick says: "Drink lots of water and rest to help your body to recover. If you or your child has a high fever which is not settling, a productive cough or difficulty breathing, you should visit your local GP for advice."

Soothing symptoms

"If your child or baby starts showing signs of cold and flu, you should start by encouraging hydration with water, breast milk or formula to keep the baby hydrated and help thin mucus. Using a cool-mist humidifier in the child's room can also help with a blocked nose or congestion, " advises the doctor.

"For children over the age of one, honey can be useful in soothing a sore throat or cough. Honey should not be given to babies under the age of one."

Doctor’s hygiene tips for preventing illness

Wash your hands

Dr Missick says: "Handwashing is very important and reduces the spread of germs. People should wash their hands for 20 seconds at a time, often throughout the day, using hand sanitiser gel when on the go.

"Parents should encourage their children to get into a good routine of washing their hands regularly when they are at school."

Covering your mouth and nose with your elbow when coughing or sneezing

"Teaching children to cough or sneeze into a tissue (and bin it) is best practice when it comes to avoiding the spread of germs. If this is not possible then getting into the habit of using your elbow, rather than hands is more hygienic and reduces the spread of germs," she says.

Avoid touching your nose, mouth and eyes

"Because your hands can carry germs, you should avoid touching your nose, mouth or eyes with unwashed hands. Most people forget about the eyes being included but they’re still a way for bacteria or viruses to get into the body." the doctor advises.

Keep your nails trimmed and clean

Dr Missick says: "It’s easy for germs to breed and thrive in the grime that can build up behind the nails. Keep your, and your children’s nails neat and trimmed and always pay attention to behind the nails when washing your hands."