Former president Nelson Mandela was admitted to hospital on Wednesday with a lung infection.
This tends to put mainstream media in a panic, but given Mandela's age and medical history, doctors "acted with the greatest act of caution and responsibility and made a decision to send him to hospital, says the Mail & Guardian Online
So this shouldn’t come as a surprise, especially as Mandela’s been plagued by persistent respiratory problems over the years, says The Telegraph
And he’s not the only one - new Pope Francis has similar respiratory health issues because he only has one lung, says FSP Health
But this Winter’s set to be a cold
one for us, which means you risk respiratory infections too, even if your lungs are young and healthy.
Are you washing your hands properly to prevent respiratory infections?
Ione of the easiest ways to reduce your risk of infection with frequent handwashing, says KeepKidsHealthy
Washing hands with warm, soapy water for 20 seconds will eliminate germs on the hands, says FSP Health.
Gargle twice a day to strengthen your immune system against respiratory infections
suggests you gargle with warm salt water every morning and every evening to prevent catching a sore throat, which can affect your breathing and lead to a cough.
It’s also a good idea to run a warm-mist humidifier in the bedroom at night to increase moisture and warmth in the room and reduce the risk of coughing from breathing in cold
, dry air, says Livestrong.
Forget the rest –vitamins C and D are your best bet to strengthen your immune system!
For optimal levels of vitamin D, you’ll need to get plenty of sunlight and take 5,000 IU of vitamin D daily.
Also take 3g a day of vitamin C – but up the dose if you already feel flu symptoms kicking in.
There you have it water, warmth and vitamins are your best bet to protect against respiratory infections this Winter.