Hello, fellow outdoor enthusiasts! Every season has its pros and cons. In spring, there are tons of pollen in the air; summer is unbearably hot and teeming with mosquitoes and wasps; and autumn is often muddy and wet. To avoid catching the worst of it in such muddy weather (or a cold that drives you crazy), you can make yourself “weatherproof” with a few simple tricks. First and foremost: the flu is not the same as a cold. The flu is a viral infection that you can protect yourself against with a vaccination. However, if you do get the flu, you should rest and recover! A cold is an irritation of the upper respiratory tract and somewhat easier to treat, especially if you nip it in the bud. When you’re traveling and camping, you rarely have a full medicine cabinet with you, but there are a few things you should keep in mind, especially on an outdoor holiday with minimal equipment and a backpack. Of course, everyone knows that sauna visits, vitamin-rich food, Kneipp therapy, and proper hygiene are important, but often that’s not so easy to implement when you’re traveling and living out of a backpack and carrying a tent. But maybe it can be done this way:
- It’s best to get vaccinated beforehand; this creates a good foundation for keeping pathogens at bay.
- Don’t skip vitamins just because you’re out in the wilderness. A piece of fruit, a small carton of fruit juice, or even a vitamin tablet will do your body a world of good. In addition, make sure you eat a generally healthy diet; don’t let your body go hungry or thirsty. Hiking and trekking are strenuous, and you need a lot of energy! What you don’t supply through food, your body will draw from its reserves, and that weakens you!
- Treat your airways gently; that is, the colder the air, the more important it is to breathe through your nose as much as possible. This warms the air more effectively, clears dirt from the nose, and prevents your body from cooling down too quickly. (Another tip: suck on throat lozenges or occasionally use a nasal spray; these are antibacterial and often contain soothing essential oils.)
- Do not wear wet clothes, socks, or shoes. Always make sure you don’t get cold. (Especially if you are sweaty from hiking, climbing, etc., as this draws heat away from the body.)
- Make sure you get enough sleep. Even if you’re healthy, you need sleep, and if it’s not restful after a strenuous day of hiking, then… well, you’ll have to tap into your reserves!
- Always carry a small first-aid kit with essential medicines, plasters, and tissues. Check the weather forecast before setting off, and pack suitable clothing to protect yourself from sudden changes in temperature. Wash your hands regularly and keep your drinking water clean. If you start feeling unwell, take a break and allow your body to recover. Remember, staying healthy makes every camping adventure safer and more enjoyable.
