The other day, after an intense badminton game with my friends in the neighborhood, I went to take a warm and relaxing bath. However, that same night, my right eye started itching and as I could not help but scratched it, my eye turned red and sore. The next morning, it was so bad that I had to miss office.

These sorts of allergies are not uncommon during winter, and many of us are facing sore eyes, skin problems and many other allergies this season. But, you know what? If you follow few simple rules, you can have all the fun in this winter, and that too without any health or skin complications.

Dr Mujahidul Islam Nipun, senior medical officer at Care Specialised Hospital in Dhaka, spoke to The Daily Star in this regard. According to the expert's opinion, a person's immune system is fully responsible for staying fit during winter. Therefore, the focus should not be on avoiding flu, but on improving the immune system. Thirty minutes of daily exercise (walking, jogging or even any light exercise), eating proper meals that include more fibre and vitamins, and less protein is of utmost importance to improve immunity, Nipun said adding that water intake should be taken seriously.

What can be better than badminton this season? Okay, exercise – checked! For those who can't play badminton, how about a brisk walk in the morning maybe? This would give you some fresh air, and lot of vitamin-D. Also, in Bangladesh, winter is the season of fresh vegetables. So, why not replace that unhealthy chocolate bar with a more filling salad made from farm fresh winter vegetables? Sounds exciting, right?

"Children and elderly are more vulnerable to flu viruses, because inherently their immune systems are weaker. Therefore, during winters, kids and elderly should be kept reasonably warm. Try to use warm water for baths, eat lukewarm meals and put on warm clothes," Nipun said, adding that the flu virus is more powerful in winter, therefore children and elderly should remain more careful.

"But, struggling with the dust outside is more crucial than the chilly winter spell. As it is the driest time of the year, the environment is dustier than other seasons, and those who are allergic to dust should remain cautious," the doctor said.

We always say that personal hygiene is the first step towards healthy living, but sometimes we see that during winters we don't feel like taking shower every day. But, to stay fit, it is extremely important that we take shower every day, wear clean clothes every day, even during winters, Nipun also said, adding that woolens should be washed regularly during winter to avoid skin rashes and allergies.

In case, you are down with flu, drink lot of water and take vitamin-C – and do not forget to keep yourself warm. For skin allergies, you must contact a physician as soon as possible, the doctor added.