The weather is starting to get cold again, so staying healthy must become a top priority! Unfortunately, every year around this time, cold and flu viruses make their way around workplaces, schools, and communities, making everyone susceptible to getting sick. And as unpleasant as these illnesses can be, they can be even more dangerous for young children, older adults, and pregnant women. So how do you protect yourself and your loved ones during cold and flu season? Below are some tips for staying healthy during the cold and flu season!
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How Cold And Flu Viruses Spread
Most people are familiar with the common cold and flu, but many don’t know how these viruses spread. We generally transmit cold and flu viruses through the air by coughing or sneezing. However, we can also pass them on through contact with contaminated surfaces, such as doorknobs or keyboards. And we can also transmit them through contact with infected people, such as shaking hands or sharing a drink. Once the viruses have entered the body, they reproduce, causing symptoms such as fever, sore throat, and fatigue.
While cold and flu viruses are usually harmless, they can sometimes lead to more severe infections, such as pneumonia. For this reason, it’s crucial to take measures to prevent the spread of these viruses, limit your exposure to them, and seek medical attention if you begin to experience any severe symptoms.
Tips For Staying Healthy During Cold and Flu Season
Once you understand how viruses spread, it makes it a lot easier to know how to protect yourself! Below are some tips for staying healthy during the cold and flu season:
Wash Your Hands
One of the best ways to protect yourself against cold and flu viruses is to wash your hands regularly. While many people think that washing their hands after coming into contact with a virus is enough, it is also important to wash them before eating or touching your face. The viruses can live on surfaces for several hours, and if you touch your face after touching a contaminated surface, you are much more likely to become infected.
Washing your hands thoroughly with soap and water is the best way to remove these viruses. However, alcohol-based hand sanitizers can also be effective if used properly. Be sure to cover all areas of your hands, including between your fingers and under your nails.
Disinfect The Common Areas
You would be surprised how many germs and viruses are lurking in the common areas of your home or workplace. Doorknobs, light switches, keyboards, and countertops are all hot spots for cold and flu viruses. Luckily, surface cleaning can help reduce the number of viruses on surfaces, making it less likely for people to become infected. However, it is important to remember that surface cleaning alone is not enough.
To effectively disinfect an area, you must use a suitable cleaning product and follow the manufacturer’s instructions. For example, many cleaners require you to leave the solution on the surface for a certain amount of time for it to be effective. Furthermore, it is essential to clean all surfaces in an area and any objects that may have come into contact with contaminated surfaces.
Eat Immune Boosting Foods
Around this time of year, it’s not uncommon to see an uptick in advertisements for supplements and foods claiming to boost immunity. With the cold and flu season in full swing, many people are looking for ways to protect themselves from these viruses. While there is no guaranteed way to prevent illness, some foods may help boost immunity. Citrus fruits, dark leafy greens, mushrooms, and garlic are all packed with essential vitamins and minerals for a healthy immune system.
In addition, probiotic-rich foods like yogurt and kimchi can help to promote a healthy gut, which is also essential for immunity. So, while there is no magic cure-all for colds and flu, incorporating immune-boosting foods into your diet may help you stay healthy all season long.
Clean Your Clothes Thoroughly
As mentioned earlier, most viruses spread through the air; however, some can also be transmitted through contact with contaminated surfaces. And clothing is often a prime source of contamination since it can come into contact with all sorts of surfaces throughout the day. That’s why it’s important to wash your clothes regularly and ensure you thoroughly clean them each time.
Use hot water and laundry detergent to remove any dirt, debris, or other contaminants that may be present. In addition, dry your clothes completely after washing to ensure that any remaining viruses are killed off. By taking the time to ensure your laundry is clean, you can help to prevent the spread of cold and flu viruses.
Prioritize Sleep
Sleep is often an afterthought in today’s fast-paced world. However, it is essential for good health. When you are sleep-deprived, your body is less able to fight off infection. So even if you’re washing your hands regularly and staying away from sick people, you may still be more susceptible to cold and flu viruses if you’re not getting enough sleep.
The bottom line is that getting a good night’s sleep should be a priority if you want to stay healthy during cold and flu season. So make sure to wind down before bed and create an environment conducive to sleep. That way, you can rest assured knowing you’re doing everything possible to protect yourself from these pesky viruses.
Get A Flu Shot
The flu is a virus that primarily affects the respiratory system. Flu symptoms include fever, chills, sore throat, headache, muscle aches, and fatigue. The flu can also lead to serious conditions such as pneumonia and bronchitis. As a result, thousands of people are hospitalized and even die from the flu every year. One of the best ways to protect against the flu is to get a flu shot. Flu shots are free through many health insurance plans, and many pharmacies and doctor’s offices offer them.
The best time to get a flu shot is in the fall, before the start of flu season. However, getting a flu shot anytime during the year can still be beneficial. It is important to remember that flu shots only protect against cold and flu viruses; they do not protect against other types of viruses or illnesses.
Staying Health Is Essential This Cold And Flu Season!
Cold and flu season is when many people feel run down and sick. Fortunately, there are some things you can do to help protect yourself from these viruses. By following the tips above, you can help keep yourself healthy all season long! Just make sure that you are helping your family and friends to stay healthy as well. After all, the best way to protect yourself is by protecting those around you!
