Winter is approaching, which means cold and flu season is too. Many people get sick during this time simply because they’re in an enclosed space longer which increases their risk of infection – many times, there is just no way to know or avoid getting sick in the winter. Staying healthy during this time of year can be easier, as long as you follow a few tips and tricks.
Wash Your Hands Often
No matter what line of work you’re in, if you encounter people who are contagious, you should wash your hands. Although cold and flu germs can float through the air when someone does not cover their mouth when they sneeze or cough, you are more likely to pick them up when you touch an infected surface. To get rid of these unwanted germs, wash your hands well, especially before you eat, after you use the bathroom or whenever you arrive at someone else’s home or get back to your home. A good rule of thumb while washing your hands is to sing the “Happy Birthday” song twice to make sure that you have washed your hands thoroughly.
Get Plenty of Sleep
Getting enough sleep at night is the best way to boost your immune system and reinforce your body’s natural defenses against infections. Healthy adults who get eight hours of sleep a night have a lower chance of contracting a virus as their body is not tired, drained or otherwise run down. If you did get sick, the best thing to do to help you get healthy again is to rest. Have trouble sleeping no matter what you try? There may be something else causing your sleepless nights which is why we offer sleep diagnostics to get to the source of the problem.
Eat Well-Balanced Meals
Eating well is not just to lose weight or gain muscle. It is about making your body healthy. Eating well-balanced meals can help strengthen your immune system against viral invaders. In order to boost your intake of infection-fighting antioxidants, fill half of your plate full of a variety of assorted colors of fruits and vegetables.
Stay Active
Staying active and following a regular exercise routine such as walking a few times a week does more than just getting you in shape. By exercising regularly, it will also reduce stress and accelerate the circulation of disease-fighting white blood cells, which will help fight off the common cold.
Get the Flu Vaccine
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommend that those who are over six months of age get a flu vaccine each year. An exception to this; however, is if you are severely allergic to chicken eggs as getting the flu vaccine could then lead to hives or anaphylaxis.
Staying healthy is more than practicing a few techniques when you do not feel good. It is doing things on a daily basis to strengthen your immune system, so you do not get sick as often. By taking these few tips into consideration, you can live a healthy lifestyle and reduce your chances of getting sick this cold and flu season!