Tips to Stay Healthy in Cold and Flu Season – Guest Post

During certain seasons, the risk of colds and viruses increases.  Almost all of us have experienced a cold or flu—sneezing, coughing, aching.  It’s the worst.  There is no way to cure the common cold or the flu but there are many preventive measures we can take to help protect ourselves and loved ones.

Many people have the misconception that cold weather makes us sick.  This is not the case.  Exposure to infections makes you sick, not cold temperatures.  Over 40% of your community will get the flu this year, so getting the flu vaccine is your best defense.

Here are some more tips to help fight colds and flu this year:

• Wash your hands as frequently as possible, especially after blowing your nose, coughing, sneezing or being around ill people and always before you eat.  Use soap on the top and bottom of your hands (including under your nails) for as long as it would take you to sing the song “Happy Birthday” twice.  Hand wipes also work, but only use wipes that are labeled disinfecting or sanitizing.

• Try to avoid sharing objects that may pass along germs. We come into contact with many germs by sharing objects such as phones, remotes and even toothpaste.  During the flu season try to be as mindful of these things as possible.  Use disinfectant wipes in your home on objects that are shared the most.  Always try to avoid touching your nose, mouth and eyes.  We very easily transfer germs from hands to our nose, mouth and eyes.
• Remember to use tissues for coughs and sneezes and dispose of them right away. Wash your hands after coughing or sneezing or use hand sanitizer immediately so that you do not spread your germs.  If you have a cough and are sneezing, avoid contact with others as much as possible.  Try not to shake hands.  Simply explain that you are not feeling well.
• Reduce stress as much as possible. Stress can cause many mental problems but it can also affect the body physically.  Stress, excessive fatigue and poor nutrition are some the main risk factors of contracting the flu.  Try practicing stress relieving techniques such as yoga or meditating.  The mind can have an amazing impact on the body.

Many of us cause much of our own stress in our lives.  We do not plan things out for the work week.  We let things like traffic, bills, or responsibilities get to us.  We try to do too much.  Try thinking about the things that stress you out and then what can you do to eliminate that stress.  If you know your commute to work takes 45 minutes, prepare yourself for that.

• Try to eat right and get regular exercise. Consume things such as yogurt, garlic and black tea to strengthen your immune system against germs.  Moderate exercise around 20 to 30 minutes per day lowers your overall risk of upper-respiratory infections by increasing blood flow, which helps speed nutrients to your cells and decreases stress hormones.  Take Vitamin C and drink plenty of water. Vitamin C can strengthen your immune system and the water helps flush out toxins.
• Avoid crowds and keep your distance from people who you know are ill. If you are ill, do not go to a movie theater or other crowded places.  Keep traveling to a minimum if you are not feeling well.  If you are sick, avoid contact with the frail, very young and elderly.  If possible, stay home from work or school.  Getting proper rest is very important.

Depriving yourself of the proper amount of sleep can hamper your immune system.  It is very important to get rest all throughout the year, but during the flu season this becomes more crucial than ever.  Lack of sleep and rest makes you susceptible to colds and the flu.

• Maintain a social network that is supportive of a healthy lifestyle. It is much easier to manage stress and maintain a healthy lifestyle when you have a strong network of friends doing the exact same thing.  Also, stay organized and try to maintain balance in your life.  Keeping things organized not only makes it easier to keep our lives in order, but this also greatly helps reduce stress levels.

Remember during cold and flu season that eating healthy, exercising, eliminating stress and getting enough rest will greatly impact your body, allowing you to save those sick days for doing something you love!

Author Bio
Dorothy Wheaton, PA-C, is the lead clinical provider for Careworks Convenient Healthcare, a US company operating retail health clinics and urgent care centers in the Northeast United States.