Cold and Flu Season
The kids have been back in school for awhile now, which means the whole family is starting to settle into their new routines just in time for cold and flu season. Not to worry, though! We’ve gathered all the best tips from WebMD, Live Science, Everyday Health, and The Healthy Newsletter to help keep both you and your family heathy without disrupting your daily routine.
Tips to Prevent a Cold or the Flu
- Wash your hands: It doesn’t matter if the water is hot or cold. Just make sure to use soap and scrub your hands for at least 20 seconds. Don’t forget to get under your nails too! If soap and water aren’t available, use alcohol-based hand sanitizer that contains at least 60 percent alcohol. This will help prevent the spread of viruses that cause the cold and flu.
- Keep your surroundings clean: Sanitize surfaces and doorknobs, sweep and dust frequently, and wash your clothes and take a shower after being around others who are sick.
- Keep your hands away from your mouth, nose, and eyes: Germs enter the body through your mouth, nose, and eyes. So, if you are a nail biter, this is the best time to quit that habit! Also, avoid rubbing your nose or eyes during this season, especially if you haven’t washed your hands recently. Instead, use a clean tissue.
- Exercise regularly: Exercise not only strengthens your body on the outside, but on the inside, too. Regular workouts strengthen your immune system and help it fight off germs and viruses.
- Get plenty of sleep: Studies have found that getting enough sleep is essential for healthy immune function. So, give your body 7-8 hours of sleep a night to rest and recover from the day.
- Nourish your body: Fueling your body with proper nutrition will keep your body, mind, and immune system at its best. Focus on eating lots of fruits and vegetables, low-fat proteins, and complex carbohydrates.
- Drink water: Drinking enough water and avoiding sugary drinks keeps your body hydrated and healthy. One recent study found that staying hydrated actually helps keep your immune system strong, which can help prevent the cold or flu.
Tips From Doctors
During the fall and winter months, doctors see numerous patients with cold and flu symptoms. In this Healthy Newsletter article, they shared their tips for staying healthy during cold and flu season:
- Get the flu shot every year. It is one of the best preventative measures you can take.
- Wash your hands before every meal.
- Do not work through lunch because it causes you to touch your dirty keyboard, phone, and writing utensils while eating.
- Try regularly drinking Echinacea tea. It is a natural herbal tea that can help prevent the flu and keep your immune system strong.
