Here’s To Health

What Should You Be Doing During Flu Season?

It can often feel like we are under the weather for months during cold and flu season. Here are some ways to stop the spread and stay well.

Back to back illnesses can be physically and mentally draining. It may feel like you are sick from November to May. Why is that? Cold weather does not make you sick, but flourishing germs do. In fact you are more likely to catch a cold inside a heated building, than outside in the weather. That’s because it’s the germs that are causing you to get sick in the winter, not the weather itself. The common cold is caused by a number of different viruses, which are more active in the spring and fall; and the flu is caused by various strains of the influenza virus, which are more active in the winter. You may start off with a cold in the fall, then catch the flu or other virus a few weeks later just to have your allergies wake up with the first blooms of spring. If this is the case, what can we do to keep our selves healthy?

Wash, Wash, Wash Your Hands The first and most important way to help avoid influenza, coronavirus, or other viruses is to practice basic hygiene. While most people realize that hand washing and coughing into the crook of your arm helps stop the spread of germs, it goes a step further than that. Hands should be washed with soap and warm water for a minimum of 20 seconds. Experts recommend singing two rounds of “Happy Birthday” or the “ABC’s” to ensure that you are scrubbing for long enough. Also, be sure to scrub your palms, backs of your hands, in between fingers, under fingernails, thumbs and wrists. This is the best way to minimize the speak of germs. If you do sneeze, cough, or blow your nose make sure your wash your hands thoroughly. If you don’t have access to soap and water, use hand sanitizier with at least 60% alcohol content.

Power Boost Your Immune System Even when you are feeling sick, it is important to keep eating a healthy balanced diet to boost your immune system and help you fight off germs. Most people turn to vitamin C after they’ve caught a cold. That’s because it helps build up your immune system. Vitamin C is thought to increase the production of white blood cells. These are key to fighting infections. Popular citrus fruits include grapefruit, oranges, tangerines, lemons, limes, and clementines. Because your body doesn’t produce or store it, you need daily vitamin C for continued health. Almost all citrus fruits are high in vitamin C. With such a variety to choose from, it’s easy to add a squeeze of this vitamin to any meal. Broccoli and spinach are also packed full of vitamins and antioxidants to keep you feeling your best!

Practice Social Distancing & Stay Home To Rest As much fun as it is go out to the movies, and other large events, sometimes the best practice is spend time one-on-one or stay out of public spaces. During flu season especially be mindful of high traffic areas and frequently touched surfaces. Large crowds can often carry the potential for spreading germs. If you are feeling at all unwell, it is best to stay home and rest. Viruses spread very quickly through droplets of saliva and mucus. They can also live on surfaces so be sure to sanitize frequently touched items such as door knobs and light switches. These are just a few helpful tips to avoid getting sick or spreading illness to your community.