Staying Healthy: Cold and Flu Prevention Tips

It’s here. That time of year again.

Did you or someone you know wake up with a sore throat? Are you Sneezing? Coughing or runny nose?

Being sick is never fun. Symptoms like the above could be caused by many things, like the flu or a common cold. And we can’t forget about COVID.

Is there a lot to look forward to in the upcoming winter months? Yes. Can you prevent every illness? No. But you can still do a lot now to help your body fight off germs later.

Here are our basic tips to being healthy:

1. Get vaccinated. This can be your first line of defense against the flu.

2. Wash hands and sanitize. Washing your hands is the first and best way to protect yourself from germs. In the absence of soap and water, hand sanitizer.

3. Exercise and avoid stress. Stress is a part of life. But when you go through many tough events or are maxed out every day, your immune system can struggle. Make it a point to touch base on your own mental health and well-being through walking, yoga, meditation or any form of exercise you enjoy.

4. Reduce touching face. Don’t be a nail biter and limit the times your hands touch your lips, nose and eyes. Touching your face or biting your nails puts germs on a track straight to your mouth and nose, giving them the ability to make you sick.

5. Regular cleaning of home and work-spaces. Germs can live on hard surfaces. Don’t forget your phone either. Cell phones are one of the dirtiest objects we encounter every day.

6. Reduce exposure to sick people and avoid spreading if sick. Assess and stay home when needed.

7. Hydrate. Good water intake will help the nose and mouth get rid of bacteria and viruses when coughing, sneezing and, even just breathing.

8. Eat healthy. The right nutrients from food can help boost your immune system and even help fight of germs if you do get sick.

9. Sleep. 7-8 hours matters a lot to your immune system and helps prepare it to be at its best.

10. Visit a doctor or schedule a telehealth visit if have questions or need medication.

Could you get the cold, flu, or other illness even by following all these tips? Yes. But the good news is your body will be ready and you can hopefully have a quick recovery.

One of the great things about these tips is that they also help protect the people around you. We all have been taught them the past few years because of the pandemic, so we are probably pros by now.

In Case You Need In-Home Support…

Home Care Providers - Nightingale Home Health, Nightingale Visiting Nurse, and Aspire Home Health can help. Whether you need skilled nursing care, therapy services, in-home caregiver services, or remote monitoring for a loved one, we give you the support you need to provide the best care for your loved one. Request a personalized quote from your local Home Care Provider organization.