During the colder months, the number of cases of the flu, common cold, and other respiratory illnesses increases. This is why this time of year is known as cold and flu season. These illnesses can cause unpleasant symptoms such as sore throat, cough, runny or stuffy nose, fever, body aches, fatigue, headaches, and others. If you want to avoid catching the flu or common cold, follow these tips to stay healthy during cold and flu season:
1. Avoid Being Around Sick People
One of the best ways to stay healthy during cold and flu season is to avoid being around people who are sick. If you know someone is experiencing symptoms, it’s best to try to keep your distance. Colds and the flu are spread via viruses in respiratory droplets that are expelled into the air when a sick person coughs, sneezes, or talks. These droplets can travel a few feet and land on surfaces, which means being near someone who is sick can put you at risk of catching it. If you do need to be around a sick person, make sure you wash your hands after and sanitize nearby surfaces.
2. Wash Your Hands Often
Another great way to avoid getting sick during cold and flu season is to wash your hands as often as you reasonably can. This is especially important if you have been around someone who is sick or you have touched a high-touch surface. Wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds to remove germs. Make sure you scrub every part of your hands, including your palms, backs, wrists, between your fingers, and under your fingernails.
3. Sanitize Hard Surfaces
The viruses that cause colds and the flu can live on hard surfaces for a few hours or even up to several days. If you want to stay healthy during cold and flu season, sanitize hard surfaces frequently. These include light switches, doorknobs, remote controls, electronics, countertops, gym equipment, thermometers, and other high-touch surfaces. While it’s less likely for viruses to spread from soft surfaces such as stuffed animals and blankets, it’s still a good idea to wash them after they have been around someone who is sick.
4. Get Enough Sleep
Getting enough sleep is very important during cold and flu season. Quality sleep is necessary for your body to be able to fight off viruses and infections. Research has shown that individuals who get fewer than 7 hours of sleep each night may be up to 3 times more likely to catch colds and the flu when compared to those who get at least 8 hours of sleep per night. Regular quality sleep boosts your immune system and allows it to function properly to protect you from getting sick.
5. Avoid Touching Your Face
Your hands are constantly touching various surfaces throughout the day. Even if you are washing your hands regularly, your hands can still get germs on them between washes. This is why it’s important to avoid touching your face during cold and flu season. The common entry points for germs are the mouth, nose, and eyes. If you touch your face, you could transfer germs to these parts of your face where they can then get into your body and make you sick.
6. Get a Flu Shot
An excellent way to protect yourself from getting sick during cold and flu season is to get a flu shot. It’s typically recommended for anyone 6 months of age and older who is medically cleared to get a flu shot each year. The flu viruses are constantly mutating, so you need to get a flu shot each year to make sure you are protected against the currently circulating strain. Flu shots teach your body to make antibodies that fight flu viruses, building your immunity so you can avoid getting sick.
Give Your Immune System a Boost This Cold and Flu Season
These are some of the great ways to stay healthy during cold and flu season. If you want to avoid getting sick, you need a strong immune system that can effectively fight off viruses and other pathogens. Find out how to boost your immune system so it can protect you from getting sick.
