Cold and flu season is officially upon us, and that means it’s time to start thinking about ways to stay healthy. After taking a little break for the past two years, the flu has been making a comeback this flu season. These tips will help you stay healthy!
Get Vaccinated
One of the best ways to protect yourself against the flu is to get vaccinated. Flu shots are available for free through many employers and health insurance providers. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that everyone 6 months of age and older get a flu shot every year. Getting vaccinated not only protects you, but also helps to prevent the spread of the flu to others. When more people get vaccinated, it reduces the overall number of cases and can help to protect those who are most vulnerable, such as young children, pregnant women, and the elderly.
Wash Your Hands
The CDC also recommends taking other steps to prevent the spread of the flu, such as washing your hands often. Handwashing is one of the simplest and most effective ways to prevent the spread of illness. Although it may seem like a straightforward task, there is a correct way to wash hands in order to remove harmful bacteria. Be sure to wash for at least 20 seconds, and don’t forget to scrub under your nails!
Avoid Face Touching
Avoid touching your face. This is especially important if you haven’t washed your hands recently. Our hands come into contact with all sorts of germs and bacteria throughout the day, so it’s best to avoid putting them near our eyes, nose, or mouth.
Stay Hydrated
Drinking plenty of fluids helps thin out mucus, which can help prevent respiratory infections. In addition, fluids help to carry essential nutrients to our cells and flush harmful toxins from our system. However, many people do not realize that drinking fluids is also vital for preventing illness. When we are dehydrated, our bodies are less able to fight off infection. As a result, we are more likely to get sick. In fact, studies have shown that even moderate dehydration can impair our immune system. So next time you feel a cold coming on, reach for a glass of water instead of a cup of coffee. Your body will thank you for it.
Eat Healthy
Eat healthy foods. A balanced diet helps boost our immune system and gives our body the nutrients it needs to stay healthy. Make sure to include plenty of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains in your diet.
Exercise
There is plenty of evidence to show that exercise boosts immunity. For one thing, regular exercise has been shown to increase the production of immunoglobulins, which are antibodies that help fight off infection. Exercise has also been shown to increase the number of white blood cells, which are key to defending the body against infection. Furthermore, exercise has been shown to improve the function of natural killer cells, which are a type of white blood cell that helps destroy viruses and cancer cells. Finally, exercise has been shown to reduce stress levels, and chronic stress can undermine immunity. So if you’re looking for ways to boost your immune system, regular exercise is a great place to start.
Sleep
When it comes to staying healthy, getting enough sleep is just as important as eating right and exercising. That’s because sleep helps to boost immunity and fight off infection. During sleep, the body produces cytokines, which are proteins that help to fight off foreign invaders like bacteria and viruses. In addition, sleep helps to increase the number of natural killer cells, which are cells that attack and kill pathogens. Sleep also supports the activity of T cells, which are a type of white blood cell that helps to coordinate the immune response. As a result, getting enough sleep is essential for keeping the immune system strong and healthy.
Manage Stress
When it comes to immunity, stress matters. Research has shown that chronic stress can take a toll on the immune system, making people more susceptible to illnesses like the common cold. But the good news is that there are things people can do to manage stress and keep their immune system strong. Some simple stress-busting techniques include exercise, relaxation methods like deep breathing or meditation, and spending time in nature. Try to take some time for yourself each day to relax and de-stress.
Avoid sick people
This may seem like obvious advice, but it’s still worth mentioning. If you can, try to avoid being around people who are sick, especially if they have a cold or the flu.
Even though this flu season may be rough, there are things that you can do to help keep yourself healthy. These tips will help you stay healthy and avoid getting sick this winter! Follow them as best as you can and hopefully you’ll be able to enjoy all that the season has to offer without getting sick. Visit our website www.NewWavePhysicians.com for more information about the flu vaccine and to schedule your appointment. Stay well!