The cold and flu season can be a time of misery, but it’s also an opportunity to practice preventive measures so that you can stay healthy. Here are some strategies to help you stay healthy during cold and flu season:
Wash your hands
Good hand washing hygiene is the number one way to prevent the spread of germs and protect yourself from the flu and other illnesses. Wash your hands for at least 20 seconds with soap and water. It is especially important to wash your hands after eating, using the restroom, or having contact with people who are sick.
Get Vaccinated
Getting a flu vaccine is an important way to protect yourself from the flu. In addition to getting a flu shot, ask your doctor about other vaccines that might be recommended for you, such as the pneumococcal vaccine.
Minimize Exposure
Try to minimize your exposure to people who are sick. If you do come into contact with someone who is sick, wash your hands immediately. Consider wearing a face mask if you are going to be in close contact with someone who is sick.
Get Enough Sleep
Make sure that you are getting at least seven to eight hours of sleep each night. Doing so will help boost your immune system and keep it functioning at its best.
Build Healthy Habits
Creating healthy habits is one of the best things that you can do to stay healthy during cold and flu season. Here are some tips for building healthy habits:
- Eat a balanced diet — incorporating fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins into your diet can help boost your immune system and keep you healthy.
- Drink plenty of fluids — staying hydrated helps keep your body functioning well.
- Exercise regularly — regular exercise helps boost your immune system and can help you stay healthy and strong.
- Manage stress — stress can have a negative impact on your immune system, so it’s important to find healthy ways to manage it.
Cold and flu season can be a difficult time of year, but taking proactive steps to boost your health through good hygiene, healthy habits, and vaccines can help keep you healthy throughout the season.
What are the best habits to practice during cold and flu season?
1. Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.
2. Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
3. Disinfect frequently touched surfaces and objects.
4. Cover your nose and mouth when coughing and sneezing.
5. Get the flu shot.
6. Stay home when you are sick.
7. Eat a healthy and balanced diet.
8. Drink plenty of fluids.
9. Get plenty of rest.
10. Exercise regularly to boost your immune system.
What are some steps I can take to stay healthy during cold and flu season?
1. Wash your hands often. Use soap and water and rub them together for at least 20 seconds.
2. Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
3. Stay away from large crowds and congregate areas where germs easily spread.
4. If you must be around someone who is ill, try to keep a safe distance of at least 6 feet or more.
5. Avoid touching your face, including eyes, nose, and mouth.
6. Consider getting a flu shot each year.
7. Get sufficient amounts of sleep and keep stress levels low.
8. Eat a balanced and healthy diet to keep your immune system strong.
9. Exercise regularly to boost your heart rate and maintain good circulation.
10. If you do get sick, rest and drink plenty of fluids. Stay home and don’t spread the illness to other people.
What time of year is cold and flu season?
Cold and flu season typically runs from October through May in the United States, peaking between December and February.
What type of germs cause cold and flu?
Cold and flu are caused by viruses, specifically rhinovirus (the common cold) and influenza virus (the flu).
What are the symptoms of a cold or flu?
Cold:
– Runny or stuffy nose
– Sore throat
– Cough
– Congestion
– Headache
– Slight body aches or a mild headache
– Sneezing
– Low-grade fever
Flu:
– Fever
– Cough
– Chills
– Runny or stuffy nose
– Headache or body aches
– Fatigue
– Nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea (Most common in children)
What is the difference between cold and flu symptoms?
Cold symptoms are generally milder than flu symptoms, and tend to last several days. Common cold symptoms include a runny nose, sneezing, coughing, sore throat, and sometimes a fever, though fevers are rare. Flu symptoms are more severe than cold symptoms and come on suddenly. Common flu symptoms include a high fever, headache, body aches, fatigue, and a dry cough.
What are some symptoms of the flu that are not common in a cold?
Symptoms of the flu that are not common in a cold include high fever, body aches, fatigue, chills, and severe headaches. In some cases, the flu can also cause GI symptoms, such as nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea.
What are the serious symptoms of the flu that are not common in a cold?
Serious symptoms of the flu that are not common in a cold include: high fever, body aches, fatigue, extreme exhaustion, chest discomfort or pain, sudden dizziness, and severe headaches.
