Given all that’s happened over the last 18 months, we are now more aware of our physical health than ever. And while many of us are vaccinated against COVID-19, we can still catch a cold or the flu, and the lifting of restrictions actually means that we’re likely to start seeing a resurgence in our not-so-beloved friend, the common cold. This means a sniffly nose, sore throat, chills, aches, and low energy for up to two weeks, which we all want to avoid.
If you’ve experienced over a year with a clean bill of health, and don’t want to go back to a blocked nose and feeling run down, you’re not alone! Here are 6 must-know tips to help you stay healthy this cold and flu season.
6 Tips to Help You Stay Healthy This Cold & Flu Season
- Avoid close contact with someone you know is sick. As we all know, keeping a safe distance from strangers on the commute to work is always a good idea. Bacteria travel from body to body, and the easiest way to catch a cold is by spending time with someone who can pass it on. If you have a coworker or family member who catches a cold, make sure they don’t share the same utensils and equipment as you and don’t allow them to make your food or beverages.
- Don’t forget your good habits around washing your hands! Wash your hands regularly has become a habit for most of us during the pandemic, so don’t let this good habit go! Wash your hands well for at least 20 seconds under warm water. Use hand sanitizer when out and about if you don’t have immediate access to soap and water, and make sure it has a high alcohol content.
- Avoid touching your face when out and about. No matter how often you sanitize your hands, your fingers are the first to touch everything. Your nails collect germs and bacteria from everything you touch, so avoid touching your eyes and nose whenever possible unless you’re at home or can wash your hands before you do so.
- Reduce your sugar intake. Studies have found that the immune system can become compromised when you eat over 75g of sugar a day. Make sure you monitor how much sugar you’re eating and avoid binging on junk food and candy.
- Eat a healthy diet rich in fiber, fruit, and vegetables. It’s not all about sugar – don’t forget that the micronutrients in your food are the tools your body uses to stay fit and healthy. Give your body the wrong tools by eating processed foods, and you won’t empower it to fight off infection for you. Fresh produce helps boost your immune system, which may help it to kill intruders before they can infect your cells.
- Get enough sleep. You may be surprised to learn that sleep affects our ability to fight off infections and illness, but it’s true! Consistent lack of sleep can compromise the immune system, leaving us more vulnerable to colds and the flu. Most adults need between six and eight hours of sleep per night, so aim for this to give your immune system the best chance at protecting you.
Apurva Advanced Medical Care
At Apurva, we know that much of our physical health is interconnected. For example, if we’re not sleeping enough or eating the right foods, we may have issues with our immune system. Similarly, if we’re having joint problems, we may be exercising less, which can affect our cardio strength.
Apurva is here to help you with whatever health service you need. We offer a multitude of healthcare services, from allergy testing and immunotherapy to annual wellness exams and sleep studies. If you’re concerned about your health or simply want a health check and some advice on how you can stay healthy long after the pandemic ends, we’re here to help. Click here for our full list of services today.