Cold and Flu Season Tips – How to Stay Healthy

We all tend to have a hunch when cold and flu season has arrived—more children tend to stay home from school, your co-workers are beginning to show signs of sneezing and stuffy noses, or perhaps your body is feeling run-down from the change of temperature. Even if you do not personally suffer from any symptoms this upcoming season, below we discuss a handful of simple cold and flu season tips to keep you and those around you healthy during this time.

Flu Season Tips

1. Maintain a Healthy Diet

Are you eating the right balance of fruits and vegetables during colder months? Since many of us spend more time indoors during the winter months, we might feel inclined to cozy up and eat our favorite comfort foods and forget about the essential nutrients our bodies need to support our immunity.¹ Find a multi-vitamin you enjoy taking regularly, be sure to get your fair share of healthy gut bacteria from probiotics and foods such as yogurt with live cultures, and don’t forget to hydrate.

2. Get the Flu Vaccine

Health experts recommend that everyone who is able to get their flu shot should receive one annually.¹ Getting your annual flu vaccine is one of the most important and arguably easiest ways you can help prevent flu-related complication such as pneumonia or worsen existing chronic health conditions.² Be sure to consult with your primary physician to find out if you are a good candidate for the flu vaccine.

3. Wash Your Hands

Prevent the spread of germs by washing your hands regularly. The CDC recommends regularly washing your hands and maintaining clean hands in order to protect yourself from seasonal cold and flu.³ Use soap and warm water when available, or alcohol-based hand sanitizer when washing your hands is not possible. Similarly, be sure to keep your hands away from your face, mouth, and eyes.

4. Avoid People Who Are Sick

While this might be tough if you live in the same household, do your best to stay away from folks who are presenting cold and flu symptoms. Avoid sharing utensils and common areas whenever possible, especially if you are the one who is sick.³ The CDC also recommends that you stay home from work or school in order to prevent the spread of illnesses, especially if you have a fever.³

5. Rest Up

You read that right—get enough sleep! Resting is an important part of stress management and supporting your body’s immune system. Get the recommended amount of sleep every night and ensure you are listening to your body when it feels run down. Practicing self-care is an excellent way to help keep your body happy and healthy.

We hope these cold and flu season tips will come in handy, no matter the season. These easy-to-follow flu season tips are practical ways to ensure you and your loved ones stay healthy year-round. For these and more topics such as why you might be more susceptible to illness in the winter, visit the Theraflu site.