5 Tips For A Stronger Immune System This Winter
Your immune system is vital year-round, but more so during cold and flu season. Use these 5 tips to stay sneeze-free!
Take Care Of Your Immune System
So it's that time of year, again, when germs seem to be at their peak, and practically everyone gets sick at least once during the next few months. Cold and flu season is upon us so let's have a look at the best ways to minimize the chances of you getting sick, and, even better, spreading your germs to others around you if you do find yourself under the weather.
1. First of all, remember to get your sleep.
Yes, it's a busy time of year with all the hustle and bustle of shopping, cooking, traveling, and everything else that comes with the holidays sandwiched in the middle of the coldest part of the year, but staying well-rested is even more important when the cold or flu virus is waiting for any opportunity to take hold. If you're run down and exhausted, your immune system is feeling the same way and won't be able to fight off infection as well as it could.
2. Stay adequately hydrated and eat your fruits and vegetables.
Your immune system needs the vitamins and nutrition of a balanced diet to fuel its fight against the bacteria you're sure to come into contact day in and day out over the coming months.
3. Get immunized!
A flu shot gives you what is probably your best defense against a miserable bout of influenza. Your local urgent care clinic is certain to offer them in plenty of time to stay ahead of the game in keeping those nasty flu germs at bay. If you do come down with the flu, remember to stay home from work and minimize your contact with others since it's extremely contagious.
4. Exercise.
If you already exercise, keep up the good work! If you're not as active as you should be, winter is a great time to start up a routine, be it at the local gym or even some simple movements like jumping rope and dumbbell exercises. Any activity is better than nothing at all.
5. And last, but definitely not least, wash those hands – a lot.
Every surface you touch may already have bacteria on it and all it takes is a quick wipe of your eye to transfer those germs to you. Sneeze into a napkin or handkerchief or even your elbow if those aren't available to prevent spreading your own germs around a room, and remember to wash your hands afterward. If you have children make sure they're doing the same, and keep some hand sanitizer handy in your car or jacket pocket.
Follow these simple steps, and you're on the road to getting through winter with hardly a sniffle.