It’s almost December, and I’m incredibly thankful for our family’s health. At the early part of the season, both of my children managed to get sick, likely due to the start of the new school year. Since then, we’ve managed to stay healthy while still enjoying parks, malls, play spaces, and the outdoors.
During the Fall and Winter, when temperatures drop and people congregate indoors, the incidence of illness rises. Here are my best tips for staying healthy during cold and flu season:
1. Wash Hands Frequently. The single most effective way to prevent the spread of illness is to wash your hands. While I do carry antibacterial gel or wipes with me for those instances when soap and water are not available, I weigh the potential risks against the benefits and use them sparingly.
2. Get a flu shot. Every year since I can remember, I have gone to get a flu shot. As a nurse, it was required by each of my employers. While I’m currently away from my nursing job, I still believe it is extremely important to get a flu shot each and every year. This year, for the first time, I visited my local Minute Clinic to get my flu shot. I’ve actually utilized the walk-in clinic housed inside select CVS/pharmacy stores when my son, husband, or I have been sick and we have always been pleased with how thorough and personable the practitioners are. The clinics are staffed by certified family nurse practitioners (I should totally apply for a job!) and physician assistants who provide affordable health and preventive care services 7 days a week. Typically, an appointment isn’t required. However, I would recommend making one if you are limited on time because I’ve noticed that at our particular clinic, the mornings, right after lunch, and right before closing are the busiest. I managed to visit the clinic during the quieter hours and was in and out in less than 30 minutes. Since most insurance plans are accepted, getting a flu shot at the Minute Clinic is convenient and affordable.
3. Avoid crowds. Ok, so I realize that this is in many ways impractical. However, if you truly want to avoid getting sick, staying away from crowded areas where illness congregates is important. Shop online, take your kids to play at the park, or enjoy some family time at home.
4. Take probiotics. Probiotics are bacteria that help support a healthy digestive and immune system. They’re easy to take and readily available in pill, powder and even juice form!
5. Get sufficient rest. Your immune system works best when your body is well-rested. Strive for 7-8 hours of uninterrupted sleep.
6. Take your vitamins. While we strive to ensure we’re eating healthy, fresh, wholesome foods, we also take a daily multivitamin to ensure we are getting all of the essential nutrients we need.
7. Maintain a healthy diet. Proper nutrition is integral to a well-functioning immune system. Load up on fresh, unprocessed foods like broccoli, blueberries, salmon, spinach, tea, walnuts, and yogurt.
8. Use an air purifier. During the winter, it’s not uncommon to keep the windows closed for much of the season. Unfortunately, the result is that indoor air can be more polluted than outdoor air. Earlier this year, we started using an air purifier in our son’s room because he suffers from allergies. The use of an air purifier and an air filter can help remove airborne allergens, germs, and odors. aer1 offers an entire line of air filters, including a germ fighter which is infused with silver technology to reduce airborne germs and bacteria that can cause the flu. Additionally, the filters utilize HEPA filtration to remove up to 99.97% of airborne allergens.
How do you stay healthy during cold and flu season? I’d love to read your tips!
No compensation was received for this post. I received a flu shot, courtesy of Minute Clinic and an air purifier/filters from aer1.
- Discover Luxury at Sonesta Irvine: Your Ideal Staycation - August 8, 2024
- CHOC Walk Returns to the Disneyland Resort – Special Events and Ways to Support - June 28, 2023
- Beastly Ball Returns to the Los Angeles Zoo - May 8, 2023
Thanks for all these tips! Very apropos of my last blog post asking for tips on how to increase my immune system. I get sick all the time! My goal is to not get sick in 2012. Gonna heed all the advice above. : )
Mary, fortunately we don’t get sick that often but when we do it’s miserable. We also all suffer from allergies so I’m always looking for ways to prevent exacerbations.