With cooler weather comes a greater likelihood of getting sick. If you want to avoid spending the season coughing, sneezing and feeling awful, a few simple measures can reduce your risk.
1. Get better sleep. Sleep allows your body to make white blood cells and cytokines that help fight infection and repair damaged cells. Aim to go to bed and wake up around the same time each day and get at least seven hours of sleep.
2. Avoid crowded spaces with poor ventilation. Colds, influenza, RSV and COVID spread easily through the air. When you can’t get away from people’s coughs, sneezes and exhalations, consider wearing an independently tested KN-94, KN-95 or N-95 mask, secured snugly over your nose and mouth.
3. Update your vaccinations. According to the CDC, everyone six months and older should get COVID and flu vaccines this fall. Adults over 65 and children younger than 5 should get also get pneumococcal vaccines. Adults 60 and over should consider the RSV vaccine. Vaccination won’t always prevent you from getting sick, but it can make infections less severe and reduce transmission to others.
4. Keep your hands clean and away from your face. Thoroughly wash your hands for 20 seconds with soapy water, especially after using the restroom, after blowing your nose, before preparing food and before eating. Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth as much as possible.
5. Consume more fruits, vegetables, water and recommended supplements. Making sure your body gets the vitamins, minerals, fiber and hydration it needs can increase your body’s ability to fight infection, reduce cravings for sweets and make you feel more energetic.
Keep in mind that your health insurance may cover telehealth visits if you want to see a doctor but don’t want to leave the house. Call us anytime with questions about your coverage.