Not only is cold and flu season just around the corner, if not already beginning, but there are additional viruses this year that add more precautions than ever before. As critical care centers become overworked and overfilled, taking preventative measures to remain well is not just a bright idea, it’s being a good citizen. Learn how to stay well during cold and flu season and what that means for your everyday routines.
Taking Precaution When in Public
Whether or not you’re a social butterfly, taking precautions in public is now a standard rule of thumb. Rather than learning about what do different coughs mean after hearing them in the crowd behind you, maybe staying at home is the better idea. As cold and flu season approaches, be sure only to accept invites if you know you are well. Depending on how familiar you are with the hosts, you can ask about the wellness of the other attendees. If you are uncomfortable about requesting that information, it may be the year to skip Friendsgiving in favor of a night at home watching Friends instead.
Practicing Preventative Care
Preventative care isn’t just chugging orange juice. Even the best over the counter flu medicine won’t help prevent transmission of colds and the flu; you have to take meaningful measures in your everyday life for a few months. At first, this may seem irritating, especially considering the trials and tribulations everyone has been asked to go through for the last few years; however, you’ll be thankful when you are active through February rather than experiencing the effects of illness. The following measures help prevent the spread of infection:
- Wash your hands frequently
- Wipe down your work areas
- Use sanitizer
- Add precaution in public places
- Reconsider large gatherings
- Don’t go out of you feel ill
- Don’t go out if anyone in your house is ill
- Use flu prevention vitamins
Nourish Your Body and Mind
Including balanced meals with plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables are the best way to nourish your body. Keeping nutrients intact so that your body can digest and absorb all the essential parts of the food without added fillers or chemicals is a great way to fight illness. The natural vitamins and minerals that foods provide even help when you do get sick. Adding homeopathic cough medicine to an already healthy and nourished body will have better results than a recovery with a body in less than ideal shape.
Proper nutrition and hydration help but may not be enough to keep your mind clear and less stressed. For some people, stress and anxiety increase as they begin to feel under the weather. To prevent an uptick in stress and anxiety, many people benefit from the following options to increase mindfulness instead:
- Meditation
- Yoga
- Running
- Swimming
- Mantra repetition
- Mandala drawing
- Adult coloring
- Knitting
No preventative care is perfect at eliminating your chances of colds and the flu. The best course of action is to stay as healthy and stress-free as possible to limit transmission.