How to Stay Healthy During Cold and Flu Season

Every year, when the weather cools down, the sniffles and sore throats start to make their rounds. The arrival of cold and flu season might be inevitable, but getting sick doesn’t have to be a given. You can protect yourself and your loved ones from bacterial and viral infections. Southern Maryland Medical Group knows that prevention is the best medicine, and here you’ll find some steps you can take to boost your immune system and reduce exposure to germs. Keep reading to find out how to make it through the season strong.

Strengthen Your Immune System with Daily Habits 

You can’t completely avoid exposure to germs, but you can build up resilience with habits that help support your health. Here are some tips that can help:

• Prioritize Good Sleep: Your body repairs itself when you sleep, so lack of rest can weaken your immune response. Get 7 to 9 hours of quality sleep every night.
•  Eat Nutrient-Dense Foods: A diet that includes a lot of whole foods like vegetables, fruits and lean proteins will offer the vitamins and antioxidants your body needs to fight off bacterial and viral infections. Vitamin C, zinc, and probiotics are all important for immune health.
•  Stay Hydrated: Water flushes toxins from your system and keeps your mucous membranes moist and blocks germs from taking hold. Warm teas, broths, and electrolyte-rich drinks can also help.
• Exercise: Movement keeps your blood circulating, which helps immune cells move through your body. Moderate activities like walking, yoga, or stretching can make a big difference.
• Manage Stress: Chronic stress weakens your immune system, so try some meditation, deep breathing or walk outside for fresh air to reset daily.

Reduce Exposure to Germs in Your Routine 

To prevent illness, you’ll also want to minimize exposure to germs. A few simple habits can dramatically lower your risk:

• Wash Your Hands: Handwashing is an easy way to stop the spread of illnesses. Use soap and warm water, and scrub for a minimum of 20 seconds.
• Disinfect High-Touch Surfaces: Germs can linger on doorknobs, light switches, and keyboards. Disinfecting surfaces will help prevent the spread of infections in your home or workplace.
• Don’t Touch Your Face: Your hands pick up a lot of bacteria and viruses through the day. So, touching your eyes, nose or mouth gives germs a direct path into your system.
•  Cough and Sneeze Properly: Use a tissue or the inside of your elbow to cover your nose and mouth. This can help prevent germs from spreading into the air or on shared surfaces.

Know the Difference Between a Cold, the Flu, and More Serious Infections 

Many of the symptoms are the same whether you have a Cold, Flu, or other infection. Knowing the differences between the most common illnesses can help you take the right steps if you become ill.

• Cold: Colds are usually mild and come with a running nose, sneezing, sore throat, and mild cough. They usually clear up in a week with some rest and hydration.
•  Influenza: The flu is harder to deal with. It causes fever, body aches, fatigue, and a more intense cough. It can lead to complications, particularly in young children or older adults.
• Respiratory Infections and More Serious Illnesses: If your symptoms last longer than 10 days, get worse over time, or include chest pain or difficulty breathing, you might have a more serious bacterial or viral infection.

Seek Medical Care from Primary Care Doctors When Necessary 

Many people recover from seasonal illnesses at home, but there are situations that require care from a professional. A primary care doctor in Greenbelt, MD will provide treatment options and prevent complications. If you have a persistent fever, dehydration, difficulty breathing, or other symptoms that get worse rather than improve, you should see a doctor. Chronic conditions like asthma or heart disease can also make mild infections more dangerous. It’s also a good idea to get your flu vaccine. It’s one of the best ways to reduce the risk of severe illnesses, so they are recommended every year, especially for high-risk groups. Getting professional guidance can help you recover faster.

Stay Healthy This Season

If you’re tired of spending cold and flu season feeling run down, visit Southern Maryland Medical Group. Our experienced primary care doctors are here to help you and your family stay healthy all year. If you need flu prevention, treatment for an existing illness, or tips for immune support, our team is ready to help. Contact us to schedule an appointment with a healthcare provider in your area.