Cold and Flu Season Is Almost Here: 5 Ways to Keep Your Entire Family Healthy

You can catch a cold or the flu at any time during the year, but as temperatures drop and you spend more time indoors, close to others, viruses aren’t only more likely to pass through your immune system but also to be passed from one person to another. 

So what do you do so you don’t get the sniffles every year? Our expert at North Tex MedCare Clinic and Urgent Care, Dr. Frank Lee, MD, shares the steps to avoid getting sick during the cold season.

1. Get vaccinated to build immunity

The elderly and the young are more susceptible to serious, even life-threatening complications of the flu and cold, such as pneumonia. But even if you aren’t in the vulnerable segment of the population, getting vaccinated will make your life easier. No more headaches, fever, and skipped days from work.

Each year, vaccines are developed based on predictions of the virus strains more likely to circulate during cold and flu season. These vaccines train your immune system to respond better to viruses when you are exposed to them.

2. Ensure your diet supports your immune system

What you eat is the fuel for every cell in your body. For example, the fats you eat make up your cell membranes.

Focusing on vitamin C-rich foods (fruits and vegetables) and zinc-rich foods (oysters, beef, pork, oats, cashews, chickpeas) enables your immune system to do its job well.

Having adequate amounts of iron in your diet also supports your immune system.

3. Practice good hygiene

Wash your hands often (especially after returning from work, school, or running errands), cover your mouth when sneezing (preferably with the inside of your elbow), and encourage your family members to do the same. 

You can catch viruses anywhere, including shared spaces and surfaces, but you can decrease your chances of contracting a virus by not touching your mouth and eyes and always washing your hands with soap after touching doorknobs, steering wheels, desks, etc.

4. Get enough sleep

The less sleep you get, the less effective your infection-fighting antibodies are. Sleep deprivation also increases the risk for diabetes, cardiovascular disease, obesity, and depression. If you want to increase your chances of having an optimally functioning immune system, shoot for sleeping 7-9 hours every night.

5. Increase sun exposure

While excessive sun exposure can increase your risk for skin cancer, some exposure during times when the UV index is low can lower your risk for a number of health conditions. For example, sun exposure leads to nitric oxide production, which improves blood flow and ensures immune cells arrive on time.

Fight the cold and flu this season with us on your side

Whether you’re already experiencing symptoms of a cold or the flu or want to prevent them, we can help. Contact us to schedule an appointment in our offices located in Allen, Addison, Fort Worth, and San Antonio, Texas to receive expert care and immunizations this flu season.