Fall brings crisp air and colorful leaves, along with a fresh wave of colds and flu. While we’re bound to come into contact with these common viruses, Dr. Andrew Fleming, section chief of infectious diseases and immunology at New York University Langone Brooklyn, points out, “A well-maintained immune system can halt these viruses before an infection sets in.”
Nobody wants to deal with the unpleasant symptoms that come with getting sick, that’s why it’s essential to do what you can to stop the spread of germs and boost your body’s immune system to lower your risk of infection. To do that, here’s what doctors advise we avoid doing during cold and flu season.
- Neglecting rest - Getting plenty of sleep is even more important when you feel symptoms coming on because the immune system needs extra energy to fight off an infection. Dr. Neha Pathak also notes, “When you’re run down, you’re more susceptible to getting sick.”
- Forgetting to wash your hands - The thing is, germs easily spread from surfaces to hands and then to your face, and Dr. Carrie Horn, chief medical officer at National Jewish Health, reminds that “hand-washing is one of the best ways to avoid getting sick.”
- Overlooking nutrition and hydration - Not fueling the body with immune-boosting nutrients and getting plenty of water works against you when you’re feeling sick. Internal medicine specialist Dr. Nora Tossounian explains, “Your body needs the vitamins, minerals and hydration from a healthy diet to mount an effective defense.”
- Frequently touching your face - This is one of the worst habits for spreading germs, especially if you didn’t wash your hands first.
- Skipping your vaccines - “Don’t skip the flu shot,” stresses family medicine physician Dr. Sarah Dupont. “Vaccinatoin is the absolute best way to prevent the flu or make the infection less severe.”
Source: Huff Post
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