The winter season usually has us wondering how to prevent getting sick. As our bodies try to adapt in the change of climate, we become vulnerable to possible viruses or the flu. However, we shouldn’t accept this defeat right away, as there are several things we can do to decrease the chances of catching something. Most of these steps are fairly simple, so if you stick with them, you can look forward to a flu-free winter. We’ve gathered some of the best advice on how to prevent getting sick, and during the ongoing pandemic, this is more important than ever.
Rest up
Getting sleep is one of the best things you can do for yourself – and not just to prevent yourself from getting sick. Sleeping also does wonders to help clear your mind and reset for the next day. Proper rest gives your body time to recharge and ultimately boosts your immune system. Without this, defenses against viruses and other bacteria, will potentially fail to do a sufficient job.
Get some fresh air
Depending on where you are in the world, it’s likely to be pretty cold out. So, spending a great deal of time outside would not be recommended. But it is recommended to crack open a window every once in a while to get the air flowing through your home. Without constant air flow, your place can get stuffy and could increase your chances of catching an airborne virus. If you can’t stand the cold breeze, it’s a good idea to invest in a humidifier. With low humidity, bacteria is more likely to stay airborne and therefore, you’re more likely to fall sick. The CDC has also recommended increased ventilation as a step toward preventing the transmission of coronavirus.
Eat healthy food
When considering how to prevent getting sick, a healthy diet is one of the most important factors. When you eat healthy, you are consuming rich, whole foods that ensure your body gets sufficient amounts of nutrients. This is important as you’re feeding your body everything it needs to properly protect yourself from bacteria and viruses. Ensuring that you get an appropriate amount of protein, grains, vegetables and fruits will help boost your immune system.
Drink water
We cannot stress enough the importance of drinking water everyday. Our bodies have both internal and external defenses against bacteria – and hydration is a key factor in maintaining both. An external defense system is the mucus membrane in the nasal passage, and water helps keep this moist to catch any viruses. Internally, water also helps circulate the blood and efficiently gets white blood cells to reach the invaders.
Wash your hands
Frequently washing your hands with soap is a great way to prevent getting sick. This should be a no-brainer, since we all surely have this embedded in our brains since childhood. As your hands touch all kinds of different surfaces, who knows what they’ve picked up? Let’s all admit it, even unintentionally, we can’t always seem to avoid touching our faces. So when searching for how to avoid getting sick, ensuring your hands are clean should be at the top of your list.
Clean your surroundings
Clean, clean, clean! If you’ve got nothing to do or even have 10 minutes to spare, go around your house and wipe down surfaces and other areas where bacteria may linger. These include remote controls, your keys and door handles, just to name a few. As germs are often just waiting to attack, it’s good to get a head start when you can.
Have a tip or story? Get in touch with our reporters at [email protected]
