As if cold and flu season wasn’t disheartening enough, we now have the added stress of H1N1 to worry about. The long stretch from October to March can be a testing one, however there are things that we can all do to keep ourselves healthy. With the 2009-2010 flu season predicted to be one of the most damaging on record, now is the time to begin seriously thinking about preventative measures. Some of these may seem like common knowledge, some may seem new, and some may seem unnecessary. But if you follow them consistently, your chances of making it through the season unscathed will be greatly increased. Let’s review:
Wash Your Hands Regularly
This should be a no brainer. Still, every day people contract all sorts of nasty illnesses because they touched a surface housing bacteria and/or microbes, and then touched their eyes, mouth, nose, etc. Washing your hands throughout the day with warm, soapy water is clearly one of the easiest, most effective ways to keep healthy.
Keep a Fresh Tissue Handy
We seem to forget that both cold and flu viruses can survive outside the body. While cold viruses expire after about 48 hours, flu viruses are much more virulent, and have been shown to survive several days. To avoid contact, invest in a box of tissue and get in the habit of using one to open doors, pump gas, use vending machines, and wherever people share touched or handheld items.
Sanitize
There’s been some debate on how well these actually work, but the simple truth is that alcohol is very effective when it comes to inhibiting the lifespan of many germs. Keep a bottle of alcohol-based sanitizing lotion or wipes at your desk, in your car, and in your coat pocket. You never know when it will come in handy.
Hydrate, hydrate, hydrate!
Dehydration lowers the body’s core immune system response, so it’s of great important to stay hydrated all year long. During the winter, especially in cold weather climates, it’s easy to neglect water intake. However, the cold air that blows outside has nothing to do with the body’s constant fluid needs. In the process, you may even see your energy, concentration, and mood improve.
Eat a Healthy Diet
There is so much truth in the statement, “you are what you eat.” A poor diet, especially during this sickly season, is a sure fire way to lower one’s resistance. Aside from their massive nutritional void, fast & processed food puts you at even greater risk for illness, considering how many other hands are touching your food.
Dietary Supplements
Constant advances within our industry have resulted in a multitude of dietary supplements that can help boost your immunity. Some of the most effective include Vitamin C, Probiotics, Colostrum, Olive Leaf, and Selenium, as well as antioxidants, including Alpha Lipoic Acid, Green Tea, Resveratrol, and others. Each of these has been shown in scientific studies to enhance the body’s natural defenses.
Use Aromatherapy
Essential oils often get mistaken for air fresheners, but there is much more to them than just a fresh scent. These volatile oils are easy to diffuse, and many contain active compounds with well-documented antiviral and/or antibacterial properties. When used regularly, they can help create a clean, germ-free environment.
De-Stress
Stress does more than leave you with feelings of worry and anguish, according to numerous studies, it can also make you more susceptible to illness. Stress initiates changes at the cellular level that can lead to secondary changes (fatigue, weight gain, etc) that are known to suppress the immune system. Relaxation techniques, such as meditation, yoga, guided imagery, prayer, Thai chi, and exercise, are all effective ways to keep a balanced mindset, and ultimately, a strong resistance.
Avoid Sharing Personal Items
This one should require no explanation, although an occasional reminder never hurts. The potential consequences of sharing personal items during cold & flu season greatly outweigh the kindness factor associated with doing so. Office supplies, eating utensils, grooming items, and others all have hard surfaces that germs and microbes can survive on.
Be Considerate of Others
It’s a shame that this even needs explanation, but there are still those who seem to forget that there are 4 billion other people on the planet. Simply courtesies such as covering your mouth & nose when you sneeze, avoiding close contact with others, and staying home when contagious, are all things that we should be doing to keep community-based outbreaks of cold and flu at a minimum.
Quit smoking
Aside from the obvious heart, lung, brain, skin, cellular and nervous system damage caused by smoking, it also severely damages the cilia that line the nasal passages. These delicate tissues prevent the formation of mucous, and act as a first line of defense against airborne particles.