With winter fast approaching, the viruses that cause colds and flu aren’t far behind. In fact, the first spike in the cold virus usually happens shortly after back to school, with other spikes in mid-winter and early spring. The average adult gets 2 colds per year, but kids under 6 years old average between 6 and 8 colds per year. That said, colds and flu are not inevitable and there are ways to lower the risk of getting sick this winter!
Wash Your Hands
Frequent hand washing is the best way to reduce your chances of catching a cold or getting the flu. Most viruses are carried on our hands, and transferred to objects such as door handles, money, and even keyboards where they can survive for up to 2 days. Once on your hands, your best defense against viruses such as colds and flu is vigorous hand washing. Contrary to popular belief, simply putting soap on your hands and then rinsing them off with warm water won’t do much to eliminate viruses. It is the rubbing action of handwashing that gets rid of the germs. Remember to wash the back of your hands as well as the palms and don’t forget your thumbs! If you are out and about and can’t access a sink, an alcohol based hand sanitizer will have the same germ killing effect. Make sure to wash your hands or sanitize before you touch your eyes or handle food, since these are easy ways for viruses to enter your body.
Despite what you were taught in kindergarten, sharing is not always caring – especially when it comes to colds and flu! If you are sick, do everything you can to prevent passing it on to others. Cough into your elbow, keep a good stock of tissues (and dispose of them immediately after use), and clean surfaces regularly to eliminate germs and slow down the transmission. Don’t share scarves or towel between family members either – germs don’t live as long on soft surfaces as they do on hard, but they can survive up to 12 hours.
Get Enough Sleep
Your body can’t fight cold and flu viruses if you aren’t getting a good night’s sleep. Lack of sleep lowers your immune response and makes you more susceptible to colds and flu. If you’ve managed to get a cold or flu, rest is the quickest way to recovery, because it gives your body a chance to fight the viruses.
Use a Humidifier
Dry air is a virus’ best friend, it helps them stay potent on hard surfaces for longer periods.
Using a humidifier in bedrooms, or taking a warm shower can help loosen congestion if you already have a cold.
Eat a Well-Balanced Diet
Fruits and vegetables contain vitamins and minerals that can help boost your body’s immune system. Vitamin C is particularly potent at boosting the immune system. Found in oranges, cantaloupe, grapefruit, mangoes, and even broccoli, vitamin C is a easy to find superfood.
Need more tips? I’ll be working with Boiron Canada on a twitter party to talk about staying healthy and preparing for cold and flu season! Join us on Monday, November 16th at 9 pm to 10 pm EST. We’ll be chatting all about natural ways to stay healthy, and what to do when you or your child comes down with a cold or flu. I hope you’ll RSVP below and join us!
Prizes: 1 grand prize: WINTER SURVIVAL KIT FOR FAMILY ($150 value) Cicadermine, Coryzalia Adults & Children, Oscillococcinum, Stodal Honey, Roxalia, Sédatil, Cold & Flu Tea + a $50 Indigo gift card
2 secondary prizes: WINTER ESSENTIALS FOR FAMILY ($70 value) Cicadermine, Coryzalia Adults & Children, Oscillococcinum, Stodal Honey & Roxalia
Rules and Regulations: 3 prizes eligible for Canadians, excluding Quebec. Winners are randomly drawn and must answer a skill-testing question via Twitter DM.
RSVP: Please sign up to join the twitter party fun by filling out the Rafflecopter below. You must be following @BoironCanada to be eligible to win.