The colder months mean that it’s time to welcome back this year’s cold and flu season, no matter how much you’d like to sidestep it. The fact is, viral respiratory infections are lurking, and it’s up to you to prepare to guard against them.
Except for vaccinations, there’s not much the team at South Central Family Practice Clinic in Soldotna, Alaska, can do for you preventively. When you catch a virus, the battle is between your immune system and the viral pathogen.
There are, however, ways you can prepare your body for cold and flu season, and we’ve collected five of the most effective tips. Consider these strategies and apply any or all that might improve your chances of avoiding upper respiratory infections.
The best way to upgrade your body’s chance of fighting off flu viruses is immunization. Vaccines show your immune system how to fight the ever-mutating strains of the influenza virus, so your body has a better chance of fighting these off before an infection takes hold.
There’s still no effective way to vaccinate against the many pathogens that trigger the common cold, so your immune system must start from scratch. Fortunately, most colds are relatively harmless, and you’re back to normal in a week or two.
Cold and flu viruses can be transmitted through the air, and they also survive on surfaces. If you touch something that an infected person has already touched, it’s possible to transmit viruses into your body.
However, if you regularly wash your hands effectively, you can stop the spread of these transmitted viruses. Disinfecting surfaces in your home helps prevent picking up viruses in the first place.
The second half of self-infection is transferring hand-borne viruses into your body. The most common way this happens is through viruses entering through contact with your eyes, mouth, or nose. It can be as simple as rubbing your eyes or eating finger foods.
Stay home when you have symptoms. This prevents the spread of additional viruses in the places you go. Your own immune system is busy fighting your current infection, so you may be more vulnerable to others.
Nutritious eating, physical activity, a healthy sleep cycle, and good hydration each reward your health in different ways. Your immune system benefits from these, stronger in itself and more able to defend against cold and flu viruses.
Once a viral respiratory infection starts, it usually must run its course. Your body learns to fight the particular virus you have, so it isn’t likely to be a problem again in the future.
However, there are many potentially infectious viruses out there, and that’s before you consider those that mutate, so you must prepare each year.
Sometimes, cold and flu symptoms may be serious enough to warrant medical treatment, particularly in vulnerable parts of the population like the very young or old. Contact South Central Family Practice Clinic when you need more than home care.
Call or click to arrange a visit whenever you need that little bit extra. We’re standing by to help.
