Cold and flu season is here, and it’s important to take steps to stay healthy. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates that 10% to 30% of adults get the flu each year, and about 200,000 people are hospitalized and 36,000 people die from flu-related causes.
There are a number of things you can do to reduce your risk of getting sick, including:
- Get a flu vaccine each year. The flu vaccine is the best way to protect yourself from the flu. It is recommended that everyone 6 months of age and older get a flu vaccine each year.
- Wash your hands often with soap and water. Washing your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds can help remove germs from your hands.
- Avoid close contact with people who are sick. If you can, avoid contact with people who are sick. If you must be around someone who is sick, stay at least 6 feet away from them.
- Cover your mouth and nose when you cough or sneeze. When you cough or sneeze, cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or your sleeve. This will help prevent the spread of germs.
- Stay home from work or school if you are sick. If you are sick, stay home from work or school to prevent the spread of germs to others.
By following these tips, you can reduce your risk of getting sick during cold and flu season. If you do get sick, see your doctor for treatment.
Here are some additional tips for staying healthy during cold and flu season:
- Get enough sleep. When you are well-rested, your immune system is better able to fight off infection.
- Eat a healthy diet. A healthy diet provides your body with the nutrients it needs to stay healthy.
- Manage stress. Stress can weaken your immune system, making you more susceptible to illness.
- Exercise regularly. Exercise helps to boost your immune system and improve your overall health.
- Take zinc lozenges or supplements. Zinc has been shown to help shorten the duration of the flu.
- Drink plenty of fluids. Fluids help to keep your body hydrated and can help to loosen mucus.
- Humidify the air in your home or workplace. Humidified air can help to loosen mucus and make it easier to breathe.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth. Germs can enter your body through your eyes, nose, and mouth.
- Clean and disinfect surfaces and objects that may be contaminated with germs. Clean and disinfect surfaces and objects that may be contaminated with germs, such as doorknobs, light switches, and countertops.
By following these tips, you can boost your immune system and help protect yourself from getting sick.