Staying Healthy During Cold and Flu Season
Catching a cold doesn’t just affect your health — it affects your work, school, and social life as well. The Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates that adults get about 2-3 colds per year, and children get 8-12 colds per year. Protect your health by following these tips from our urgent care experts.
Ways to Reduce Your Risk of Contracting a Cold
1. Wash Your Hands Often (and Properly)
Nearly 95% of individuals do not know how to properly wash their hands, according to the CDC. Wash your hands:
Before you eat.
After blowing your nose.
Whenever they appear soiled.
After being in a large public space.
After you go to the restroom is the best way to stay healthy.
Wash your hands with these steps:
Wet your hands with clean, warm, running water.
Apply soap and lather your hands by rubbing them together,
Scrub your hands for at least 20 seconds — sing a song to help the time go by!
Rinse your hands and dry them off with a clean towel.
2. Avoid Touching Your Face
Do you remember your mother telling you not to touch your face when you’re out and about at the park or the store? Though you may have thought she was nagging you, she was trying to prevent the spread of germs to your nose, eyes, and mouth. Never touch your face when out in communal spaces or when exposed to a person who is sick. And don’t forget to wash your hands!
3. Keep Household Surfaces Clean
If we asked you what the dirtiest household surface was in your home, you might say under your couch. However, commonly used surfaces such as countertops, phones, faucet handles, and doorknobs carry the most germs. Viruses can stay on a surface for hours after being touched by a sick family member. Clean these areas with soap, water, bleach, or a disinfectant cleaner to keep them germ-free.
4. Maintain a Healthy Lifestyle
It’s essential to fuel your body with the proper amount of sleep and vitamin-rich foods to support your immune system. Strive to get at least 8 hours of sleep a night, and eat a balanced diet of fruits, vegetables, and proteins.
5. Reduce Stress
Just reading that probably either made you laugh or become more stressed out. Studies show that when we experience stress, we release a hormone called cortisol. This hormone has anti-inflammatory properties, and an over-production can cause your immune system to become resistant to it. Your body will be less able to fight off the cold virus because your anti-inflammatory shield is not working as it should be. Try doing these things to help you to relieve stress and relax:
Read a book
Exercise
Meditate or take a yoga class
Go for a walk outside
Watch a movie
Spend time with loved ones
Seek Treatment For Your Cold Symptoms
If you do find yourself feeling ill, trying to self-diagnose yourself is never easy. We encourage you to get checked if you have any symptoms of a cold, flu, or strep throat.
At Urgentology Care, our team will ensure you get an accurate diagnosis and the appropriate treatment for your illness. Give us a call at (817) 799-7273 or stop it today for an appointment.