Preparing for the Seasons

Seasons Change

Moving from hot/warm weather to cooler temperatures can affect our immune systems and make us more susceptible to colds and flu. This is a great time to prepare yourself, family and your environment to avoid getting sick as the seasons change.

Here are a few tips from our partners at Atrium Health that you can do to keep you and your family healthier.

Proper Hand Washing

Stop germs from spreading from one person to another person. Follow these five steps every time.

Wet your hands with clean, running water (warm or cold), turn off the tap, and apply soap.
Lather your hands by rubbing them together with the soap. Lather the backs of your hands, between your fingers, and under your nails.
Scrub your hands for at least 20 seconds. Need a timer? Hum the “Happy Birthday” song from beginning to end twice.
Rinse your hands well under clean, running water.
Dry your hands using a clean towel or air dry them.

Use Hand Sanitizer When You Can’t Use Soap and Water

Don't Touch Your Face

Keep your hands away from your face when possible. The main way viruses and bacteria enter the body is through the mouth and nose.
Work on quitting those habits like biting nails, touching eyes or nose, and putting your hand under your chin.
If you need a reminder, consider putting sticky notes in areas you often look such as on your computer or bathroom mirror.

Boost Your Immune System

Eating the appropriate foods is one way to boost your immune system to help fight off cold and flu.
Choose a variety of colorful foods, especially vegetables and fruits. Here are some specific foods that may help boost your immune system.

Citrus

Peppers

Broccoli

Garlic

Ginger

Almonds

Yogurt

Turmeric

Green Tea

Papaya

Kiwi

Poultry

Sunflower Seeds

Shellfish

Get a Flu Vaccine

The flu can be a very serious disease that can lead to hospitalization and sometimes even death, especially in the elderly and children.
An annual seasonal flu vaccine is the best way to help protect against flu.
Vaccination has been shown to reduce the risk of flu illnesses, hospitalizations and even the risk of flu-related death in children.

Sleep

Your immune system needs sleep in order to function properly.
Certain proteins are produced during sleep that your immune system uses.
Studies show that a person is more likely to get sick when exposed to germs and take longer to recover if they don't get quality sleep or enough sleep.

Move Your Body

Exercise is needed to help so many of our body’s systems perform properly, and the immune system is no exception.
Physical activity helps rid our bodies of toxins and may help flush bacteria out of lungs and airways.
Excess stress may increase are chance of illness. Exercise helps slow down the release of stress hormones and may help protect us from illness.