It’s cold and flu season again, and according to the almanac, this winter is supposed to be brutal. And along with cold weather comes those miserable colds and flu symptoms, something medical science has yet to find a cure for.
However, here are some effective prevention methods that will help you get past this season without experiencing a single symptom, or at the very least, reduce the risk of getting these illnesses during the winter months and avoiding a lot of time in the bedroom with chicken noodle soup and a thermometer:
5 – Wash Your Hands Frequently
Cold and flu viruses are delivered and spread through human contact. When someone with flu sneezes onto his/her hand and then touches an object, these germs can live for hours on that object, only to be picked up by the next person who touches it.
Therefore, reduce the chance of you catching a cold or flu this winter season, make sure you wash your hands or use a hand sanitizer frequently. Also, you should avoid touching your face, as cold and flu viruses can enter your body through your mouth, nose, and eyes.
4 – Knock Out Stress From Your Life
Stressing out about getting sick can bring about illnesses. On the other hand, relaxing about ailments can boost your immune system. Worry and stress attack your immune system and causes it to weaken, making you more susceptible to colds and the flu.
If you can teach yourself to relax and reduce your stress levels, you will be able to reduce the risk of catching a cold or flu bug. You can train yourself to relax through various relaxation techniques such as meditation and yoga. Other methods include acupuncture, massage, or taking a hot shower or bath.
3 – Consume Wholesome, Nutritious Foods
Consuming wholesome, nutritious foods is great for reducing the risk of colds and flu.
Eating dark green, red, and yellow vegetables and fruits have been proven to nourish the body significantly, which supports your immune system and fights off the common cold and influenza.
2 – Fitness: The Virus Killer
Exercise is another proactive way to battle the common cold and influenza. The reason is that exercise makes you sweat, and sweating helps increase the body’s natural virus-killing cells and eliminates viral toxins.
Starting and maintaining a regular exercise program is perhaps the best way to remedy a cold or flu the natural way.
1 – Cut Back On Nicotine
If you’re addicted to the cigarette, it’s time to quit or seriously cut back. Heavy smokers get more severe colds and more frequent ones as compared to non-smokers.
Even exposing yourself to secondhand smoke can take a toll on the immune system because smoke dries out your nasal passages and paralyzes cilia.
