A Waku Guide: Staying Healthy During Cold and Flu season

November 3, 2022 Doménica Palacios

The span of time in which the influenza virus is at its most contagious is widely referred to as “flu season.” This period generally occurs during the colder months of the year. Although the medical field has not yet identified exactly why flu viruses are more active in the winter, cold weather is universally believed to be a primary catalyst for the start of the flu season. And since fall is quickly progressing and winter is right around the corner, Waku wants to share with you a couple of tips and important facts for you to stay healthy and continue boosting your immune system so that it doesn't decay in cold times.

We all know things have changed since the pandemic and we were able to learn a lot about viruses, how they spread and how to potentially prevent them from getting to us. Staying Healthy During Cold and Flu season has gotten more difficult. So one thing we do want to clarify before we start this Blog, is that if you start presenting any uncomfortable and heavy flu related symptoms please be sure to see a doctor. And always try to seek medical approval before taking something that you haven't before. We never know how different components or supplements affect our bodies. Also, if you have a pre existing condition, take extra precautions and stay safe during the fall and winter. With that being said, let's get on to it!

Wash Your Hands and Use Hand Sanitizer

Washing your hands is the first and best defense to protect yourself from germs. Rinse your hands and lather with soap, scrubbing for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water aren’t available, use an alcohol-based hand rub containing at least 60% alcohol. Studies show sanitizers with an alcohol concentration between 60 and 95 percent are more effective at killing germs.

Avoid Touching Your Face and Stop Biting Your Nails

A Waku Guide: Staying Healthy During Cold and Flu season

Germs can be spread when a person touches something that is contaminated with germs and then touches his or her eyes, nose, or mouth. Your fingers touch everything, and your nails collect it! Including germs and bacteria. Touching your face or biting your nails puts those germs on a direct route to your mouth and nose, giving them the ability to start making you sick.

Try to Get Good Sleep

stay healthy and boost your immune system

Research shows that people who get less than seven hours of sleep each night are three times more likely to catch colds. Different to those who get at least eight hours. Getting quality sleep on a regular basis strengthens your immune system (and has many other benefits), helping your body fight off colds, the flu and other infections.

Don’t Forget the Laundry

A Waku Guide: Staying Healthy During Cold and Flu season

Clothes, towels and bedding (and even stuffed animals) can be a key culprit in spreading infectious germs and flu. Wash items in the hottest water safe for the fabric and use color-safe bleach to wipe out germs. When handling dirty laundry, carry items in a basket instead of hugging potentially contaminated clothes to your chest. Pour the items directly into the machine if possible and wash your hands after handling dirty materials.

Eat healthy and Boost Your Immune System

stay healthy and boost your immune system

You can boost your body’s ability to fight off sickness by adding the right vitamins and nutrients to your diet. Here are a couple blogs to check out if you are looking to eat healthier this fall and winter seasons: 10 Fall Recipes you Have to Try - Top Ten Recipes to Boost your Immune System. Additionally, research suggests vitamin C can help shorten the duration of colds or even help prevent them. Research also has shown that zinc may decrease how long your common cold lasts. And vitamin D3 has been shown to support your immune system.

Stay healthy and continue boosting your immune system. Remember to avoid close contact with people who are sick. And when you are sick, keep your distance from others to protect them from getting sick too. Let's all take care of one another and stay active! Remember to continue exercising and finding new warm and healthy easy to prepare recipes to variate your meals and still get the amount of nutrients your body needs as the temperature drops.