Follow our tips and Avoid Colds and Flu This Winter
Avoid Colds and Flu
It is not always possible to Avoid Colds and Flu but there are ways of reducing your risk of becoming infected this winter. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle helps to build a strong immune system which can prevent catching viral infections. Follow these tips to avoid the dreaded winter bug.
From the inside….
Nutrition
A healthy diet is essential for well being and fighting off infection. Eat lots of fresh fruit and vegetables, protein and fibre. Cold weather and dark evenings can leave us craving comfort foods. Try making dishes like warms salads and stews.
Hydration
Stay hydrated to help flush toxins from the body and also strengthens the immune system.
Multivitamins
Colds and Flu are most common in winter and spring as we naturally lack vitamins during these seasons. Because of our northern latitude there is not enough sunlight between November and March to produce the recommended amount of Vitamin D in Ireland, leaving our vitamin D levels at their lowest. Avoid Colds and Flu This Winter and get your daily intake of Vitamin D through foods such as oily fish, eggs, fortified cereals or Vitamin D supplements. For more on Vitamin D, read our blog: https://myhomecareie.wpengine.com/health-nutrition-advice/new-study-shows-vitamin-d-aids-prevention-cold-flu/
Immune-Boosting Foods
Look after your physical and mental health…
Sleep
Sleep aids in the repairing and strengthening of the immune system. Not getting enough sleep can leave you feeling tired and unwell, weakening the immune system and leaving the body vulnerable to attack.
Regular exercise
Dark evenings and cold damp weather can make it more difficult to go outside and exercise. Try doing some exercises at home or join a gym. Research shows that people who exercise regularly are less likely to catch colds and flu. Exercise increases blood-flow and circulation, boosting the immune system. It also helps to flush bacteria out of the lungs.
Stress
You are more at risk of catching colds and flu if you are stressed as stress weakens the immune system. Take steps to reduce your stress and do what makes you feel calm – practice mindfulness, take deep breaths, socialise or go for a walk outside.
Coping with cold & flu symptoms
- Get plenty of rest.
- Drink lots of fluids to prevent dehydration and keep temperature down. Drinking Warm liquids help to loosen secretion, reducing further complications like bronchitis etc.
- Take anti-microbial foods which help to fight infection naturally such as garlic, ginger, turmeric, honey and more.
- Hygiene – Germs can enter the body by through the eyes, nose and mouth. Wash your hands regularly and use disposable tissues to prevent the spread of bacteria and virus.
For more information on the flu visit: https://www.hse.ie/eng/health/az/F/Flu-influenza-%2C-seasonal/Symptoms-of-seasonal-flu.html