Avoid getting a cold or the flu
Posted on November 6th, 2007 by ErinPosted in Fitness
Fall is here and unfortunately, one of the signs of the season is the daily assault on your immune system. Something about the chilly air makes it the perfect time for runny noses, sore throats, and the much-feared flu. But all is not lost, there are several things you can to do to protect yourself from the nasty fall and winter bugs.
Don’t sneeze directly into your hands. Instead, aim for your elbow or sleeve. This way, if you can’t make it to a sink and soap immediately, you won’t reintroduce the germs through eye or mouth contact and you won’t spread them to others, either.
Do wash your hands often. An antibacterial soap isn’t necessary, since many bugs are viral, but make sure to wash for at least 20 seconds, as this is the minimum time necessarily to really rid yourselves of harmful germs.
Don’t overdo the vitamins if you’re already sick. A lot of people want to pop the vitamin C after they’ve started to sniffle, but experts say that you’re probably throwing your money down the drain. Instead, take a normal dose of vitamins on a daily basis and reduce your risk of catching something in the first place.
Do take it easy with your workout routine. You don’t want to sweat too much or overextend yourself when your defenses are low, so just dial it down a bit and give yourself a break every once in awhile.
Don’t stock up on every decongestant, cough syrup, and throat lozenge in the store. These meds might make you feel better, but they’re not reducing the duration of your illness, and may cause some pretty uncomfortable side effects.
Do eat whatever tempts you. If you’re stuffed up, try a cup of hot tea or a bowl of delicious soup to open up your nasal passages and allow you to smell all the yummy foods around you. On the other hand, if you want a bowl of ice cream, don’t hesitate; cold foods cannot actually give you a cold.
Don’t smoke. Smokers get the flu more often and, unfortunately, have been shown to have a higher mortality rate from the flu than nonsmokers.
Above all, be safe and have a great rest of your November!
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