Introduction
Winter is here, and it’s time to bundle up and get your immune system ready for battle. The good news is that there are many things you can do to boost your odds of staying healthy this winter. You might not be able to change the weather or stop people from sneezing on you, but there are things you can do at home that will help keep germs away and keep them from making you sick:
The most common infections in winter
There are many different types of infections you can catch in winter. They include:
- cold and flu
- sinusitis
- ear infections
- strep throat (a painful throat infection)
- bronchitis (a chest infection that causes coughing and wheezing)
- pneumonia (an infection of the lungs that makes it hard to breathe)
- stomach bugs
Why do we get sicker in winter?
Well, it’s partly due to the weather. Cold, dry air can cause your nose and throat membranes to dry out. This makes it easier for viruses (which are airborne) to get into your body. It also means that you’re likely to be exposed to more germs and viruses because people tend to spend more time indoors when it’s cold outside than they do in summer.
Also, there are other factors at play: less sunlight means fewer vitamin D benefits; more time indoors means more exposure to germs from family members, friends or colleagues; and less sleep can leave our immune systems open to attack by invading pathogens. Winter weather conditions mean you’re also likely spending longer periods of time in closed spaces such as offices, planes or cars – all common ways people catch colds!
Wash your hands as much as you can.
Don’t forget to wash your hands before touching your face, after coughing or sneezing, and after using the bathroom. It’s also important to wash your hands after handling raw meat or poultry.
In fact, it’s one of the best ways to prevent getting sick in winter!
Disinfect surfaces in your house every day.
When you come home from work or school, your first instinct is probably to take off your shoes and sink into a snuggly blanket. But don’t forget to disinfect surfaces in your house! You can use antibacterial wipes for this—just make sure the product has a hospital or health-care logo on it.
The surfaces you need to disinfect include:
- Kitchen sink faucet handles (and all other faucets)
- Sink drain stopper handles and spouts
- Refrigerator door handles and shelves/drawers that don’t get touched often (e.g., butter compartment)
Stay home if you’re sick.
The best way to avoid getting sick is to stay home when you’re sick. Also, avoid contact with other people if you can do so safely. To protect others from your germs, keep your distance from them and cover your mouth with a tissue when coughing or sneezing. Then throw the used tissue in the trash — don’t just toss it on the floor like our ancestors did (though they were probably healthier than us).
Eat healthy and exercise often.
The best way to avoid getting sick is to maintain good health. Here are some ways you can do that:
- Eat a balanced diet. This means eating fruits, vegetables, and whole grains as well as protein from sources like fish or beans. It also means avoiding fast food and sugary drinks.
- Get plenty of sleep each night and take frequent breaks during the day for rest or physical activity (not just when you feel tired).
- Drink plenty of fluids all day long so that your body stays hydrated and your cells stay moist (this helps keep you warmer during cold weather). Don’t drink too much caffeine or alcohol—they dehydrate you!
Build a strong immune system.
- Eat healthy and exercise.
- Get a flu shot every year.
- Wash your hands as much as you can, especially before eating and after using the bathroom, since that’s when germs are most likely to be transferred from one person to another.
- Disinfect surfaces in your house every day if possible; otherwise, try doing it twice a week at the minimum with an all-purpose cleaner like disinfectant spray or wipes for hard surfaces like countertops and tables (not carpet or anything soft).
- Stay home from work when you’re sick unless you have absolutely no choice but to go into work (like if there’s an emergency situation). If someone else has the same symptoms as yours but isn’t staying home from work, stay away from them so they don’t make things worse by transmitting their colds/flu/etc onto others!
Get a flu shot every year.
Getting a flu shot is the best way to prevent getting sick. The flu shot protects against three or four different strains of the flu, making it more effective than other vaccines. It’s recommended for everyone over 6 months old, and you can get one at most pharmacies and doctors offices. Even if you don’t feel sick with the flu, get vaccinated; you may still be contagious and spread germs to others who are vulnerable due to medical conditions or age (young children under 5 years old have a higher chance of complications).
Don’t touch your face with unclean hands.
- Don’t touch your face with unclean hands. If you’re sick, wash your hands frequently and use hand sanitizer if soap and water aren’t available.
- Stay home if you have a fever, vomiting or diarrhea.
- Avoid sharing food and drinks with others, if possible.
Conclusion
We’ve covered a lot of the basics here, but there are plenty more ways to keep yourself healthy in winter. Exercise regularly, eat well and stay away from stress as much as possible. It might take some time for you to get used to these habits, but once they become part of your daily routine they will make all the difference between skipping work every week due to illness or being able to enjoy life without fear!