Staying Healthy During Cold and Flu Season

With the cold and flu season here, it’s important to take care of yourself to stay healthy while you’re in college. The health experts at Nebraska Medicine UNO Health Center have some simple tips for Mavericks like you to stay away from germs and make your immune system strong:

To stay healthy during the cold and flu season, there are some things you can do. These steps can help you avoid getting sick and feeling better:

Tips Staying Healthy During Flu Season:

1. Wash Your Hands Often: Washing your hands frequently is a really good idea. It helps stop germs from spreading to others.
2. Get a Flu Shot: Getting a flu shot can make your body stronger against the flu. It’s like giving your body armor to fight off the flu.
3. Boost Your Immune System: Making your immune system strong is important. Eat healthy foods, sleep well, and manage stress. Some supplements like Vitamin C and Zinc can help too.
4. Stay Active: Moving your body by exercising can make your immune system stronger and help you feel good.
5. Avoid Sick People: If someone is not feeling well, it’s a good idea to keep your distance from them. Also, avoid crowded places where germs can spread easily.
6. Clean Things You Touch: Germs can live on things you touch. So, clean and disinfect things like doorknobs and phones to stop germs from spreading.
7. Drink Water: Drinking enough water helps flush out germs and keeps your body working well.
8. Get Enough Sleep: Sleeping enough helps your body fight off germs and stay healthy.
9. Don’t Smoke or Drink Too Much: Smoking and drinking too much can weaken your body’s defenses. It’s better to avoid these habits.

Remember, if you start feeling sick, it’s important to take care of yourself. Rest, drink fluids, and you can use over-the-counter medicine to help with symptoms like fever and aches to make sure you don’t pass germs to others, it’s better to stay at home. And if your symptoms are really bad or you’re at risk of complications, talk to a doctor.

Foods that Help Protect Against Colds and Flu:

Eating the right foods can help your body stay strong and fight off colds and flu. Some foods that are good for your immune system include:

• Citrus Fruits: Oranges, lemons, and grapefruits have Vitamin C which helps your immune system stay strong.
• Berries: Blueberries and strawberries have Vitamin C and antioxidants that help fight germs.
• Garlic: Garlic has special properties that can help your body fight colds and flu.
• Ginger: Ginger can help with sore throat and congestion.
• Leafy Greens: Spinach and other greens have vitamins that are important for your immune system.
• Fatty Fish: Fish like Salmon have good fats that help your immune system work well.
• Yogurt and Kefir: These have good bacteria that help your body fight off germs.
• Colorful Veggies: Vegetables like broccoli, bell peppers, and sweet potatoes have vitamins that keep you healthy.

Remember, having a balanced diet, exercising, and getting enough sleep are also important for staying healthy. A strong immune system is like having a shield that keeps you safe from colds and flu. So, take care of yourself!

Taking Care of Yourself When You Have the Flu:

When you have the flu, it’s important to know how to take care of yourself:

• Rest a lot and get plenty of sleep.
• Drink fluids like water and juice to stay hydrated.
• Use over-the-counter medicine to help with fever and aches.
• Stay away from others to avoid spreading the flu.
• If your symptoms are really bad or you’re worried, talk to a doctor.

Can Vitamins Stop Colds?

Vitamins are important for your body to stay strong and healthy. Some vitamins like Vitamin C, Vitamin D, and Zinc might help your body fight off colds. They are found in foods like fruits, veggies, and fish. But remember, vitamins are not a magic cure. Having too many of certain vitamins can actually be bad for you. It’s best to talk to a doctor before taking lots of vitamins. It’s always a good idea to stay healthy by eating a balanced diet and taking good care of yourself.

Preventing the Flu at School:

• Check if your child’s school or college has plans in place for illness outbreaks like the flu, and if they offer flu vaccinations.
• Make sure the school cleans things that are touched a lot and has supplies like tissues and soap.
• If you’re at work:

Preventing the Flu at Work:

• Find out if your workplace has plans for illness outbreaks and offers flu vaccinations.
• Keep things like doorknobs and keyboards clean.
• Make sure there are tissues, soap, and hand sanitizers available.
• Teach others your job so they can cover for you if you get sick.
• If you feel sick at work, go home as soon as you can.

It’s also good to know how sick people are separated from others and who will take care of them until they can leave. And find out the rules for sick students and staff.

Natural Ways of Staying Healthy During Cold and Flu:

Can natural remedies really help with cold and flu symptoms? Barbara Austin, a nurse at Piedmont Sixty Plus, shares some facts about what works and what doesn’t.

1. Drink Enough Water

Staying hydrated is key to recovering from a cold or flu quickly. Hydration helps your body get rid of germs naturally.

Related…..How Much Water Should You Drink Per Day?

2. Vitamin C

Vitamin C may not prevent colds, but it could make them shorter. Eating fresh foods with vitamin C, like oranges, is better than taking supplements.

3. Get Enough Sleep

Rest is crucial during cold and flu season. Sleep helps your immune system fight off viruses and bacteria.

4. Honey and Tea

Honey has natural properties that can fight viruses. Mix it with ginger or cinnamon tea to soothe a scratchy throat.

5. Chicken Soup

Hot liquids like chicken soup can reduce mucus and keep you hydrated. It even has anti-inflammatory benefits.

6. Aromatherapy

Using camphor or menthol salve near your nose can help with congestion. Breathing in scents like peppermint and eucalyptus also helps.

7. Steamy Shower

A hot shower or sauna can clear congestion. If you’re feeling weak, sit in the bathroom while the shower is on.

8. Gargle with Salt Water

Gargling warm salt water can relieve a sore throat. Put half of a small spoon of salt into a cup of warm water. Sleep with an Extra Pillow.

9. Probiotics

Probiotics are like helpful tiny bugs that live in your body, some foods, and supplements.

They can make your belly and immune system strong and might lower your chances of catching a cold or cough. However, we need to do more research to be certain.

Eating yogurt with probiotics could help your immune system, and it also gives you protein and calcium. When you buy it, check the label to make sure it has live bacteria.

Summary:

Right now, there’s no surefire way to completely get rid of a cold or flu, but some foods, supplements, and home remedies might ease your symptoms.

A bit of evidence suggests that a few remedies could make the illness shorter, but we need more research to be certain.

To lower your chances of catching a cold or flu, boost your immune system by eating good food, getting enough sleep, and staying active. Also, don’t forget to get all the vaccines you’re supposed to.