How to Survive Cold & Flu Season

Mar 12th 2020

Cold and flu season is upon us and stronger than ever this year. Keeping our families healthy and safe is our top priority, but what can you do to keep yourself in a tip-top healthy shape? While these strategies won’t guarantee you don’t contract a virus, below are five anti-cold/flu strategies to help keep you healthy.

Food Choices

Did you know that eating foods high in sugar and fat can suppress the immune system? Plan your family meals and snacks that are providing the vitamins and nutrients that they need. Stock your household with healthy foods rich in vitamins A, C, D and E, omega fatty acids; and minerals. Good foods for immunity include green leafy vegetables, avocado, sea vegetables, mushrooms, raw honey, goji berries, fermented foods, fish, blueberries, raspberries, blackberries, garlic, ginger, and green tea.

Probiotics

Probiotics are live microorganisms that are mostly bacteria and sometimes yeast, which are good for health. That's why they are called "good bacteria". You can choose gut-friendly supplements and/or probiotic-rich foods, such as yogurt. Not only do they maintain a healthy digestive system, but they also support the body's natural defense capabilities.

Wash Your Hands

The easiest way to catch a cold is by getting the virus on your hands and then touching your nose or eyes. Remind yourself and others how and when to wash up. Encourage hand-washing before eating, after using the bathroom, being in public areas and after sneezing, coughing or blowing the nose. Wash with soap and water for at least 30 seconds. An alcohol-based hand sanitizer is also effective if you are out and about.

Cover Your Mouth

Those famous words remind us that millions of cold germs are expelled into the air with a cough or sneeze up to six feet away. Encourage everyone to cover their mouths with a tissue or if there isn't time to grab one then "catch it" in the bent inner elbow of the arm rather than the hand.

Sharing isn't Always Caring

Kids love to share drinks, snacks, and utensils, but this is also an easy way for viruses and bacteria to easily be transmitted through saliva. Teach your kids to avoid this, particularly during the cold season. If this proves challenging for your loved one, then pack your child's lunchbox with extra snacks in separate individual baggies that can be passed along to others.