Whether you’re travelling or living in a cold climate, you’re more likely to be sick in winter. But that doesn’t mean you’re doomed to get sick. There are some simple things you can do to stay healthy.
Stay Warm
First, you need to stay warm. Cold temperatures weaken your body’s immune system, making it harder to fight off germs. So, make sure you wear layers to keep you warm. If you do get sick, take a few Tylenol or Ibuprofen to help with your fever and take care of any headaches. You can also stay away from people who are sick.
Get Enough Sleep
You should also get plenty of sleep. Sleeping well helps your immune system. You can also eat well and exercise. These will help your immune system to keep your body healthy and strong. You can also reduce your stress levels. Stress can sabotage your immune system, making it more likely that you will become sick.
Vitamin D
Getting outdoors will also help you build your vitamin D levels. During the winter, your body makes less vitamin D, and if you don’t have enough, you may be more vulnerable to illness. In order to build your vitamin D levels, you can take supplements or get your PCP to recommend a vitamin D test.
Drink Lots of Water
Cold air also affects your respiratory system. The mucous membranes in your nasal passages are drier in winter, which makes it easier for viruses to get in. You should also drink lots of water to stay hydrated and to decrease the production of mucus. You should also make sure to wash your hands frequently to reduce the chance of spreading germs to your family.
If you have asthma or COPD, you’re likely to have more trouble breathing when it’s cold. If you’re exposed to extreme cold, you can get hypothermia. Experiencing colds and flu can also be dangerous for people with heart disease, since it uses up the stored energy in your body.
If you’re living in a cold climate, it’s also important to get a flu shot. Scientists develop new vaccines every year, and getting a flu shot can help protect you from influenza. In addition, getting a flu shot every year is recommended for everyone six months or older.
Cold weather doesn’t cause colds, but it does make viruses live longer. Some viruses, like the rhinovirus, can live in low temperatures for longer. Other viruses, like the human coronavirus, are more likely to multiply in cooler weather.
Colds and flu tend to be more common during the winter months. These illnesses usually run their course, but you should be prepared in case they do get worse. You should contact your doctor for medical advice if you start to experience worse symptoms, or if your symptoms don’t go away after three days. You should also get plenty of rest, drink plenty of water, and stay warm.