How to Stay Healthy During the Cold and Flu Season?

Staying healthy during flu season is crucial, as colder weather often brings with it an increased risk of illness. This is largely due to a few key factors: colder, drier air provides an optimal environment for the influenza virus, while spending more time indoors due to the chillier weather heightens the risk of the virus spreading. Additionally, cold weather can take a toll on the immune system, making it harder for our bodies to combat infections.

Fortunately, there are several effective strategies for staying healthy during the cold and flu season. Implementing good hygiene practices, eating a balanced diet, and maintaining an active lifestyle are all vital for bolstering your health and safeguarding against illnesses. These measures not only help to prevent the spread of germs, but also foster a healthier environment overall.

Let's take a closer look at the 5 ways to do to stay healthy during flu season and the colder months.

Wash Your Hands

Maintaining good hand hygiene is crucial in staying healthy during flu season. It's recommended that you wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds to eliminate germs that may be present. It's essential to wash before eating or preparing food, after using the bathroom, blowing your nose, coughing or sneezing, and after touching surfaces. Lather all parts of your hands, including the backs of your hands, in between your fingers, and under your nails. When staying healthy preventing infectious diseases, you can follow these steps.

Use Hand Sanitiser

One of the 5 ways to stay healthy during flu season is using hand sanitiser, especially when soap and water are not readily available. Hand sanitiser can effectively kill most types of germs on your hands. When applying hand sanitiser, make sure to use a dime-sized amount and rub your hands together until the sanitiser dries. It's important to cover all surfaces of your hands, including the backs of your hands, in between your fingers, and under your nails.

Disinfect Surfaces and High Touch Points

Maintaining a clean and disinfected environment is crucial in staying healthy during flu season. The flu virus can survive on surfaces for several hours, and touching contaminated surfaces and then touching your face can easily transfer the virus to your body. Disinfecting commonly touched surfaces such as doorknobs, light switches, countertops, and remote controls can help reduce the risk of getting the flu. Using a surface disinfectant is essential in staying healthy during flu season.

Boost Your Immune System

When staying healthy during the cold season, it's important to take steps to boost your immune system. Maintaining a healthy diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean protein, and staying hydrated is the best way to do this. Regular exercise is significant for staying healthy during flu season. In addition, it's important to engage in stress-reducing activities like yoga and meditation as chronic stress can weaken the immune system. Getting enough sleep, which is around 7-8 hours for adults, is also crucial to boost your system ahead of flu season.

Get Your Flu Shot

When staying healthy during flu season, it is important to get vaccinated, according to the Australian Government Department of Health. They recommend getting a yearly influenza vaccination for people six months and older. Additionally, the Department of Health has made Flu and COVID-19 vaccines free for everyone in the country, recommending that everyone five years and older gets vaccinated.

In addition to vaccination, TouchBio Rapid Antigen Test can help you detect the presence of the influenza viruses quickly and accurately. If you test positive, it's important to take necessary steps to stay well during the flu season, such as staying home and avoiding close contact with others. By taking these precautions, you can help keep yourself and those around you healthy during flu season.