Contributed by: Healthians Team
Introduction
The uncertainty of temperature fluctuations and weather due to the changing season increases the number of people with symptoms such as:
- Fever
- Headache
- Runny nose
- Cough
- Muscle pain
- Sore throat
The allergens in the environment spike with every seasonal transition, and so does the risk of getting affected by viruses that can cause contagious illnesses like flu.
Studies suggest that most grown-ups suffer from cold two to four times every year. Whereas, most children experience flu symptoms five to seven times every year.
Thus, it is common if you feel under the weather during the seasonal transition. However, you can protect yourself by making some minor tweaks to your lifestyle and diet.
In this article, we bring you four important expert-recommended lifestyle changes that can help in protecting you from seasonal illnesses.
A flu shot is a must
The changing weather isn’t what makes you sick, it’s the viruses that come along with this transition that do.
Human rhinovirus (HRV) and coronavirus family of viruses (not to be confused with the Covid-19 virus) affect most people, and they thrive largely when the weather is cold, such as in spring and winter.
The World Health Organisation (WHO) recommends getting a flu shot every year before the winter begins as it can protect you from the onset of infections and ailments due to these viruses.
Children between six months to eight years and the elderly above the age of 65 years are at a higher risk of getting affected by these viruses due to weak immunity. Thus, ensure that you get them vaccinated on time, especially before the winter hits.
People who have any underlying medical condition such as diabetes, kidney disease, heart or liver diseases are particularly prone to flu as they possess a weakened immune system.
Getting a flu shot can protect them from these viruses, and minimize the chances of aggravation in their conditions due to viral infections.
Good hygiene equals good health
Good hygiene is an important and healthy practice that should be a part of your daily routine. It not only helps in protecting you from infections but also the people around you.
Studies suggest that rhinovirus can survive for approximately three hours outside the body and up to 48 hours on tangible objects such as clothes, tables, doorknobs, and light switches.
Thus, you should maintain a habit of washing or sanitizing your hands frequently, and avoid touching your nose, eyes, and face to protect yourself from infections.
Some other good hygiene practices that can help keep the seasonal infections at bay include:
- Cover your mouth and nose while coughing or sneezing
- Wear a mask whenever you are around other people
- Disinfect the objects that you use frequently, such as mobile phones, laptops, pens, and notebooks
- Follow hygiene while cooking your meals. Wash your foods and utensils thoroughly before you cook and eat
Create & follow an exercise regimen
Exercising regularly goes a long way in boosting your immune system, which helps in lowering the risk of getting affected by viral infections.
However, an exercise regimen should be made keeping in mind your age and current physical health. It’s best to consult your doctor for suggestions on the exercises that are tailored for you.
Apart from protecting you from seasonal infections, exercising regularly also aids in:
- Improving heart health
- Maintaining a healthy weight
- Lowering blood cholesterol levels
- Lowering the risk of diabetes
- Controlling blood pressure
Eat healthy meals & take proper rest
A healthy diet is extremely important to protect yourself from the onset of viral infections, as it helps in strengthening the immune system.
Your meals should comprise fruits and vegetables of many colours that are loaded with vitamins, minerals, and healthy fats. Nutritionists suggest opting for seasonal foods as they are high in nutritional value.
Along with healthy meals, try to get at least seven to eights hours of sound sleep. It can help in keeping your stress under control and improve your overall well-being.
Final thoughts
Seasonal transition brings along a host of viruses that can give rise to several illnesses. Although controlling the effects of these viruses may not be in your hands, but taking measures to protect yourself surely is.
The above-mentioned are four expert-recommended tips that you should religiously follow to boost your immunity and protect yourself from the onset of seasonal infections.
Another step you can take towards a healthy you is a preventive health checkup. It can help you in identifying the signs that can give rise to health issues. thus, enabling you to take preventive measures to protect yourself.
