Tips and tricks to keep your immune system in check among the flu and other cold germs. As the seasons begin to change, the sniffles, runny noses, and coughing fits can also come as a result of this shift. Fortunately, there are some ways in which you can help protect yourself and others from from catching those unpleasant illnesses.
There are 4 major types of germs that make us sick: Viruses, Protozoa, Bacteria, Fungi.
Virus: Organism which contains genetic material so that it can copy itself and multiply Example: common colds, HIV, Influenza
Protozoa: organisms that are single-celled and live partially outside a human host either existing in the environment or within another host. Example: Malaria
Bacteria: Single-celled and can be healthful in our bodies (good bacteria to breakdown food in our intestines) and can also cause us to fall ill. Example: Strep throat
Fungi: We can consume some fungi, others make us sick. Example: Ringworm
Germs and viruses can make us feel pretty sick. They spread using us as the hosts and the transporters. We can come in contact with them when in contact with other sick individuals and contaminated objects. Germs can spread through touching one’s eyes, and coughing or sneezing into one’s hands or space. Germs can also be transferred to us through contaminated food either uncooked or prepared with unclean hands and kitchen.
While there is not 100% protection from germs and falling ill at times, one can do their best to protect their body against the foreign invaders. One way in which to do that is to strengthen our immune response. Harvard Medical School and research recommends to:
- Eat well. Ensure that you are receiving proper nutrition through your diet that will give your body the energy and support it needs in keeping you well nourished.
- Reduce your stress! Stress reduction can help protect one from chronic stress which can lend itself to a weakened ability to fight off common colds and may increase your susceptibility.
- Exercise alone will not fight to keep you healthy. But balanced with a healthy diet as well as healthy lifestyle behaviors, it can help support your immune system.
- WASH YOUR HANDS. It is very important that you keep your hands clean. This will help to cut down your exposure to infectious diseases and germs, as well as minimize the exposure the germs to others that you have picked up. It is also important that you cover your mouth using your elbow when sneezing or coughing.
Sometimes, the doctor calls…
Medical attention. If you or someone in your family falls ill it is appropriate to seek the necessary forms of medical attention when needed. Sometimes that may require you take some over the counter medicines or use homeopathic methods. It also may be appropriate to seek the care of a doctor or health professional if there are concerns of the severity of the sickness and one is unable to shake their symptoms. Vaccinations can also be a smart choice, as exposing your body to a weakened form of various viruses can help the body to build up immunity to help fight.
It’s your life, so make it a healthy one
You have a chance to make healthy changes in your life that will help to keep you from falling sick as often as well as creating a happier you! Your greatest guard from becoming sick with common colds and the flu this season is to take care yourself holistically.
Ensuring that you receive a balanced diet, proper amount of sleep, exercise, keep clean, and attend to your body, that alone will help strengthen your defense against some of those icky germs!
As Flu season is upon us, visit this website for more information about the Flu and how to remain healthy https://www.vaccines.gov/diseases/flu/index.html
References
Harvard Medical School (2016). How to boost your immune system:Tips to fight disease and strengthen immunity. Retrieved from https://www.health.harvard.edu/staying-health ny/how-to-boost-your-immune-system
Mayo Clinic (2017). Germs: Understand and protect against bacteria, viruses and infection.
Retrieved from http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-condit ions/infectious-d iseases/in-de pth/ germs/art-20045289
Minnesota Department of Health Making Hand Washing a Healthy Habit. http://www.health.st
ate.mn.us/handhygiene/wash/hwfactsheet.html
U.S Department of Health and Human Services (2017). Influenza (Flu). Retrieved from
https://www.vaccines.gov/diseases/flu/index.html
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