13 ways to reduce your chances of developing illnesses

Living a healthy lifestyle is key to fighting off chronic illnesses like heart disease, stroke, and arthritis. It is also important to practise a healthy lifestyle to protect yourself against acute diseases and infections such as the common cold, flu, and COVID-19.

Likewise, the flu season begins in autumn and often peaks between December and February.

The 2022-2023 flu season in particular is proving to be the worst on record in over a decade. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), there have been 20 million illnesses, 210,000 hospitalisations, and 13,000 deaths from the flu as of December 30, 2022.

Fortunately, there are many simple and effective ways to stay healthy during the cold and flu season, and with COVID-19 still around. Here are a few things you can do to protect yourself and your loved ones from these illnesses when they are at their peak:

AIM FOR AT LEAST EIGHT HOURS OF SLEEP EACH NIGHT

Adequate sleep helps boost your immune system. A study in the journal Sleep found that participants who obtained more than seven hours of sleep each night were less likely to develop the common cold compared to participants who slept less than seven hours each night.

WASH YOUR HANDS FREQUENTLY AND THOROUGHLY

Washing your hands with soap and warm water for at least 20 seconds is one of the best ways to keep yourself healthy and prevent illness. Handwashing mechanically removes bacteria and viruses from your hands that cause cold, flu, and COVID-19.

EAT HEALTHY FOODS TO STRENGTHEN YOUR IMMUNE SYSTEM

Foods that are rich in vitamins, whole grains, and healthy fats can help your immune system respond more effectively to defend against viruses and bacteria. While there is no special immunity diet, foods commonly associated with the Mediterranean diet are a great option.

CONSIDER GETTING VACCINATED AGAINST THE FLU AND COVID-19

Vaccines are a safe and effective way to prevent illness from the flu virus and COVID-19. Many clinics and pharmacies offer both vaccines for free and/or at a significantly reduced price.

AVOID TOUCHING YOUR EYES, NOSE, AND MOUTH

Bacteria and viruses most commonly enter your body via the eyes, nose, and mouth. A simple way to avoid contracting illness is to avoid touching your face, especially with unwashed hands.

COVER YOUR MOUTH AND NOSE

Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when coughing or sneezing. It may prevent those around you from getting sick. Flu viruses spread mainly by droplets made when people with flu cough, sneeze or talk.

EXERCISE ON A REGULAR BASIS

One study found that daily physical activity can boost your immune system by improving the function of antibodies and white blood cells that fight disease. Exercise can also lead to improvements in quality of life that have lasting benefits for your health.

AVOID CONTACT WITH SICK INDIVIDUALS

Cold, flu, and COVID-19 typically spreads from person-to-person contact. Take steps to reduce the spread of these illnesses by avoiding close contact with people who have symptoms of illness such as sore throat, cough, runny nose, and/or fever. Clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces at home, work or school, especially when someone is ill.

STAY HOME WHEN YOU ARE SICK

If possible, stay home from work, school, and errands when you are sick. This will help prevent spreading your illness to others.

AVOID EXCESSIVE ALCOHOL USE

Several studies have shown that drinking too much alcohol can weaken your body’s ability to fight off illness and infection. In addition, excessive alcohol consumption is linked to increased risk of pneumonia.

GET PLENTY OF VITAMIN D

Vitamin D deficiency is associated with poor bone and muscle health, as well as increased susceptibility to illness. A global study found that vitamin D supplements can help protect against respiratory infection such as COVID-19, the flu, and the common cold.

CUT BACK OR QUIT SMOKING

Smoking tobacco is highly associated with chronic diseases such as lung cancer. In addition, smoking can weaken your body’s immune system, decreasing your ability to fight off infections.

DRINK PLENTY OF WATER

Hydrating with water helps boost your immune system in several ways. First, it helps your body absorb the nutrients it needs to build a healthy defence against bacteria and viruses. Second, water helps flush toxins from your body.

All these tips are great ways to boost your immunity and reduce your chances of developing illness. Above all, remember that healthy lifestyle choices are key to stay healthy this cold, flu, and COVID-19 season.

keisha.hill@gleanerjm.com