Cold and Flu Season: Expert Advice for Staying Healthy
The cold and flu season is fast approaching, and as the weather gets colder and people spend more time indoors, respiratory illnesses tend to spread in close quarters. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), flu activity begins to increase in October and often reaches its peak between December and January. Along with the flu, other respiratory viruses like rhinovirus and RSV can cause cold-like symptoms. And of course, COVID-19 is still a major concern as well.
Physicians, although not immune to this time of year, understand how to protect themselves and stay healthy. Here are some things experts never do:
They don’t skip or delay the flu shot.
Skipping or delaying the flu vaccine can put you at risk of severe flu-related complications, warns Dr. Marie-Louise Landry, a professor of laboratory medicine at Yale School of Medicine. She shares her personal experience of contracting the flu multiple times in the past, but since receiving an annual flu vaccination, she has only had one mild and brief breakthrough infection. The CDC recommends that everyone 6 months and older get a flu shot each season.
They don’t go to work or school if they’re sick.
Dr. Richard A. Martinello, a professor of infectious disease and pediatrics at Yale School of Medicine, emphasizes the importance of not going to work or school when sick. Infected individuals can spread flu and colds through respiratory droplets and contaminated surfaces, putting others at risk. Even if you test positive for the flu without experiencing symptoms, you can still transmit the virus to others.
They don’t go out without a mask when sick.
Dr. John Swartzberg, clinical professor emeritus at the University of California, Berkeley’s School of Public Health, advises wearing a good mask, such as an N95 or KN95, when going out in public with a respiratory illness. Wearing a mask greatly reduces the release of respiratory droplets when coughing or sneezing.
They don’t skip hand-washing.
Poor hand-washing hygiene increases the risk of contracting the flu or common cold. Dr. Martinello and Dr. Swartzberg both stress the importance of regular hand-washing. Contaminated hands can transfer the virus to your eyes or nose, potentially making you sick. If soap and water are not accessible, using alcohol-based hand sanitizer can serve as a temporary disinfectant.
They don’t stick to a normal, busy routine.
Dr. Tamika Henry, a family physician at Unlimited Health Institute, encourages getting enough rest while sick. Ignoring the body’s signals and pushing through with a busy routine can negatively impact your health. Getting sufficient sleep can aid in a quicker recovery from the cold or flu, as symptoms can last up to two weeks. Lack of sleep increases inflammation and weakens the immune response, prolonging the recovery process.
By following these expert tips and prioritizing healthy habits, you can increase your chances of staying illness-free during the challenging cold and flu season.
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