Cold weather is coming and the time of seasonal illnesses begins. Adults start coughing, children bring viruses from kindergartens and schools.
Is being sick at this time inevitable and is it an obligatory part of life every fall and winter? Or is there a way to avoid unpleasant symptoms and spend this time actively and cheerfully?
Let's look at 5 effective ways to prevent acute respiratory infections and support the body during colds.
Why do we get sick in cold weather?
Many people think that the cold itself causes sore throat and runny nose. But it doesn't.
Our body is very smart and we have a special system in our nose and mouth that filters and protects us from viruses and germs entering our body. If this system wasn't in place, we wouldn't live a day. But the cold weakens our local immunity and it becomes easier for viruses to enter the body. But that's not all the reasons.
During the cold season, we spend a lot more time in confined spaces with lots of people. This means there is a greater chance of catching the virus.
Some viruses, oddly enough, are more comfortable in cooler weather. Influenza viruses, for example. And a lack of vitamin D does not play in our favor either. The less vitamin D we have, the lower our immunity.
All this contributes to the wave of morbidity in the fall and winter period. But there are ways to prevent ARVI.
How to strengthen immunity in winter?
The statistics on illnesses in the fall and winter are disappointing. But this is no reason to stock up on medications and resign yourself to the fact that you and your children will spend the next few days on sick leave.
There are many effective ways to support immunity. And today we will look at some of them.
1. HEALTH
Yes, it sounds cliché. But unhealthy lifestyles have a significant impact on our health.
You don't have to rush to the gym and eat only vegetables. It is important to adjust your lifestyle in general. For example, take more walks, build a strict regimen of day and sleep. Eat a full meal at the same time every day.
Remember that you should get enough sleep, but not too much. A healthy sleep of 7-8 hours a day helps you to recover fully.
Even this will be enough to significantly reduce anxiety and daily stress. And, of course, increase the body's ability to resist viruses.
2. activity
Yes, daily activity is essential. And the gym will never replace a walk in the fresh air. Just make it a rule to walk in the evenings for at least 1 hour. The main thing is stability.
By the way, a walk before going to bed in the cold is very good for fast falling asleep and healthy sleep.
3. Clothing
You should always dress for the weather. Not warmth, but weather appropriate. If you sweat a lot, it can also have a negative effect on your health.
Trying to dress lightly to harden yourself is not a good idea either. Especially if you have never hardened yourself before.
4. Hygiene
The pandemic has passed, but the rules of hygiene and social distance have not been canceled. Do not forget that it is easy to catch the virus in a crowd.
Wash and handle your hands as often as possible. You can wear a mask in large crowded places. It is never a bad idea to wear a mask.
It is important to teach children hygiene as early as possible so that it becomes a lifelong habit.
5. Vaccination
Of course, no vaccination guarantees that you won't get sick. But an annual flu shot can help prevent acute respiratory infections and avoid complications if you do get sick.
Don't neglect this method of protection if you want a disease-free fall and winter.
These are simple and straightforward rules. But they really work. And this is proved by millions of people and scientific research. Follow these rules, and you will spend the fall and winter cheerfully and without acute respiratory infections.
