Written by: Annie Zygmunt
- Staying Protected During Cold/Flu Seasons
Introduction:
Cold weather is approaching, and soon will come the days where we wish we could just stay cuddled up on the couch in our pj’s. Alas, we do still have to go work! But alongside the cold weather comes the cold and flu seasons, and we’ll yet again have to do everything we can to not get ill. Below are a few ways you can try to protect yourself and those around you from catching a cold/flu.
Dress Warm:
With temperatures dropping, it’s important to dress warm whether we’re staying in or going out. This is because during the cold seasons, we are more prone to catching a number of illnesses and conditions.
While working from home, many of us may choose to stay in bed wearing pajamas, under sheets and blankets for comfort and warmth. But we can’t exactly go to work under the warmth of onesies, wrapped up in a blanket. What that means is we need to dress appropriately for work as well as the weather. For women working in an office, this may mean exchanging pencil skirts for suit trousers. For everyone overall, it could mean investing in a warm winter jacket, scarf, and possibly even gloves.
Vitamins/Supplements:
What you put on your body is just as important as what you put in it. During the winter months, a coat and a healthy diet may not always be enough to keep you healthy. Sometimes our body needs extra help.
Vitamin D is one of the easiest vitamins to get during the summer. Why? Because we can actually get just about enough of it from sitting out in the sun! But we don’t exactly get much sun in the winter. This vitamin can be found in oily fish, red meat, egg yolks etc. However, no one has a perfect diet. Sometimes our body needs a little help from prescribed/over-the-counter vitamins and supplements. Especially during the winter when out motivation to eat well goes out the window. Nothing wrong with a little help!
Drink Plenty of Water:
Everyone knows that it’s important to drink plenty of water during the summer to avoid dehydration. That doesn’t mean that we should stop drinking water during the winter. You can still get dehydrated if you don’t drink enough water, even in the winter (and any other season).
Cold and dry winds can cause the skin to dry out. Hydrating the skin with creams and gels may temporarily help on the outside, but it’s just as important to keep it hydrated from the inside.
Get the Flu Shot If Eligible:
Some people are entitled to receiving annual NHS flu shots. A few things that would make you eligible are if you’re over 65 years-old, pregnant, or suffering with long term health conditions; such as asthma, diabetes, and chronic heart, kidney, or liver disease.
Flu jabs help your body by creating antibodies, which in turn help provide protection against the flu virus. However, they’re not offered to everyone, so it’s important to look at other ways to protect yourself.
Stay Home When Possible:
Remote working has become very popular due to Covid-19. If anything, the last few months have shown us that it is very possible for many of us to work from home. Therefore, especially during the winter time, take that opportunity when you can and work from home.
Follow Safety Guidelines:
Remember that we are still fighting the pandemic. It’s just as important now that you wash your hands, use sanitizer, and wear a mask. These things can help protect you not just from the virus, but common cold and flu as well.
Conclusion:
Whether it’s curled up on the couch, in bed, or going to the office – dress warm, stay hydrated, stay protected. Take care of yourself this winter season.