5 Tips to Avoid Cough & Cold Season

One of our pharmacist shares her advice on staying healthy this fall.

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Cough, cold, and flu season begins in October and can last all the way through spring. We all know when a bad cold hits us, we have to deal with more than just feeling awful. Sickness can mean more time away from work, caring for sick kids who can’t go to school or daycare, and other things that none of us look forward to. Fortunately, there are things you and your family can do to prevent getting sick, and ultimately stay happy and healthy all winter long:

Practice Good Hygiene:This is one of the most important ways to prevent getting sick. Make sure to wash your hands with warm, soapy water thoroughly. Make sure you and others cough and sneeze into your elbow, and then wash your hands again before touching things like door knobs, or other surfaces that others touch. Use alcohol-based hand sanitizer if you don’t have easy access to soap and water.

5 Tips to Avoid Cough and Cold Season Sleep Well

Get Good Sleep:Easier said than done sometimes, but skip the late night TV binge sessions or socializing and try to get at least 7-9 hours of sleep each night. If sleep is an issue for you, try limiting screen time an hour before bed, take some melatonin, read a book, or even try a sleep app which provides soothing music and tones to help you drift off to dream land.

5 Tips to Avoid Cough and Cold Season Eat Well

Eat Well:Make sure you’re giving your body plenty of good nutrients that will build your immune system. Some good options are soups (even better with bone broth), green vegetables, complex carbs like rice, quinoa or buckwheat. Build up your gut health by eating pickled vegetables like asparagus, sauerkraut, and beets. Yogurt, and high fiber foods like whole grains, beans/legumes and veggies are good options too. Another option – you can always pick up a good probiotic supplement at your local Bartell’s.

5 Tips to Avoid Cough and Cold Season Take vitamins

Take a Multi-Vitamin:Speaking of supplements, it’s always good to make sure you’re keeping up with you necessary nutrients with a multivitamin. There are options catered to both men and women, as well as different age groups (children included). You may also want to consider adding additional Vitamin C (Vitamin C&E are great for immune system health) to your supplement routine by picking up Emergen-c, or Airborne.

5 Tips to Avoid Cough and Cold Season Get Your Flu shot at Bartell's

Get your flu shot:If you haven’t had the flu in awhile, you may forget how terrible it feels – aches, fever, chills and more. The single best way to prevent the flu is to get a flu shot. By doing so, you also protect others who are particularly at risk. This includes infants, seniors, and those already fighting illnesses. Learn more about the benefits of getting a flu shot here.

The main point to remember is to make some time for YOU this fall and winter season. Self-care is important, and ultimately gives you the strength and energy to keep doing all it is you do!