It can be tricky to remain healthy during the cold and flu season. The flu doesn’t discriminate between healthy and unhealthy people, and age isn’t a factor. The virus spreads rapidly through the air with the help of coughing and sneezing, and having children in school means you are more exposed than ever. While many associate the flu season as a wintertime phenomenon, it runs much longer than that. It may peak during December and February, but it’s with us for most of the year. Every year 20 million people are impacted by this disease, and studies show that women tend to be more susceptible. Capital Women’s Care Rockville is here to provide ways to help keep yourself healthy all year round.
Effective Holistic Ways to Protect Yourself this Cold and Flu Season
As the old adage says, a little prevention is substantially better than a pound of cure. Getting vaccinated every year is critical to preventing yourself from catching the flu. Unlike typical vaccines, the flu vaccine must be received yearly to be effective. This is because the “flu” isn’t one virus or bacteria, but many, and they’re constantly changing. The flu vaccine protects you against those expected to be the most prominent contributors in any given year. Along with the vaccine, you can take steps to help prevent yourself from getting sick. While the focus will be on the flu, the following tips will help against more than just the flu; they can be effective against various diseases.
- Preventative Treatments – Gargling green tea has been proven to reduce the risk of the flu. This is due to increased levels of catechins that are found in the tea. You can also ask your doctor for a prescription for Tamiflu or Relenza. If you’ve noticed the earliest symptoms stages, you can also ask about Xofluza. When taken within 24 hours of the appearance of your first symptoms, it can shorten how long you’re ill.
- Soothe Sore Throats By Gargling – Salt water is excellent for treating a sore throat, but it’s good for more than that. It can also loosen mucus and ease swelling in the throat. Mucus can contain allergens and bacteria that can lead to the flu. Gargling helps push them through your system.
- Zinc Will Help Recovery – The moment you begin feeling ill with flu-like symptoms, taking zinc can help. Zinc works with your body to help reduce the severity of your flu and can shorten how long you’re sick.
- Stay Hydrated – One of the central things you can do for your health is to keep hydrated. Our bodies comprise almost 75% water, which is central to their healthy functioning. When you’re sick, it’s especially important as it’s central to mucus production and your body’s ability to battle infection.
These tips will help protect your health during the year against the flu and other diseases. Women’s health means whole body health, and Capital Women’s Care Rockville is here for all of it.
Learn More During An Appointment At Our Clinic
If you’re ready for your next step in protecting your health, contact us by dialing (301) 762-5501 today. We’ll have you meet with one of our women’s health experts to discuss all aspects of your total health.
