As cold and flu season approaches, it’s important to take steps to stay healthy. By following some simple advice, you can reduce the risk of sinus infections, strep throat, flu, and other illnesses. Here are some tips to avoid getting sick.
Practice Good Hand Hygiene
- Wash Your Hands Regularly: Washing your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds can eliminate many germs and viruses1.
- Use Hand Sanitizer: If soap and water aren’t available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol1.
Eat a Balanced Diet
- Include Fruits and Vegetables: Foods rich in vitamins, like vitamin C and E, can strengthen your immune system2.
- Eat Probiotics: Yogurt and fermented foods can improve gut health and boost immunity3.
- Stay Hydrated: Drink plenty of water to help your body function optimally4.
Get Adequate Sleep
- Aim for 7–9 Hours of Sleep: Quality sleep can boost your immune system5.
- Establish a Sleep Routine: Go to bed and wake up at the same time each day for better sleep quality5.
Stay Physically Active
- Exercise Regularly: Moderate exercise can improve your immune response6.
- Avoid Overexertion: Exercising when you have a cold or a sore throat can worsen symptoms and should be avoided7.
Manage Stress Levels
- Use Relaxation Techniques: Meditation and deep breathing can reduce stress and strengthen your immune system8.
- Maintain Social Connections: Spending time with friends and family can improve your well-being and reduce stress9.
Get Vaccinated
- Get the Flu Shot: This can protect you against the most common flu strains of the season10.
- Consult Your Doctor: Ask about other vaccines that may be appropriate for you, especially if you’re in a risk group10.
Avoid Close Contact with Sick Individuals
- Keep Your Distance: Try to avoid people who show signs of a cold or flu11.
- Stay Home if You’re Sick: To avoid spreading illness to others, especially since colds can be contagious throughout the illness period11.
Clean and Disinfect Surfaces
- Use Disinfectants: Regularly clean surfaces like doorknobs and phones to reduce the spread of viruses12.
- Follow Instructions: Read and follow the guidelines on cleaning products for effective disinfection12.
Consider Using ColdZyme as a Preventive Measure
Having ColdZyme on hand can be an effective way to prevent cold symptoms and protect against upper respiratory viruses.
- How ColdZyme Works: ColdZyme is an oral spray that forms a protective barrier in the mouth and throat, which may reduce the risk of viruses attaching and causing infection13.
- Use at First Signs of a Cold: By using ColdZyme as soon as you notice the initial symptoms of a cold, you can limit the virus’s ability to spread, potentially reducing the severity of symptoms13.
- Preventive Use: ColdZyme can also be used preventively, especially when you know you’ll be exposed to cold viruses, such as during travel or in public spaces13.
Home Remedies for Relief
When you’re feeling under the weather, some home remedies can help alleviate symptoms without delving into scientific details.
- Honey: A spoonful of honey can soothe a sore throat and reduce coughing, especially in mild throat infections14.
- Lemon and Ginger: A warm drink with lemon and ginger can boost the immune system and soothe swollen tonsils15.
- Warm Drinks and Soups: Drinking hot liquids and soups can ease a sore throat and ear pain, providing comfort when you feel ill16.
By following these tips, you can reduce your risk of getting sick and stay healthy during the cold and flu season. Remember, it’s important to take care of yourself and listen to your body.
Note: Always read the instructions and guidelines provided with health products like ColdZyme to ensure they are used safely and effectively.
Footnotes
- Folkhälsomyndigheten. (2020). Handhygien. https://www.folkhalsomyndigheten.se/publicerat-material/publikationer/handhygien/
- (2018). Vitaminer och mineraler. https://www.livsmedelsverket.se/livsmedel-och-innehall/naringsamne/vitaminer-och-mineraler
- Karolinska Institutet. (2015). Probiotika och hälsa. https://ki.se/forskning/probiotika-och-halsa
- 1177 Vårdguiden. (2021). Vätskebrist och uttorkning. https://www.1177.se/behandling–hjalpmedel/behandlingar-vid-sjukdomar/vatskebrist-och-uttorkning/
- Sömnlaboratoriet, Uppsala Universitet. (2019). Sömn och hälsa. https://www.somnlab.se/somn-och-halsa
- Gymnastik- och idrottshögskolan (GIH). (2017). Fysisk aktivitet och immunförsvar. https://www.gih.se/forskning/fysisk-aktivitet-och-immunforsvar
- 1177 Vårdguiden. (2020). Träna vid sjukdom. https://www.1177.se/liv–halsa/traning-och-fysisk-aktivitet/trana-vid-sjukdom/
- Stressforskningsinstitutet, Stockholms Universitet. (2016). Stresshantering och hälsa. https://www.stressforskning.su.se/om-oss/nyheter/stresshantering-och-h%C3%A4lsa-1.280981
- Folkhälsomyndigheten. (2019). Sociala relationer och hälsa. https://www.folkhalsomyndigheten.se/folkhalsorapportering-statistik/tolkad-rapportering/folkhalsans-utveckling/sociala-relationer/
- Folkhälsomyndigheten. (2021). Vaccination mot influensa. https://www.folkhalsomyndigheten.se/smittskydd-beredskap/vaccinationer/vaccinationsprogram/influensa/
- Smittskyddsläkarföreningen. (2020). Förhindra smittspridning i hemmet. https://www.slf.se/smittskyddslakarforeningen/
- Arbetsmiljöverket. (2020). Rengöring och desinfektion i arbetsmiljön. https://www.av.se/inomhusmiljo/kemikalier/rengoring-och-desinfektion/
- (2023). ColdZyme – Så fungerar det. https://coldzyme.co.uk/sa-fungerar-coldzyme/
- 1177 Vårdguiden. (2019). Halsont. https://www.1177.se/sjukdomar–besvar/ogon-oron-nasa-och-hals/hals/halsont/
- (2021). Huskurer vid förkylning. https://www.apoteket.se/halsa-och-livsstil/hosta-forkylning/huskurer-mot-forkylning/
- 1177 Vårdguiden. (2021). Råd vid förkylning. https://www.1177.se/behandling–hjalpmedel/behandlingar-vid-sjukdomar/rad-vid-forkylning/