As we all know, it’s no fun having a cold or the dreaded flu. While there is no certain way to guarantee we don’t fall sick, there are ways to reduce the risk of picking up those dreaded germs.
So what exactly are the cold and flu and how do they affect our system? Both the cold and flu are respiratory illnesses that share many of the same symptoms. According to the Mayo Clinic there are more than 200 viruses that can cause the common cold. Symptoms include sore throat, runny nose, watery eyes, coughing and congestion. Most adults get a cold two to four times a year and it generally lasts a week or two. It is likely that you will feel a cold coming on, whereas the flu usually hits you out of nowhere. The flu tends to be more severe and usually is accompanied by a fever, body aches and extreme tiredness.
Since both the cold and flu are contagious infections, it is important to adopt good habits so that you don’t fall sick. A good start is to make sure you wash your hands frequently so that you kill any germs you may have picked up. A good way to make sure you have thourougly washed them is to recite the alphabet twice. If you don’t have the time to get up frequently to wash them, there are many anti-bacterial non-wash products out there that allow you to kill germs on the go. It is also a good idea to be concious of what you are touching in public. Keep your contact with handrails, money, door handles to a minimum.
When you are at the gym, it is a good idea to wipe down the machines before and after you use them. You never know if the person before you properly cleaned up after themselves. It’s a good way to make sure that you kill any potential germs and it only takes a couple extra minutes over the course of a workout.
It is also wise to make sure that your diet is providing you with the necessary vitamins to help your immune system stay strong and ready to kill any germs that do make their way past all of your good prevention habits. Make sure you have a balanced diet that includes fresh fruits and vegetables, lean sources of protein and whole grain products. Lack of sleep can also weaken your immune system so try and get eight hours a night of restful sleep.
When you are planning out your wordrobe for the day, take into account that it isn’t summer anymore! Wear clothing that will keep you warm and cover your entire body. Too many people put fashion first in the winter which increases the likelihood of catching a cold. Make sure you have a few good toques and pairs of gloves that will carry you throw the winter. Even if you are just running from the house to the car, wear warm clothing. You never know when you’ll have to step out of the office and it’s better to be prepaired. If you are going to be outside for longer periods, make sure you dress yourself in layers to better retain your bodyheat.
Another good option is to get a flu shot. While it doesn’t give you a 100% guarantee that you won’t get the flu, it gives you a better chance of fighting off aaa possible infection. If you do get the flu, it will be a less virulent form of the infection and you will have a decreased risk of flu-related complications. It is advised that people over 50 and those with weakened immune system get the flu shot in October or November. It will give your body the time to create the necessary antibodies to fight the flu during the peak flu season which runs from December to March.
If you do get sick, make sure you stay properly hydrated. Drink plenty of fluids. Water, juice, tea and soup are all beneficial. Stay away from liquids that will dehydrate your body. Take time away from coffee and alcohol. Smoking should also be avoided. Give your body the necessary time to heal. Do yourself and those around you and take the time off work. It might set you back a couple days, but it’s better than getting the entire staff sick. If you don’t see an improvement in your symptoms or they get worse make sure you seek medical attention. No one wants to be stuck in a clinic when they are sick but remember that the flu does kill people each and every year.
When it comes to training, a good way to decide whether or not you should train is to look at what ails you. If it is affecting you from the neck up; runny nose, sore throat, cough, then you can stick with your usual routine. However, if it is a debilitating pain, take the time off. If you are experiencing sickness below the neck; stomach problems, chest congestion, nausea, give yourself the time to recover. You don’t want to add stress to your body. It’s already trying to heal itself and doesn’t need the added work.
Good prevention is the best way to reduce your chances of getting sick. They aren’t very difficult to add to your daily routine and they surely beat being sick.
Sources: Mayoclinc.com and Cdc.gov
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