Does cold weather make you sick: What's the link?

In the last few years, more people than ever have been worried about how to avoid getting sick. And while the flu may have been extremely low in the last year, there’s still always a chance that you could catch a cold or the flu by living your daily life. But luckily, there are things you can do to help reduce your chances of catching something that knocks you and your family down.

To help you see how this can be done, here are three things you can do to avoid getting sick this fall and winter. 

Skip The Sharing

While sharing might be something that you’d normally encourage, sharing during cold and flu season is definitely something that should be avoided.

Even between members of your own family or household, it’s best to avoid sharing personal items as much as possible. Especially when it comes to things like toothbrushes, drinking glasses, straws, eating utensils, and even bedding, you should try to ensure that everyone has their own set that they don’t share with others. And if you happen to visit someone who might have a lot of exposure to other people who could be getting sick, like your grandparents at an assisted living facility, it’s wise to try not to share anything that could mean swapping bodily fluids. 

Prioritize Your Sleep

Sleep is always something that you should prioritize in your life in order to be happy and healthy. But when colds and the flu are circulating, sleep is going to be even more important for you.

If your body hasn’t been getting the right amount of sleep, which is usually between seven and nine hours each night for adults, your body is going to have a much harder time fighting off infections that could get you sick. But when you’re getting enough sleep on a regular basis, your body will have the energy it needs to keep you as healthy as possible. 

Treat Your Body Right

If you’re not treating your body right, your body will find it difficult to help keep you healthy when you become exposed to a cold or flu bug. So while it can be hard to prioritize your own health in ways like eating healthy foods with the right vitamins and nutrients, drinking enough water, and getting daily exercise, there are some of the most important ways that you can keep your body healthy and give yourself a fighting chance for not getting sick in the fall and winter. 

If you’re wanting to avoid getting sick with a cold or the flu this coming fall and winter, consider using the tips mentioned above to help you learn how you can make some changes to your physical health that will assist you in being ready to fight off any illnesses that come your way.