Your Survival Guide to Cold and Flu Season

Five Tips to Help Keep You and Your Family Healthy

The cold and flu season is officially upon us, and that means it's more important than ever to take steps to stay healthy. Whether you're fighting off a cold or trying to avoid getting sick in the first place, these tips will help you out. Keep in mind that nobody is immune to the cold and flu, so it's important to know the difference between the two and be as proactive as possible in preventing them. Follow the tips in our blog and you'll be sure to stay healthy all winter long!

How to Tell the Difference Between a Cold and the Flu 
Oftentimes, it can be hard to differentiate between the cold or flu because they cause similar symptoms which may overlap or vary for each individual. The common cold is caused by a virus, while the flu is caused by a bacteria. Cold symptoms usually develop gradually over time, while the flu hits fast. Cold symptoms are also usually milder than flu symptoms and include a runny nose, sore throat, coughing, and in some cases a fever. Flu symptoms, on the other hand, are more severe and can include a high fever, body aches, chills, and fatigue. For this reason, the best way to treat them is to prevent them in the first place.

Preventing Symptoms or Decreasing Their Severity
So how do you prevent virus and bacteria attacks, or at least decrease the severity and duration of the illness? It begins with supporting your immune system by eating vitamin-rich foods, washing your hands, drinking plenty of fluids and getting quality sleep. Additionally, one of the best ways to avoid getting sick during cold and flu season is by boosting your immune system with nutrients and supplements. Read on to learn what preventative measures you can take to help keep your family healthy!

Get plenty of rest
This one is easier said than done, especially if you have young children. But if you're well rested, your body will be better able to fight off infection. We recommend 8 hours for adults and about 9 hours for children. 

Eat healthy 
A balanced diet helps boost your immune system. So make sure to include plenty of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains in your meals.

Cleaning Routine
Between work, personal or social life, and the pandemic, there's unfortunately no way to avoid coming into contact with bacteria and germs. For this reason, it's important to have a good cleaning routine at home. We recommend wiping down surfaces with a disinfectant daily, and making sure every individual in the household is washing their hands regularly.

Take Vitamins and Supplements
Vitamins and supplements are a great way to boost your immune system.  But with so many choices out there, it can be hard to know which ones to take. Well we’ve got you covered and compiled a list of a few of our favourites!

• Vitamin C: Vitamin C is a well-known immune booster. It's also thought to help reduce the severity of cold symptoms.
• Vitamin D: It can be difficult to get enough vitamin D during cold and flu season if you live in a climate that gets less sunlight during the winter months. So it’s important to increase your intake by taking supplements.
• Zinc: Taking zinc has been shown to shorten the duration of respiratory tract infection symptoms and possibly even prevent them.
• Probiotics: Another way to stay healthy is to make sure you are getting your daily probiotic supplement. Probiotics are live bacteria that are good for your gut health. They can help boost your immune system and fight off infections.

Manage Stress

Finally, try to manage stress levels as much as possible. Stress can weaken your immune system, so it's important to find time for relaxation and self-care. Consider yoga, meditation, or for those with busy schedules, even try stress-relieving supplements. We recommend magnesium or ashwagandha which have shown to help lower cortisol levels and promote relaxation.

Remember, there's no guarantee that you won't get sick, but these steps will help improve your chances of staying well. With a little preparation, you can help keep you and your family healthy all season long. What’s more, come cold and flu season, whether you're feeling under the weather or just want to be prepared for whatever the season throws your way, you can schedule an online consultation with us. Our health professionals can help you create a customised health plan that will keep you in good shape all season long. We'll take into account your unique health history and goals, and recommend the best supplements to avoid whatever the season throws your way.

So, don't wait until you're sick to take action - stock up on the recommended supplements or schedule a consultation with us today and let us help you create a plan to thrive all cold and flu season long!