With colder weather upon us, the trifecta of the cold, flu and are other respiratory viruses could likely make their way into our bodies. Whether it’s a runny nose, headache, cough, fever, or chills, no one wants to be sick -- especially during the holidays.
Piedmont primary care doctor Jeff Haller, M.D., Piedmont Physicians of Midtown, offers tips to keep yourself and others safe in the coming months during cold and flu season.
Limit The Spread Of Germs
Be considerate of others when sneezing and coughing. If you don’t have a tissue, cough or sneeze into your upper sleeve or elbow. Wash your hands regularly with soap and warm water for at least 20 seconds. Use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer if you can’t wash your hands.
Maintain A Healthy Diet
In the winter, there’s less direct sun, meaning less exposure to Vitamin D -- essential for strong bones, a healthy immune system, and a positive mood. A good way to incorporate Vitamin D into your diet with foods such as mushrooms, fish, milk and egg yolk.
Vitamin C, which can be found in citrus fruits, is also a good source of protection from respiratory illnesses.
To help boost your immune system in general, focus on foods that are rich in nutrients, such as fruits, vegetables and whole grains.
Incorporate Exercise
The combination of colder weather and earlier nights makes it all the easier for even the most disciplined to start skipping out on regular exercise.
However, the Department of Health and Human Services recommends that adults should aim for 150 minutes of moderate-intensity activity, such as going on a faster walk, each week. Two days of muscle-strengthening activity is also recommended each week.
Stay Hydrated
Drinking enough water each day boosts your immune system to help fight viruses.
For most adults, the average daily water intake for men is about 15.5 cups and for women about 11.5 cups. In addition to plain water, consider foods like fruits and vegetables that may be high water content.
Get Enough Rest
A lack of sleep and rest can weaken your immune system. Aim for a consistent sleep schedule of a minimum of seven hours of sleep every night. Studies have linked adults who consistently get less than seven hours of sleep with more health issues.
Get Vaccinated
Immunizations are an important part of helping to prevent the spread of respiratory illnesses, such as the flu.
“The flu vaccine can prevent numerous strains of the virus, and it can also lessen the severity of the illness for those who may still get sick,” Dr. Haller said. “It does a great job of keeping people out of the hospital and helps those with chronic conditions reduce the chance of experiencing significant events.”
You should also speak with a doctor about the latest COVID-19 vaccine schedule. A doctor can also discuss whether the respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) vaccination is a good option for you or your child.
Listen To Your Body
Unfortunately, colds, influenza, and COVID-19 share some symptoms, so it’s important to take all symptoms seriously.
Both COVID-19 and flu can have varying degrees of symptoms, ranging from none to severe symptoms. Common symptoms of COVID-19 and the flu include: fever or feeling feverish/having chills, cough, shortness of breath or difficulty breathing, tiredness, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, muscle pain or body aches, headache, vomiting and diarrhea.
It’s important to seek care if you’re experiencing any of these symptoms.
Know Where To Get Care
Virtual visits are a great option for patients with non-life-threatening illnesses and injuries. Virtual visits can also provide additional safety for all patients, including high-risk individuals from potentially being exposed to viruses.
“If you are sick with a cold, the flu, or COVID-19, your best form of treatment includes staying home and taking care of yourself, as well as staying in touch with your doctor,” said Dr. Haller. “Meeting with a physician in a virtual visit will keep you safe and comfortable, while also protecting others.”
Piedmont offers virtual visits with Piedmont primary care physicians, Piedmont Urgent Care, Piedmont QuickCare at Walgreens, and specialty practices. Piedmont also offers On-Demand virtual visits that allow patients to be seen same-day.
While hospital emergency departments are desired for more critical care or life-threatening illnesses or injuries, it’s important to remember that you’ll never be turned away from any hospital emergency room for seeking treatment.
To find a Piedmont location near you, visit piedmont.org.
To learn more about or sign up for a virtual visit, visit https://www.care.piedmont.org/virtual-care.