6 Ways To Boost Your Immune System and Fight Off Illness This Winter

With winter comes colds and flus, and plenty of people ask, “How can I boost my immune system?” It can be as easy as following a few simple steps in your day-to-day life. You don’t need to make big changes; instead, you can focus on these healthy habits to help fight off cold and flu germs, and feel better than ever during the flu season this winter.

1. Don’t forget about the importance of handwashing.

While it might seem obvious, many people overlook the importance of proper handwashing.

A substantial amount of cold and flu spread arises from the hands. For instance, people may cough into their hands and touch a surface immediately after. When you touch that surface and then touch your face and mouth, you risk infection. Fortunately, these issues can be solved with regular and effective handwashing.

Make sure to wash your hands frequently and at the right times, such as before and after preparing food or eating, after using the bathroom, after sneezing or coughing, and before and after physical contact with another person.

Make sure that you scrub with soap vigorously for at least 20 seconds, and dry your hands with a clean towel afterward.

2. Stay home if you’re sick.

It’s easy to feel like you don’t have time to be sick with the pressures of work, school, kids, and so much else on your mind. However, trying to force your way through illness simply does not work. Instead, you should stay home and get the rest you need.

You’re able to recover more effectively when resting, and you can also avoid putting others at risk. If everyone stayed home when sick, then there wouldn’t be nearly as much cold and flu going around throughout the winter.

3. Keep hydrated when sick.

Staying hydrated is an important part of keeping healthy at any time, and it’s even more important when you’re sick and trying to recover. Dehydration can make the cold or flu much worse, so make sure that you’re getting enough to drink.

If you’re experiencing vomiting, staying hydrated can be difficult. Avoid irritants such as carbonated drinks or caffeine. Sports drinks or clear fluids like water are best. You can also try sucking on ice chips to drink slowly and avoid upsetting your stomach.

4. Eat the right foods while you’re sick.

Finding food that agrees with your stomach can be a challenge when you’ve got the flu. However, some foods work better than others. Sticking with broth or a light chicken soup can help meet your nutritional needs while also keeping yourself hydrated.

If you’re still wondering, “How can I boost my immune system?” as winter approaches, getting plenty of vitamins, particularly vitamin C, can help. Fruits and vegetables, particularly leafy greens, are a great option.

You should avoid foods that might irritate your stomach, including dairy products or spicy foods, in order to have a smooth recovery.

5. Make sure to keep up with proper oral hygiene.

It is important to keep up with proper oral hygiene even when you’re sick. You can ask any family dentist in Griffin, GA, and they’ll tell you just how essential maintaining a consistent routine is, even when you aren’t feeling good. There are also a few additional points to keep in mind about oral hygiene when you’re sick.

For example, if you’re experiencing vomiting, you shouldn’t brush immediately afterward. While brushing your teeth might seem like an intuitive reaction, it can actually cause harm. Vomit is highly acidic and can affect the enamel of your teeth.

This leads to the teeth being more susceptible to physical wear after being in contact with vomit. If you brush right after, you could actually be wearing down enamel. Instead, rinse your mouth out with water to clean it as much as possible without affecting your teeth.

6. Replace your toothbrush.

If you’re dealing with a bad cough, then cough drops offer an effective form of relief. However, many cough drops are loaded with sugar. The fact that you suck on them for an extended period of time makes the issue even worse, providing a steady source of food for the bacteria that cause tooth decay. Opt for sugar-free cough drops instead.

You can help prevent illness by replacing your toothbrush every three to four months. While you’re the only person using your toothbrush, it still accumulates bacteria and germs over time. You don’t want to come into contact with germs, even if they originally came from you, as they can cause a recurrence of a cold or flu you’ve had.

Consult your family dentist in Griffin, GA.

Maintaining your oral health has a significant impact on your whole-body health. You can count on the dedicated team at Allred Family Dentistry to provide for all of your family’s dental treatment needs. We offer high-quality care with the latest technology available. Schedule your appointment today.