Strengthening Immunity is Important!
Back-to-school is right around the corner and many people are also going back-to-work at the same time. Covid-19 is still affecting our communities and now the cold and flu season is fast approaching.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), flu viruses are detected year-round in the United States but are most common during the fall and winter.
Why more sickness in fall/winter?
Some factors that increase susceptibility in the fall and winter include:
- People spend more time indoors where viruses easily spread from person to person.
- Viruses thrive in colder conditions.
- Our immune systems are more vulnerable in the winter. Cold weather constricts our airways. It also stresses the cardiovascular system which affects blood pressure and inflammation. The processes in our bodies that defend against infection are suppressed.
- There is less physical activity. It only makes sense that when the weather is colder people tend to walk and exercise less.
Who is most at risk?
While many people get the flu and recover at home within two weeks, others end up hospitalized after developing complications such as pneumonia, bronchitis, ear infections, and sinus infections. The CDC warns that those people who are at the highest risk of complications include:
- Adults 65 years and older
- Pregnant women
- Young children
The high-risk category also includes those with:
- Asthma
- Diabetes
- Cancer
- HIV/Aids
- Heart Disease & Stroke
How to protect yourself & your family
Boost immunity by choosing a healthy lifestyle. Exercise, a good diet, quality rest, and drinking plenty of water all add up to a stronger immune system.
Practicing healthy hygiene also makes a difference. Wash hands often and cough into a tissue or your elbow. Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth.
Avoid close contact with people who are sick and stay away from others if you are experiencing symptoms.
Clean and disinfect surfaces and objects that may have been contaminated.
The CDC recommends a yearly flu vaccine for everyone 6 months of age or older, and especially for those in the high-risk categories.
Take dietary supplements to help maintain a healthier immune system.
Dietary Supplements
Some great supplements to provide a healthy balance and boost immunity include:
Smart Multi – A liquid daily vitamin to support cardiovascular health, boost the immune system, and promote youthful skin and eye health.
Multi-Vitamin with Joint Support – Combine the benefits of a multi-vitamin with the comfort of a joint support formula.
Curcumin – A great-tasting and easy-to-take liquid supplement that promotes vitality by fighting free radicals and reducing inflammation. It supports healthy brain function and immunity.
Super B-Complex – Get your B-vitamins in liquid form. B-vitamins support memory and brain function as well as immunity.
Colloidal Silver – Supports the body’s immune system and is effective against over 900 types of bacteria, fungus, and yeast.
Source
“Boosting Immunity as Stay at Home Orders Relax.” Effective Natural Products, 12 May 2020, www.effectivenaturalproducts.com/blogs/healthy-living/boosting-immunity-as-stay-at-home-orders-relax.
“People at High Risk For Flu Complications.” Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 29 July 2020, www.cdc.gov/flu/highrisk/index.htm.
“Preventive Steps.” Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 9 Oct. 2019, www.cdc.gov/flu/prevent/prevention.htm.
Sohn, Emily. “Why Do We Get Sick in Winter?” Chicagotribune.com, Chicago Tribune, 5 June 2018, www.chicagotribune.com/lifestyles/health/ct-why-we-get-sick-in-winter-20170314-story.html.
“The Flu Season.” Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 12 July 2018, www.cdc.gov/flu/about/season/flu-season.htm.