It’s cold and snowy here in northern Nevada, which means coughs, runny noses, fevers, and body aches aren’t far behind — or already here! Yes, it’s cold and flu season, and this year in particular, it’s rampant. But some people manage to avoid these illnesses, even with sick family members in the same home. Is it luck? Maybe a little, but it’s also due to a robust immune system — and there are ways to support and promote yours to minimize the risk of getting sick. Here are four tips for staying healthy during cold and flu season.
Our immune systems are amazingly proficient networks designed to defend against invading germs and diseases. It’s a complex system, but here’s the simplest explanation: when a foreign germ is detected, it triggers specific hormones (white blood cells) to swarm in and destroy the invader. It’s an ongoing procedure that takes place without any conscious direction or thought, just like breathing.
While it’s in everyone’s best interest to make sure the immune system is functioning properly, there are elements of modern living that actually weaken this important system. Unmitigated stress, inadequate sleep, and poor nutrition can all be detrimental to our immunity, particularly at a time of year already associated with more illnesses. New research published in December 2022 identifies a biological reason for more respiratory illnesses in the winter — the cold air can damage the immune response that takes place in the nose. Pair that reality with more sugar, less sleep, more socializing, and less exercise, and it’s no surprise that people fall ill this time of year!
Here are four methods of improving long-term immunity to get you through this sniffly season:
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