- Share This Post
- submit
- 3
-
Sparkle (0)
Surviving Cold and Flu Season. What About The Flu Vaccine?
On a night that I am quite sure I am coming down with a terrible cold, I thought taking a look at getting through cold and flu season, would be an appropriate post. How are you holding up? Have you had your first cold of the season? Do you have any tips for staying healthy during this time of the year? What about tips for getting better?
Well, my head is pounding, my ears are hurting, my nose is stuffy, and my throat is getting sore. I'll admit, I'm going to go from one extreme to the other tonight. I started with some Campbell's chicken soup...But, as soon as I finish this post, I'll be loading up on NiQuil (and hoping to at least get a good night sleep).
Before I do that, let's take a look at what others are saying about cold and flu season.
From the Nutrition Diva...
You don’t come down with a cold every time you are exposed to cold germs…because you’re exposed to cold germs every day. No, you catch a cold when your immune system is asleep on the job and doesn’t promptly escort cold germs from the premises. Your best offense really is a good defense.
Here are some steps to take to fortify your immune system and bolster your defenses against the coming viral onslaught.
From Robin at We Are What We Eat...
Several years ago Dr. Stephen Rennard of the University of the Nebraska Medical Center did some laboratory research and found that chicken soup essentially acts as an anti-inflammatory agent. It also acts to suppress the creation of excess white blood cells (white blood cells may help you fight disease but they also cause a great deal of congestion when you have a cold). Other research on chicken soup discovered the presence of an amino acid that helps to clear congestion from the lungs. So much good in something so simple!
I don’t know about you, but I’d rather have a nice, hot bowl of soup than take some of the cold medication that is on the market. Have you read the ‘possible’ side-effects for some of that stuff? The cure is worse than the disease!
Someone in your house have the sniffles? Watch out for the refrigerator door handle. The TV remote, too. A new study finds that cold sufferers often leave their germs there, where they can live for two days or longer. Scientists at the University of Virginia, long known for its virology research, tested surfaces in the homes of people with colds and reported the results Tuesday at the nation's premier conference on infectious diseases.
Doctors don't know how often people catch colds from touching germy surfaces as opposed to, say, shaking a sick person's hand, said Dr. Birgit Winther, an ear, nose and throat specialist who helped conduct the study.
Two years ago, she and other doctors showed that germs survived in hotel rooms a day after guests left, waiting to be picked up by the next person checking in.
The Cold and Flu Days of Winter...
So in no particular order here is the "to do" list I've come up with:
- Eat Well - balanced meals that are rich in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants.
- Wash Your Hands - this can not be done enough.
- Get Plenty of Sleep - finda routine that works for you and your body and stick to it!
- Take a Multi-Vitamin - I'm guilty of not doing this regularly, how about you?
- Get a Flu Shot - I've seen this work for some and have miserable outcomes for others. Do your research and do what's best for you.
- Avoid Sharing Objects - cups, food, utensils, pens, pencils, etc.
- Avoid Touching Your Nose, Mouth, and Eyes
- Reduce Stress
- Avoid crowds and keep your distance from people whom you know are ill.
- Exercise Regularly
Just about everyone thinks first of oranges for a boost in vitamin C - and oranges are good, as are all citrus fruits. But a couple of other food choices are even better.
For instance, just one cup of green pepper will give you 3 times the amount of vitamin C needed for an adult - and an adult actually needs more vitamin C than do children. Other smart choices are broccoli and strawberries - and all dark green leafy vegetables.
The trend toward processed foods and limited fresh fruits and vegetables poses a real threat to families across the U.S. - so make the switch
