We hope each you has a safe and wonderful Holiday Season!
This year COVID has greatly altered time rendered traditions and taken over most aspects of life in general. The world in general has become more than familiar with wearing a mask, quarantines, small gatherings, no concerts or Christmas plays, and all the other practices in place to avoid the transmission of COVID. In years past there was the threat of influenza and respiratory conditions that were certainly dangerous but not nearly as prevalent or deadly as COVID. Interventions to remain healthy were simple, but worthy of reviewing and integrating along with efforts made to avoid COVID. Here are a few basic tactics that will help fend off a variety of illness and keep you healthy through the winter season.
The vaccine is coming. Hopefully 2021 will bring the best of health and happiness to the entire world!
The best defense is always good hand hygiene
No matter the season, washing your hands frequently with warm soap and water prevents the spread of germs, which helps prevent the spread of illnesses. An alcohol-based hand sanitizer is also an option, but does not eradicate as many harmful organisms as basic soap and water. Healthy skin is a barrier to infection; applying hand lotion that is rich in emollients will help keep your skin hydrated and free from dryness and cracks.
Get a Flu Shot!
The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) recommends that everyone six months and older should be vaccinated. Exceptions include children less than six months old and anyone with a severe allergy to the flu vaccine. It is always best to contact your PCP’s office with any questions or concerns you may have. A person who receives the vaccination has a significantly reduced risk of getting sick. If you do become ill with flu-like symptoms, the vaccine can minimize symptoms you experience and reduce the likelihood that you will end up requiring hospitalization.
Maintain healthy eating and exercise habits
This is not the time to be lax with your diet. Drinking lots of fluids--especially water--keeps you hydrated and can help prevent nasal congestion and sore throats. Eating a well-balanced diet that includes lots of fruit, vegetables, whole grains and protein will keep your body strong, increase stamina and boost your immune system. Regular exercise also has a valuable impact on our health--even more so when trying to ward off infection. Exercise gets the blood pumping, which helps circulate immune cells throughout the body, allowing them to fight off harmful organisms that may cause illness.
Don’t discount the benefit of a good night’s sleep
It cannot be denied that adequate sleep and rest are essential to optimal health and contribute to overall well-being. Adults should try to get at least 6-8 hours of sleep per night and stick to a regular routine. Keep in mind that stress can take its toll on the immune system, so minimizing its triggers will also help you stay healthy and prepared to fight harmful germs and illness.
Stay home and take care of yourself
No matter what symptoms you may be experiencing, avoid exposing others to the symptoms you are experiencing. It is better to take a sick day at home recuperating than to expose anyone to whatever is ailing you. 2020 will be remembered by all for the challenges it brought, the inconveniences and the unique situations we were all subjected to. Take good care of yourself and those you love in preparation for better things to come.
About Keona Health
At Keona Health, we believe that relationships matter. We know that a clinic’s triage system can test a patient-doctor relationship, especially if a patient cannot easily get the help he or she is seeking. Keona Health offers healthcare software and automation solutions to ease the burden of telephone triage on medical practices and help medical professionals better communicate with patients.
