According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), almost 50 million Americans got the flu last year alone. Common symptoms of this illness include fevers, aches, chills, fatigue, and congestion. However, just because it’s almost cold and flu season doesn’t mean there aren’t steps you can take to protect your family against the sickness. Here are a few health care strategies you can adopt to arm yourself against the virus this year. 

How to Stay Healthy During Cold & Flu Season

1. Get the Flu Shot

The best way to stay safe during cold and flu season is to get the flu vaccination every year. It takes about two weeks after getting the vaccination for antibodies that protect against the flu to develop. As such, the CDC urges people to get vaccinated before cold and flu season is in full swing in winter. 

2. Wash Your Hands

Following this golden rule of personal health care is a must during cold and flu season. Wash your hands with soap and water for 20 seconds, especially before eating, as well as after coughing, sneezing, blowing your nose, or being around people who are sick. Also, no matter how often you wash your hands, avoid touching your nose, mouth, and eyes.

3. Maintain a Healthy Lifestyle

Help your body fight off viruses by nourishing it with vegetables and fruits and drinking plenty of water. You should also get regular exercise and stick to a healthy sleep schedule. Taking time to relax and reduce stress can also strengthen your immune system and further protect against illness. 

To guard your family against seasonal sicknesses, you need a medical center you can trust. For over 60 years, Bayside Community Hospital in Anahuac, TX, has provided a wide range of inpatient, outpatient, and emergency health care services to patients throughout Chambers County and the surrounding communities. Visit them online to learn more about their services, and call (409) 267-3143 to schedule your flu shot today.