One cold or flu could contaminate the whole house, as well as those who may be traveling to visit. Additionally, those traveling have equal chance of also being affected en route. Knowing how to protect your loved ones and being proactive in staying healthy through the winter cold and flu season is critical to make the most of this joyous time.

What is the Flu?

The flu, also known as influenza, is a viral respiratory illness. It acts as a microscopic infectious agent to invade the cells of the body, making people sick. Its symptoms include cough, sore throat, and stuffy nose-- all of which are also common in the common cold. However, the flu also can be accompanied by fevers, cold sweats, body and head aches, exhaustion, and occasional gastrointestinal problems, like vomiting and diarrhea. It is highly contagious, hospitalizing approximately 200,000 people a year and killing around 36,000, and its effects are most threatening for the elderly, very young, and those with weak immune systems.¹

Why Do We Get the Flu in Winter?

The flu season begins in early October, reaches its peak around February, and ends in March. So, what is it about this time that makes the flu so much more common? While it is possible that the cold itself could strengthen the virus, the cold can also contribute to behavioral changes within society that are more conducive to falling ill.

In the winter months, days are shorter and sunlight is significantly reduced, and the cold often leads people to stay inside. Both decreased sunlight and fewer outings contribute to decreased levels of vitamin D and melatonin, which require sunlight to regenerate. The lack of these essentials results in the weakening of the immune system, resulting in the body's decreased ability to fight off the virus. Additionally, the increased time spent indoors, often with the windows shut, circulates air that could be contaminated and increases the likelihood of contracting the virus. ²

What Else Could Weaken My Immune System and How Can I Address It?

Insufficient Sleep

Not getting enough sleep can lead to higher levels of stress hormones and to more inflammation in the body.³ Researchers are still studying how sleep works in boosting the immune system, but it's evident that the suggested 7 to 9 hours for an adult is necessary to maintain good health.

Poor Diet

Diets that are rich in sugars and carbs impact immune system cells that attack bacteria, and their effects on the immune system can last hours after consumption. Consuming more fruits and vegetables provides the body with vitamins like vitamins C and E, zinc, and beta-carotene. Variety is key in any healthy diet, so eat the rainbow! Berries, kale, spinach, citrus fruits, and carrots! Foods like garlic are particularly good for the immune system and can help fight off viruses and bacteria.

Little Exercise

Low amounts of exercise often correlate to poor health, especially gut health. Consistent, moderate exercise a few times a week can help your immune system fight off infection and also provide a boost in "feel-good" chemicals, helping you sleep better.

Smoking and Drinking

Smoking and drinking can both drastically affect your gut health, and should only be done in moderation at most. Excessive amounts of either can damage the immune system and keep cells from fighting off infections and bacteria. Additionally, cigarettes contain over 4,000 chemicals that are toxic to the body and its cells and alcohol often contains high concentrations of sugar.

Dehydration

Dehydration means that the body is not getting enough water, which is important to keep your body and immune system in a healthy condition. Water helps the body to flush toxins and wastes, which allows the immune system to fight off infection better. Further, dehydration exhausts the body and affects sleep cycles, resulting in poor sleep and, typically, decreased motivation to exercise.

High Stress

Stress can have a significant impact on your immune system. With chronic stress, the adrenal glands release extra cortisol to help your body manage. Elevated cortisol decreases the production of healthy prostaglandins, which keep the immune system healthy. Elevated cortisol levels cause immune system cells to disappear from the blood. Slowed prostaglandin production can cause inflammation and immune suppression. Decreasing stress through excerise, meditation, or other healthy coping mechanisms can help keep cortisol levels at the body's preferred levels and help keep your immune system at its best.

Poor Hygiene

The first line of defense in keeping germs from getting into the body is maintaining proper hygiene: washing hands before preparing food, after using the bathroom, and after interacting with someone who may be sick, not touching the eyes nose or mouth, and avoiding those you may know to be sick.

Supplements to the Rescue

NuMedica makes several professional-grade supplements that can help strengthen your immune system and minimize the impact of colds and flu. You can find these listed on the Supplements tab.