How to Stay Healthy When You’re Stuck Indoors

Winter is peak season for colds and flu. The cold weather keeps people indoors more than any other season, and the holidays bring friends and family of all ages together. With so many opportunities for germs to spread, follow these disease-fighting tips to stay healthy and avoid getting sick this season.

Get vaccinated – The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends everyone older than 6 months old be vaccinated for influenza. Don’t wait until you start feeling under the weather; get your flu vaccine as early as possible to reduce chances of getting sick.

Wash your hands frequently ? Not washing hands is one of the most common and preventable ways that germs spread. It’s recommended that you wash your hands thoroughly with soap and hot water after sneezing, coughing and touching others’ hands. This is especially important to remember during and after your visits to public places, like airports, malls and grocery stores where germs spread easily.

Eat vitamin-rich foods ? Remember this tip when shopping for fruits and vegetables this season: the more colorful the better. Foods rich in color like carrots, broccoli and blueberries are important sources of the antioxidants that your immune system needs to fight off infection. Find ways to work them into your recipes to serve up nutrients to visitors!

Clean frequently ? Common household items you use every day can be covered in thousands of germs. Reduce you and your family’s chance of getting sick this season by disinfecting high-risk items in your home like telephones and TV remotes, especially after you’ve had guests over.

This is not intended as medical advice to replace the expertise and judgment of your health care team. It is intended to help you and your family make informed decisions, together with your doctor.