A lot of us are bracing for the coming winter season amid the COVID19 pandemic. It stands to follow that we should be cautious since winter not only ushers in the chill but also flu and colds season. Experts have compiled several ways to stay healthy during this time. We are up against an invisible virus that is highly contagious. The threat of COVID19 is real and omnipresent because not every person reacts the same way to it. Your friend or neighbor could be a carrier and asymptomatic while you, or one of your loved ones, might have a severe reaction to it.
Minimize Exposure
One sure way to stay safe during the flu season and the pandemic is to stay at home, minimizing your exposure to either COVID19, flu, or the common cold. If you need to go out to run errands or buy something, do wear a mask at all times. Aside from wearing a reliable mask, you should abide by social distancing protocols and try to avoid enclosed, crowded areas. When you get home, wash your hands thoroughly or, better yet, take a warm bath.
Improve and Maintain Your Immune System
Your immune system is an integral part of your overall health and wellness. Much as we all want to have a healthy system, there are times when we unknowingly undermine our immunity. Stress is one of the biggest threats to our immunity because our physical response to it takes a toll on our bodies. The pandemic has brought an untold amount of stress on our mental and physical health. It is best to stay calm during this pandemic and to keep your mental health on a positive note.
Stay well-rested and get enough sleep every night. We experience several sleep cycles every night. It is during one of the phases of the sleep cycle that our bodies recuperate and restore well being. Our cells also try to repair themselves during this crucial stage of the sleep cycle. Sleep experts recommend getting about 8 hours of sleep every night.
Get enough exercise during your stay at home. Staying at home should not mean being sedentary and letting yourself lounge around with nothing to do but eat, work from home, and sleep. Make it a point to move around or schedule a period of exercise for you. If the weather is too cold to walk or run, you can do yoga or cardiac exercises in the safety and comfort of your home.
Eat and drink healthy. Food intake can help you boost your immune system. Avoid foods that may compromise your overall health such as greasy foods and those that have too many carbohydrates. You can also supplement your diet with vitamins and minerals that help maintain and support your immune system. Experts have mentioned increasing vitamin C and vitamin D intake to lower the risk of infections. It is also important to drink lots of water to stay healthy.
If You Get Sick
In case you do get sick with COVID19, there are safety protocols in place that can help you. The first thing you do if you think that you might have COVID19 is to call your healthcare provider. They will guide you through a process that can assess your state. Be aware of your symptoms and the state of your health so you can provide the necessary answers.
If your symptoms are mild, the doctor might recommend for you to stay at home and isolate yourself for a period of time. Check the following severe symptoms of COVID19:
- difficulty
breathing
- confused
state
- persistent
pain, pressure, or discomfort in the chest
- difficulty
staying awake
- bluish pallor to the face or lips
If you have one or more of the symptoms mentioned above, you
should be brought to the hospital for care and monitoring. This virus is not a
joke and it is life-threatening.