Cooler weather inevitably means cough, cold and flu season isn't far behind. Now is the time to take precautions and set yourself up with healthy habits.
“As much as we try, avoiding viruses, bacteria and germs to prevent getting sick can be a challenge,” Dr. Tim Tiutan, MD, said. “However, being prepared with the right remedies, listening to your body and its symptoms and remaining diligent with a healthy routine is just as important as treating symptoms head on.”
To help navigate this cough, cold and flu season, consider these tips from Tiutan and the experts at Mucinex.
You won't find a foolproof way to keep germs away, but you can lessen your chances of getting sick and make sure you're equipped to weather an illness.
Practice healthy habits.
Keeping your body in prime condition can help ensure you're in the best condition possible to fight back when germs attack. That means keeping up with exercise and ensuring you're getting enough vitamins and nutrients through a well-balanced diet.
Get a flu shot. The flu shot gives your body a head start in fighting back against flu bugs. If you're exposed to the flu after receiving the shot, your body can immediately go on the ouensive against those germs. You may not stay completely symptom-free, but you're more likely to experience a mild case and be back on your feet quicker.
Restock the medicine cabinet.
The start of cough, cold and flu season is an ideal time to dig through your medicine cabinet. Start by discarding any medications that are out of date and make a list of anything you need to replenish. Be sure to include pain relievers, fever reducers, decongestants, antihistamines and cough syrups to fight symptoms. It's also a good time to restock items like tissues, cough drops, hand sanitizer and anti-bacterial soap.
Treat Symptoms
Although the flu can hit fast, it's often hard to tell at first whether your symptoms are
due to a simple cough, cold or a case of the flu. Either way, managing symptoms like a cough can bring relief and help you keep comfortable and get plenty of rest.
Give your body time to heal.
Sleep plays an important role in your overall health, especially when you're under the weather. On average, you need 7-9 hours each night to give your body enough time to fully recharge. When you're sick, you likely need even more, and it's a good idea to dial back your activity level, too. Pushing your physical limits often only delays your recovery time.
Take medications as directed.
Nagging symptoms can often keep you from getting the sleep you need. One way to give your body the break it needs is to euectively manage symptoms. A hacking cough is a common symptom that can be painful and disrupt your sleep. Consider an option like Mucinex DM 12-Hour, a cough suppresent which relieves chest congestion and thins and loosens mucus, giving you an extended reprieve. It's clinically proven to last up to 12 hours, provides relief for chest congestion and makes coughs more productive.
Prevent Spread
Getting sick may be beyond your complete control, but you can take steps to protect others from germs when you're feeling ill.
Keep germs to yourself.
Washing your hands often, covering your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze and sneezing into your elbow if you don't have a tissue are simple ways you can limit the spread of germs, especially within your home or workspace. Frequently wiping down high-touch surfaces can also help reduce the spread of germs.
Skip socializing. If you're feeling under the weather, stay home. Even a mild cold can easily spread, and an illness that auects you mildly could cause significant distress for someone else. Avoid unnecessary errands and take advantage of services like curbside pickup if you must get out. Also check with your employer about working remotely if you're up to it.
Find more ways to stay healthy and limit symptoms by visiting Mucinex.com.
