At Cook’s Pharmacy, we want to make sure that all of our customers are well-equipped to maximize their health, with the products and information they need. Now that cold and flu season is here, it is important to know about the best ways to protect yourself and your loved ones from getting sick, from getting your annual flu shot, to other preventive measures you can take. Let’s go ahead and cover some of the best tips to help you stay healthy during cold and flu season:
1. Get Your Annual Flu Shot
One of the best tips to help you stay healthy during cold and flu season is to receive your annual flu shot. The flu shot is designed to reduce the risk of getting the flu, as well as minimizing the severity of symptoms if you do contract the virus. Each year, the flu shot is updated to provide specific protection against the strains of the flu that are expected to be most prevalent during that year, which is why getting your flu shot each year is so important. Fortunately, we have got you covered with flu shots right here at Cook’s Pharmacy.
2. Wash Your Hands Regularly
The flu virus can survive for up to 48 hours on many types of surfaces, which means there is a considerable chance that you will come into contact with the virus at some point during cold and flu season. This is why it is important to wash your hands regularly, using soap and warm water, killing the germs that may be on your hands. You should wash your hands especially frequently if you are spending extended amounts of time in public.
3. Avoid Touching Your Face in Public
Speaking of spending time in public, it is also advisable to avoid touching your face unless you have just washed your hands. Since the flu virus can survive on surfaces for up to 48 hours, you may end up unknowingly touching a surface that contains flu germs. By not touching your face, you are denying the virus entry to your body, protecting you from getting sick.
4. Get Good Sleep
Yet another of the best tips to stay healthy during cold and flu season is to get good sleep each night. When you do not get enough sleep, your immune system is not able to function at its best, which may increase the chances of getting sick with the flu. Try to aim for 8 hours of good sleep each night to give your body the energy it needs to keep you healthy!
5. Take a Daily Multivitamin
Your body is most able to protect itself from germs when it has sufficient amounts of certain key vitamins and minerals that are important for immune function. This is why it can be helpful to take a daily multivitamin, especially during cold and flu season. By supplying your body with key nutrients, you are helping to make sure you are as protected as you can be against the flu.
Now that you know about some of the best tips to stay healthy during cold and flu season, you are ready to face this time of year with the right preparations and protections. If you have not yet received your annual flu shot, you can get it right here at Cook’s Pharmacy! All you need to do is reach out to our team and we will be happy to schedule an appointment to administer your flu shot. We look forward to helping to keep you and your loved ones healthy this cold and flu season!
