Cold/Flu Season Fast Approaching
Tips for Staying Healthy or Dealing with a Cold or Flu
Now that we have entered the culmination of the fall semester, we are beginning to experience colder weather, which often results in sickness and what we know as the cold and flu season.
It’s important that you stay healthy and keep your immune system high during this time, so check out these hacks and tips that may help you along the way.
As most BU students and employees know, this past year has been crazy when it comes to sickness as the coronavirus lingered and took a toll on many people worldwide. The coronavirus still exists and new variants of it have emerged. The COVID-19 vaccine was highly recommended from many sources nationally and locally in order to avoid severe symptoms from the virus. The vaccine is still available at local pharmacies where you can walk in and get vaccinated shortly after for free. If you aren’t and don’t plan on getting vaccinated, wearing a mask is highly recommended.
Besides the coronavirus, what would be labeled as normal and common viruses are still a concern and will sneak their way into this winter, as well. The first tip to avoid getting the common cold or flu is to stay clean. Wash your hands, carry a small bottle of hand sanitizer, and be sure to stay aware of how often and who you share germs with as failing to do so could allow illness to creep in and affect your body.
Secondly, take vitamins. Sometimes our body needs extra help to fight off sickness and illness, especially during the winter, and vitamins are a cheap, easy and safe way to boost your immune system. Vitamins can be purchased at your local pharmacies or department and grocery stores.
Thirdly, get more sleep. When we sleep our body regenerates and restores itself, which is one of the reasons most cough medicines are accompanied with sleeping elements. Getting more sleep is very important if you want to stay free of illness this cold and flu season.
Realistically speaking, even if you take all of these precautions, you still may indeed get sick. If so, it isn’t the end of the world, and there are more hacks and tricks you can do besides taking NyQuil and eating cough drops to get back to the healthy person you were before.
The first unique hack or method is consuming sea moss. Sea moss is an algae that grows along the water of the Atlantic Coast. This algae has a variety of vitamins and minerals that spark your immune system and help fight off infection. It’s natural and safe, which contrasts from most of the common cough medicines people often choose to assist them during the cold and flu season. Raw sea moss can be purchased at your local Walmart.
The next unique hack or method is consuming lemon juice and honey. Lemon juice and honey can be great for a mild cough, sore throat or congestion. Mix lemon juice, hot water and honey together and drink it. The lemon juice cuts through the congestion, and the honey coats and soothes the throat.
The last hack involves pelargonium. This is a herb that is commonly used in Europe to treat the common cold or bronchitis. It’s another natural substance that can get rid of your cold quickly as it has been shown to kill bacteria, viruses, and stimulate the immune system. You can purchase this herb on Amazon online.
All in all, stay hydrated, get lots of rest and keep your throat lubricated. But if you do get sick this winter, hopefully the tips and hacks provided in this article can be of assistance and everyone can have a happy and ill-free winter.