Winter is the time when colds, flu, RSV, and COVID-19 are more common. Short days, cold weather, and spending more time indoors can make it easier to get sick. Here are some helpful tips to help you take care of your immune system and prevent illnesses that can help you stay healthy and keep your family safe.
Ways to Stay Healthy This Winter
1. Get Vaccinated
Vaccines are one of the best ways to protect yourself. Think about getting:
- Flu shot
- COVID-19 booster
- RSV vaccine (for older adults or people with health risks)
Getting your vaccines early helps your body build protection before winter viruses start spreading.
2. Wash Your Hands and Cover Your Coughs
Small habits make a big difference:
- Wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds
- Use hand sanitizer if soap isn’t available
- Cover your mouth and nose when you cough or sneeze
- Try not to touch your eyes, nose, or mouth
3. Keep the Indoor Air Clean
Fresh air indoors helps lower the number of germs around you:
- Use HEPA air purifiers in rooms you spend a lot of time in
- Open windows for a few minutes every day
- Keep heating and cooling systems clean and maintained
4. Take Care of Your Body
Your immune system works best when your body is healthy:
- Eat lots of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains
- Move your body—walk, stretch, or play
- Get seven to nine hours of sleep every night
- Relax and manage stress, by doing breathing exercises, meditation, or spending time outside
5. Stay Home If You’re Sick
Help protect yourself and others:
- Stay home if you have a fever, cough, or stuffy nose
- Get tested early for flu or COVID-19
- Avoid close contact with others until you feel better
Even small daily habits can help keep you and your family healthy.
Quick Everyday Health Tips
- Add an extra serving of vegetables to meals
- Take short movement breaks indoors
- Wash your hands before meals and after touching shared surfaces
Need Care? McLaren Makes It Easy
If you feel sick, McLaren Health Care can help:
Being proactive helps protect you and others during the winter months.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Eat healthy foods, stay active, get enough sleep, and relax. Vaccines can also help your immune system stay strong.
The main vaccines are the flu shot, COVID-19 booster, and RSV vaccine for older adults or high-risk people. Early vaccination helps your body get ready.
Wash your hands often, use hand sanitizer, cover your mouth when coughing or sneezing, and improve airflow with HEPA filters or open windows.
Stay home if you have fever, cough, or a stuffy nose. Early testing for flu or COVID-19 helps you get treatment and keeps others safe.
Use HEPA air purifiers, open windows for fresh air, and keep heating and cooling systems clean. Good airflow lowers germs in the air.