Author: McLaren Flint
With the holiday season quickly approaching, many will gather for parties and celebrations with family, friends, and co-workers, which coincides with cold and flu season. So how do you take part and stay healthy at the same time?
“The best ways to promote staying healthy are through hand hygiene, being mindful of your surroundings, and practicing appropriate etiquette when it comes to coughing or sneezing,” said Mai Phuong Truong, MD, internal medicine physician at McLaren Flint-Grand Blanc Community Medical Center. “For example, wash your hands by scrubbing well between your fingers after being in public places such as the grocery store or the gas station. If you cannot wash your hands, then have hand sanitizer handy in your car.
“If you're coughing or sneezing, make sure to be mindful of others around you and cough into your elbow to prevent those respiratory droplets from spreading. Limiting close contact with those who develop symptoms will help to lower your chances of sickness as well.”
Maintaining a nutritious diet can also help keep you healthy. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends following a healthy eating pattern that includes fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and low-fat dairy, and limiting added sugars and sodium.
“Maintain an adequate diet with fruits, vegetables, and grains,” said Dr. Truong. “Kiwis, bell peppers, broccoli, and brussels sprouts are all great options for foods high in Vitamin C, for those who are looking outside the citrus family. Vitamin D is also essential for immune support, and during the dark Michigan winters, people may benefit from taking daily supplements if they cannot adequately obtain it through their diet. I recommend talking to your provider before starting any supplements.”
Staying up to date on your annual vaccinations can also help you stay healthy through cold and flu season.
“The flu vaccine will help to decrease the risk of developing influenza,” said. Dr. Truong. “While the vaccination does not prevent you from acquiring the illness, it does decrease your risk of getting the flu and can minimize the severity of symptoms. Mitigating your risk helps reduce the risk for others, which in turn will help lower the overall rate of infection. Protecting yourself means protecting others. Make sure to stay up to date on your annual vaccinations. Ask your provider about the pneumonia and RSV vaccine as well.”
You can put the odds in your favor for enjoying a safe and healthy holiday season by following the above tips.
“Stay vigilant, be mindful, and take the necessary precautions to protect yourself and others around you,” said Dr. Truong. “If you have any symptoms, be sure to call your primary care physician or provider for an appointment and reserve the emergency department for severe signs and symptoms such as chest pain or difficulty breathing.”
If you are looking for a primary care provider who is accepting new patients, visit mclaren.org/primarycare.