Colds and flu often strike when we feel under the weather or physically low. So the more we can do to support our immune systems, the better prepared we will be when colds and flu come calling. Here are just a few practical suggestions.
Exercise regularly
Regular exercise may help to strengthen your immune system and fight off simple viruses and bacterial infections.
Get a good night's sleep
Getting around 8 hours of sleep a night, and getting good quality sleep has been shown to decrease your chance of getting a cold.
Keep your distance
It may sound obvious, but keeping away from work colleagues, friends and family members who are already sick may help to reduce your chances of being infected by new viruses.
Quit smoking
Colds and Flu are respiratory illnesses and statistics show that smokers get more colds more often and experience more severe symptoms.
Go easy on the alcohol
Too many alcoholic drinks can leave you dehydrated and weaken your immune system. Alcohol can also affect your sleep patterns. All of which can leave you more vulnerable to viruses.
