The flu season usually takes place in the United States during the fall and winter months, reaching its peak between December and February. Having a strong immune system is key to preventing the spread of the flu and even Covid-19, conditions that have a greater impact on health during this season.
According to information from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) between October 2022 and April 2023, the following were reported:
- 26 to 50 million cases of influenza.
- 12 to 24 million medical consultations for influenza.
- 290,000 to 670,000 cases of hospitalization due to influenza.
- 17,000 to 98,000 deaths from influenza.
With the imminent arrival of this season, maintaining a strong immune system is essential not only to avoid getting the flu or Covid-19 but also for overall good health.
Importance of Strengthening the Immune System
In case you didn’t know, the immune system is composed of cells, tissues, and organs that work together to protect the body from infections and diseases. Learn more about how a strong immune system can contribute to your health and well-being.
- It protects you against viruses, bacteria, and other pathogens that can cause diseases. Strengthening it helps prevent infections or reduce their severity.
- If you do get sick, it can contribute to speeding up your recovery process. Your body will be able to fight the disease more effectively, leading to a shorter duration of symptoms.
- Strengthening the immune system is not only about combating acute illnesses but also about maintaining good health throughout your life. A robust immune system can help prevent chronic diseases.
As you can see, it is extremely important to work towards having a strong and healthy immune system. If you want to know how to achieve this, pay attention to the following tips.
Tips for Strengthening the Immune System
Taking care of our immune system doesn’t have to be complicated. Small actions that you can easily turn into habits will help you enjoy better overall health and a more fulfilling life. Take note of the following tips that will help you strengthen your immune system and protect your body from diseases.
Adopt a Balanced Diet
A balanced and healthy diet provides the essential nutrients that the immune system requires for proper functioning. Including a good amount of fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains is essential.
Stay Hydrated
Remember that consuming enough water is essential to keep your immune system cells hydrated and functioning effectively.
Engage in Regular Physical Activity
Dedicating time to regular physical activity contributes to increased circulation of immune cells in your body and strengthens your immune system.
Manage Stress Levels
Chronic stress can weaken the immune system. Implementing stress management techniques such as meditation, yoga, or deep breathing can be very beneficial.
Get Sufficient Rest
Sleep is crucial for the recovery and strengthening of the immune system. Getting at least 7-8 hours of sleep per night is ideal.
Avoid Excessive Alcohol and Tobacco Consumption
Limit or avoid harmful habits such as excessive alcohol or tobacco consumption. This will not only protect your body from their harmful effects but also keep your immune system strong.
We often don’t realize the value of maintaining our health until we experience illness. Don’t wait for symptoms to take care of your body. A healthy lifestyle will help you maintain a strong immune system and prevent frequent illness.
How to Identify if it’s the Flu or COVID-19?
Although many people now seem to forget what the emergence of Covid-19 was like, this disease is still present in our society, even though its effects may not be as devastating as a few years ago.
For this reason, it is important to keep in mind that during this flu season, Covid-19 can also appear and the diagnosis can be difficult due to the similarity between the symptoms of the flu and Covid. Among the symptoms that both diseases share are:
- Fever.
- Cough.
- Sore throat.
- Nasal congestion
- Fatigue.
- Muscle aches.
However, Covid-19 is often associated with loss of taste or smell and difficulty breathing, which are not usually present in cases of the flu.
Given the difficulty in differentiating between both diseases, do not forget that the only way to confirm the diagnosis is through a specific test. So if you have symptoms and have suspicions, at Formé Medical Center you can get tested to clear up doubts.
You may also be interested in: How to find a rapid coronavirus test near me?
What to Do if You Have Symptoms?
If you are experiencing symptoms that could be either the flu or COVID-19, it is essential that you take immediate action both for your well-being and for a prompt recovery and to prevent spreading the contagion.
Isolate yourself: avoid contact with other people as much as possible to prevent the spread of the disease.
Consult a healthcare professional: communicate your symptoms to a doctor and follow their instructions.
Follow quarantine guidelines: in case you are diagnosed with Covid-19, follow quarantine recommendations and notify people you have recently been in contact with.
Rest and hydrate: whether you have the flu or COVID-19, resting and staying hydrated is essential for your recovery.
Follow the treatment prescribed by your doctor: if your doctor prescribes medication, make sure to take it according to their instructions.
At Formé Medical Center, our specialists can help you have an accurate diagnosis and indicate the treatment you should follow. Likewise, they can give you guidelines to maintain a strong immune system and better health. Do not hesitate to call 914-723-4900 or schedule an appointment.
