Whether you’re looking forward to a holiday vacation or have a big deadline at work you don’t
want any signs of a cold or flu to affect your plans. One of the best ways to manage a cold is to
avoid getting sick in the first place. While sometimes this seems unavoidable, there are a few
things you can do to minimize your chances of getting sick.
Nova Vita Solution
Nova Vita is here to help you stay healthy all season long. Nova Vita Wellness Centers have
several IV vitamin Infusions for flu season. Each infusion is backed by science and provides
your body with the vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants needed to keep your immune system
strong and healthy. Our High Vitamin C Infusion contains immune-boosting properties and
anti-inflammatory effects that further boost the immune system. Our Defense Infusion infusion
boosts hydration and is designed to combat illnesses such as the flu, cold, and seasonal allergies.
Our Cleanse Infusion helps remove toxins and improve a healthy digestive system. A healthy gut
contains healthy bacteria and immune cells that help fight off viruses and bacteria. Additionally,
our blood panels can assess your nutrient levels and detect any deficiencies. Our medical experts
will then guide you on the resources that best fit your needs.
What’s the Difference Between a Cold and the Flu?
The flu and the common cold can easily be mixed up because of their common symptoms. Both
are contagious respiratory illnesses but are caused by different viruses. Influenza viruses cause
the flu and numerous viruses, including rhinoviruses, parainfluenza, and coronaviruses can cause
the common cold. The flu will feel much worse than the common cold and typically come on
more abruptly. Flus may also lead to several other serious health problems such as pneumonia,
bacterial infections, or hospitalizations.
Common Cold Symptoms
Cold symptoms will usually start with a sore throat and go away after a day or two. Nasal
symptoms, runny nose, and congestion follow the sore throat and lead to a cough. Children are
more likely to have a fever with a cold than adults. Cold symptoms will usually last for a week
and during the next three days you are contagious. If your symptoms do not improve after a
week, it’s important to see your doctor to determine if additional treatments or tests are
necessary.
Flu Symptoms
Flu symptoms are usually more severe than cold symptoms and come on abruptly. Symptoms
include sore throat, fever, headache, muscle aches, congestion, and a cough. Most flu symptoms
will improve after two to five days but can last up to a few weeks. The flu can lead to
pneumonia, especially in young adults, the elderly, or people with lung or heart problems. If you
notice shortness of breath or a recurring fever, consult your doctor immediately.
Practice Prevention: How to Avoid the Flu and Cold
There are a few healthy habits you can practice to avoid getting sick this season. The tips and
resources below will help you protect yourself and those around you from both bacterial and
viral infections and help stop the spread of germs.
Wash Your Hands (The Right Way!)
It’s no secret that cold and flu viruses spread and you can easily pick up germs from what you
touch every day. Someone who’s sick and sneezes into their hand and touches a countertop can
leave germs that you can pick up even hours later. So wash your hands often and well!
Here’s a quick refresher on how to properly wash your hands:
1. Wet your hands with warm water and add soap.
2. Lather your hands with soap by rubbing your hands back and forth. Make sure to get the
back of your hands, in between your fingers, and under your fingernails.
3. Scrub your hands for at least 20 seconds with soap.
4. Rinse your hands with warm water.
5. Dry your hands with a towel (Note: make sure to regularly clean your hand towels. These
can hold germs too).
If you are out and about and don’t have easy access to soap and water, keep a bottle of hand
sanitizer on you to help get rid of germs. Look for alcohol-based hand sanitizers with at least
60% alcohol.
Keep Surfaces Clean
Everyone picks up germs throughout the day; some can easily enter your house. To ensure
everyone in your household stays healthy, it’s important to regularly wipe down your surfaces
with disinfecting wipes or sprays that help reduce the spread of germs.
Avoid Touching Your Face
Did you know that, on average, most people touch their faces 23 times an hour? Oftentimes it’s
done subconsciously and can be a difficult habit to break. The eyes, nose, and mouth are prime
entry points for germs so rubbing your eyes, scratching your nose, and biting your nails are easy
ways for germs to enter your body. It’s best to avoid touching your face or, if you have to, ensure
your hands are clean by washing your hands or applying hand sanitizer.
Stay Hydrated
Being dehydrated can lead to various health concerns, including the flu and cold. Keeping your
body hydrated helps your body fight infections. To stay hydrated ensure you’re drinking plenty
of healthy fluids. Recommendations state you should take half of your body weight and drink
that amount in ounces daily. This can include water, electrolyte sports drinks, decaffeinated tea,
and juice. Avoid sugary drinks and drinks that dehydrate you– coffee, soda, and alcohol. If
you’re feeling dehydrated, you can easily replenish your body with an infusion!
Get Enough Sleep
Sleep is crucial to keeping the immune system healthy. Not getting enough sleep can make your
body more susceptible to catching germs and getting sick. Adults should aim to get 7-9 hours of
sleep and kids may need 10 or more hours depending on their age. To prioritize your sleep,
consider implementing a sleep schedule and routine. The secret to an effective sleep routine is
consistency. Try to go to bed at the same time and wake up at the same time. Ensure your
bedroom is quiet, dark, and at a comfortable temperature. Avoid electronics for at least 30
minutes to an hour before bed. If you feel yourself getting sick make sure you are napping and
getting adequate sleep to strengthen your immune system.
Get Adequate Nutrition
All of the body’s cells require proper nutrition to function optimally. Eating wholesome,
well-balanced meals not only promotes proper growth and development, it also strengthens the
immune system. To boost your intake of infection-fighting antioxidants, load up your plate with
lots of colorful fruits and vegetables. Also, consider taking a probiotic or eating foods high in
probiotics (yogurt, sauerkraut, and kimchi) that help fight illnesses. Ensure you meet your daily
Vitamin D needs through food intake, supplements, or booster injections. Eating a wide variety
of nutritious foods and meeting your daily nutrient requirements will help ensure your immune
system has what it needs to stay strong and fight off infections.
Stay Active
Staying physically active helps strengthen the immune system by stimulating white blood cells
that fight off infections. Physical activity also helps flush out bacteria from the lungs which
reduces your risk of catching a cold. Additionally, exercise can help reduce stress levels and
lower stress hormones can protect against illnesses. While exercise can boost your immunity, if
you feel yourself getting sick ensure you’re allowing your body to properly rest.
Bottom Line
Even if you’ve done everything you can to prevent the common cold, most adults get at least one
to two colds every year. By getting enough rest, ensuring your nutrient levels are being met, and
staying hydrated, you can help reduce your risk of getting sick. Contact Nova Vita today to
explore a range of cold-fighting resources
