Do you come down with a case of the sniffles or get a sore throat every year around Christmas? The Christmas cold is an infamous problem for a lot of people and families. But did you know you can help protect your body by optimizing your immune system before the holidays? It’s true! There are natural ways to help prevent the Christmas cold and flu. And beyond that, these treatments even help protect you against the seasonal flu!
In the United States, flu season occurs in the fall and winter. While influenza viruses circulate year-round, most of the time flu activity peaks between December and February, but activity can last as late as May.
How The Christmas Cold and Flu Spreads
People who are sick with a cold or flu can spread it to others up to about 6 feet away. The viruses spread mainly by droplets made when people cough, sneeze or talk. These droplets can land in the mouths or noses of people who are nearby or possibly be inhaled into the lungs.
It’s less common for people to get sick from touching the same surface as someone with a cold or flu, but it is still possible.
When Flu Spreads
People with the flu are most contagious during the first three to four days of the illness. Children and some people with weakened immune systems may pass the virus for longer than 7 days.
You may be able to pass on the flu to someone else before you know you are sick too!
How to Prevent Passing on the Flu
You can take everyday preventive actions to reduce the spread of flu, such as:
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Avoid close contact with people who are sick
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Cover coughs and sneezes.
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Wash your hands often with soap and water.
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Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth.
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Clean and disinfect surfaces and objects that may be contaminated with viruses that cause flu
Ways to Help Prevent Getting The Christmas Cold and Flu
The first thing you should do to protect yourself is to get vaccinated. The flu vaccine is a once-a-year vaccine that helps optimize your immune system’s response to the virus.
Naturally Boost Your Immune System
You can further protect yourself by giving your immune system a boost. Certain vitamins and minerals are scientifically proven to prevent or shorten the duration of your cold or flu.
But first, let’s debunk a popular myth. The most popular one is vitamin C. Vitamin C doesn’t work the way most people think it does: it does not protect the average person from getting a cold or flu. However, it does speed up your recovery period. Vitamin C has been proven to shorten symptoms caused by the virus by 24-36 hours. Harvard Medical School reported that taking at least 200 milligrams of vitamin C per day reduced the duration of a cold by 24 hours in adults and children.
If you’re physically active, vitamin C can play a role in preventing a cold. The same study found that in physically active individuals, such as marathon runners, skiers or Army troopers, taking 200mg of vitamin C can cut the risk of getting a cold in half.
If you’re already sick, don’t worry about leaving your couch. Our mobile IV service brings registered nurses to your door. They’ll administer the treatment of your choosing to help you get back on your feet again in no time.
Zinc Helps With Colds and Flus Too
A study published in the U.S. National Library of Medicine found that zinc can both prevent and shorten a cold. The pooled results showed patients who took zinc had a shorter duration of cold symptoms by about one day compared to those on a placebo. Additionally, two studies found that taking zinc supplements substantially reduced the number of colds in participants.
The Mayo Clinic also reported that taking zinc lozenges or syrup reduces the length of a cold by one day, especially when taken within 24 hours of the first signs and symptoms of a cold.
When it comes to the flu, zinc helps your body fight the virus and may slow down how fast it multiplies, according to Healthline.
Glutathione Boosts Your Immune Response
Glutathione is the “mother of antioxidants” because it boosts your immune system naturally.
In a report done by the Emory University School of Medicine, glutathione could protect against the production of the flu virus before the virus multiplied numerous times. This means it can actively prevent you from getting the flu by protecting against the first signs of a virus.
The Institute of Hygiene and Preventive Medicine in Genoa, Italy, found that 25% of participants who received glutathione got the flu compared to 79% in the placebo group who did not receive glutathione supplements. Those on the antioxidant also developed less symptoms and recovered faster than those in the placebo group.
Want to Protect Yourself or Feel Better Fast?
If you want to protect yourself as much as possible this holiday season, give us a call at IV Revival. We have the right mixes of vitamins, minerals, and hydration to help give you the boost you need to stay healthy this holiday season.
Book an appointment today or call to learn more.