With winter in Metro Detroit comes colder temperatures and shorter hours of daylight, but it also brings its fair share of colds, flu, and respiratory infections. With so many people spending the majority of their time indoors, it’s tough not to get sick. However, there are some healthy habits you can adopt to reduce your risk and keep you feeling good all season long. And if you do feel an illness coming on, seek medical help from an urgent care clinic in Michigan to start treatment as soon as possible.
Winter and the Risk of Illness
Why do we get sick so often in winter? Unlike what your mother may have told you, cold weather itself doesn’t make you sick. It’s more likely due to conditions that create environments where viruses and bacteria can thrive and be spread more easily. Spending more time indoors in close proximity to others, especially in the workplace or at school, exposes you to dry indoor air.
Not only does this dry out your mucous membranes, it lowers the body’s natural defenses – making colds, the flu, and other respiratory infections more common in winter. Here’s what you can do to keep yourself healthy.
1. Wash Your Hands
The best way to avoid catching or spreading germs is to frequently wash your hands. The CDC says you should scrub your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds before eating, after touching commonly used surfaces in public, and after coughing, sneezing or blowing your nose. Can’t get to a sink? Use a hand sanitizer with at least 60 percent alcohol.
2. Get the Flu Shot
In Michigan, peak flu season is between December and February. Getting the flu vaccine at your local urgent care clinic can protect you from severe illness.
3. Cover Your Mouth
When coughing or sneezing, cover your mouth with your elbow or a tissue to prevent respiratory droplets from spreading germs.
4. Eat a Balanced Diet
Eat a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins to get the vitamins and minerals needed to support immune health. Get plenty of exercise, as well, which boosts your immune system. This ensures you are better able to fight off infections. If you’re stuck inside, even simple activities like stretching, yoga, or light workouts can make a big difference.
5. Get Plenty of Sleep
Chronic stress and poor sleep do a number on your immune system. Find effective ways to manage stress, from meditation to hobbies to talking with friends. Try to get at least eight hours of sleep a night so your body can repair and strengthen its defenses.
6. Ensure Proper Ventilation
Open up the windows on mild days to allow fresh air to circulate and to reduce indoor virus concentration.
Because viruses can linger on surfaces for hours, disinfect high-touch areas like doorknobs, light switches, and countertops on a regular basis – especially if someone in your household is sick.
Run a humidifier to maintain moisture levels between 30 and 50 percent. This will keep your mucous membranes moist so they can better trap and expel pathogens.
7. Get Prompt Medical Care
Even the best efforts can result in sickness. If you have a high fever, persistent cough, difficulty breathing, or symptoms that don’t get better after a few days, visit your local urgent care center in Metro Detroit for timely diagnosis and treatment of common winter illnesses.
By incorporating the above healthy habits into your daily routine, you can reduce your risk of catching or spreading winter illnesses!
Contact Specialty Urgent Care
Are you starting to feeling sick this winter despite incorporating these healthy habits? Don’t wait to get care. Walk in or call one of our urgent care centers in Michigan so you can get better and get back to your life.