Staying Well This Season

In an episode of the animated comedy Futurama, Philip J. Fry accidentally infects his friends with the common cold. The problem? He brought germs from the past to a future where the cold was eradicated.

Between October and February, due to the colder weather and more frequent gatherings, there is often an uptick in illnesses such as colds, flu, strep throat, stomach viruses and respiratory infections. And with the holidays coming up, you don't want to be in the same boat as Fry and his friends—sick and with no immunity.

So, whether you're traveling or your family and friends are coming to your place between now and the new year, here are four tips on how to stay well.

Catch enough Zzzs. Lack of sleep can weaken your immune system and raise your risk for illness. One study found that people who slept six hours or less per night were four times more likely to get sick than people who slept seven hours or longer. Just remember, to ensure good quality sleep, it's important to cut off screen time at least 30 minutes before you go to sleep, keep your darkened room between 60 and 72 degrees and try to go to sleep and wake up at the same time every day.

Clean commonly touched areas. Cold germs can survive on surfaces for up to one week. That's why it's important to sanitize commonly touched surfaces like doorknobs, light switches, countertops and even your cell phone to stop the spread of germs. If you're not sure what to use, consider visiting the Environmental Protection Agency's website for a list of "Registered Disinfectants" proven to kill germs.

Frequently wash your hands. The CDC reports that lathering your hands with soap and warm water for at least 20 seconds can reduce respiratory diseases by up to 21%. Good times to wash your hands are after caring for sick people, treating a wound, changing diapers, using the restroom, petting or cleaning up after animals and throughout the food preparation process.

Get vaccinated. As we discussed in the September issue, it's important to be up-to-date on your shots. From 2022 to 2023, the CDC reports that 31 million Americans contracted the flu, but the likelihood of getting it can decrease as much as 60% if you're vaccinated. It's also especially important that people 65 and older be inoculated against pneumonia, as they are more likely to have life-threatening complications if they contract it.

With these easy tips, you can help prevent yourself and others from getting sick. That way, you all can focus on the joy of the holiday season!

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