Are you prepared for cold and flu season?

Posted on November 5, 2018 by - Main Street Family Care

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Are you prepared for cold and flu season?

#TisTheSeasonToBeSneezin’

MainStreet Family Care and KidsStreet Urgent Care are already experiencing an influx of patients with cold and flu symptoms. With these rising numbers, it’s important to remain educated on how to prevent sickness for you and your family!

Tips to Prevent Cold and Flu Sickness
  • Wash your hands – A well-known defense against cold and flu sickness is to wash your hands. “Washing your hands regularly can radically decrease your risk of becoming sick,” says MainStreet Family Care Medical Director Dr. Timbo Taylor. “Important times to wash your hands include while caring for someone who is sick, after using the restroom, after changing diapers or cleaning up a child who has used the toilet, and after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing. Make sure that each time you wash your hands you are doing so for at least 20 seconds.”
  • Avoid close contact with others – When it comes to family, especially children, this tip may not be a possibility, but intentionally avoiding those who have symptoms of cold and flu can prevent you from getting the illness. “Don’t shake someone’s hand unless it’s necessary,” Taylor says. “If you can get away with a simple, ‘Hello, nice to meet you,’ then do so, ‘ but if you have to shake hands wash your hands as soon as possible.”
  • Exercise – “Working out enhances your immune system,” Taylor says. “Your immune system directly affects how easily you will become sick.”
  • Eat Healthy – “Eating healthy also builds your immune system,” Taylor says. “Eating vegetables, fruits, and plenty of fresh foods can make a big difference. Also load up on Vitamin C-rich foods as Vitamin C is a strong antioxidant. Some of these foods include cantaloupe, oranges, broccoli, and cauliflower.”
  • Use sanitizers – “Not only should you keep hand sanitizer with you when you aren’t able to wash your hands, but also sanitize your home, especially while cooking food and if someone in your house hold is sick,” Taylor says.

If you or someone you know is experiencing flu like symptoms, visit MainStreet Family Care or KidsStreet Urgent Care. To find the location nearest to you, visit mainstreetfamilycare.com or kidsstreeturgentcare.com.