How to protect yourself from colds and flu? That’s what the experts say

A wave of infections It affects a large part of the population. And with fall, low temperatures arrived in force, providing an ideal environment for our bodies to be more vulnerable to viral and bacterial infections.

There flu It is one of the predominant respiratory infections in recent weeks, alongside Covid-19 and the common cold. All cause uncomfortable symptoms, such as nasal congestion, coughing, sneezing, muscle pain and fatigue.

The problem is that Sometimes symptoms can get worse and require hospitalization, It is therefore important not only that patients with risk factors are vaccinated, but also that Let’s all take care of ourselves against possible contagion.

As? This is what doctors recommend.

There are many theories as to why we get sicker when it’s cold. Some believe that we are closing ourselves up more and not ventilating enough, making it more likely for viruses and bacteria to proliferate, while others believe that the cold can weaken our respiratory mucosa and make it more vulnerable to contagion.

Both are backed by science. AND The consensus among doctors is that we need a strong immune system to be able to prevent and fight respiratory infections.

Actuallythe first step will always be prevention: the best “remedies” – which have been repeated countless times by the World Health Organization and by governments around the world, especially during the pandemic… they are:

1. Wash your hands frequently especially when arriving from a public place, before eating, etc.
2. Ventilate the house, office or space where you are to avoid the concentration of viruses and bacteria.
3. Avoid crowded places by many people.
4. Use a mask in busy places.

Furthermore, To maintain a healthy immune system, food will be our best ally. Although it’s completely normal to indulge from time to time, our diet should include vitamins and minerals that nourish us every day.

For example, eggs, whole grains, legumes, nuts, fish, among others, are generally good sources of zinc, an important trace element to keep us healthy and strong.

On the other hand, Vitamin D is also important: It’s the sunshine vitamin, and with so many cloudy days, we can’t absorb it like we would in spring or summer. For this reason, it is important to consume foods rich in this nutrient or supplement.

And finally there is vitamin C that we obtain only through our diet: broccoli, red peppers, citrus fruits, red fruits and pumpkin, among others, are some of the foods that we can incorporate to benefit from this powerful antioxidant which, according to some studies, not only prevents respiratory diseases, but can also help reduce their duration.