An Ounce of Prevention: Flu and Cold Season

Cold and Flu Season

I’m just starting to get over the worst cold I’ve had in years. It’s also the first cold I’ve had in years. I used to get sick with every change in the season. It was like clockwork. I’d be down for two weeks, completely miserable, at least twice a year…that’s a full month of misery out of every year. Then I made some simple changes.

My father always says that an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. I totally think he is the wisest man on Earth. As it turns out, he actually lifted that quote from Benjamin Franklin. Still, my father is a very wise man. An ounce of prevention is definitely worth a pound of cure. I say this with confidence because the cold I’m getting over is honestly not nearly as bad as colds I’ve had in the past. I say this with confidence because as soon as I stopped taking the preventative measures I’ve stayed true to for a long time, I got sick. Super simple lifestyle changes and you can pretty much kiss colds goodbye.

1 Keep Your Hands Away from your Eyes, Nose, Mouth, and Ears.

This is the main way cold and flu viruses enter your system.

2 Wash Your Hands Frequently

Those hand sanitizers that are so popular just don’t work. End of story. Picture your doctor examining another patient then giving their hands a quick rub down with hand sanitizer before coming at you with those unwashed hands. Ew.

3 Drink Lots of Water

I can’t stress this enough. Water really keeps your body’s different systems functioning full force. I’ve been drinking at least 8 glasses of water a day for almost a year, and it’s changed my life.

4 Limes are Better than Lemons

I always add some lime juice to my tea or water. It’s not really about the flavor, I just feel like limes pack more of a punch than lemons. Is this backed by science? I have no idea.

That’s it. Four really simple habits that seem like no-brainers, until you become aware of how often you touch your face… with unwashed hands… while thirsty… without any limes in your refrigerator at home. Sounds silly, but it’s so true. I made the mistake of relying mostly on those hand sanitizers and slacking on drinking water for a whole week before I got this cold. Sigh. Lesson learned.