The Flu, COVID, and Winter: How to Stay Healthy this Season

This winter is truly unlike any other. Now, nine months into the pandemic, even with vaccines now released and being administered throughout the United States, all of us still have work to do to keep ourselves and our loved ones safe. 

As exciting and uplifting as it is to see people receiving their first shots of the COVID-19 vaccine, all of us must exercise caution in the coming months. The situation is deteriorating throughout the country, and we continue to see a surge in COVID cases, particularly here in California. As our community undergoes a new lockdown, it’s completely normal to feel anxious and scared. However, as always, the Sacramento community can and will band together. 

On top of that, this winter season includes the usual combination of cold weather and seasonal flu. The influenza virus tends to peak between December and February. All of this means, at a time when a sneeze or cough can have profound health implications, staying healthy is more important now than ever.

How exactly do you stay safe and healthy this season? These six tips can help:   

1. Get Your Flu Shot

We strongly advise that you don’t miss your flu shot this year. The flu vaccine remains your and your family’s best defense against influenza and other similar viruses.

2. Stay at Home and Follow Protocols

As much as possible, fight the urge to mingle with people outside your household. We also advise against having guests over or visiting other people’s places. Even if they’re family or a close friend, limiting your interactions to your bubble is still the best way to avoid contracting or transmitting the virus.

With all non-essential travel prohibited and stricter stay-at-home guidelines imposed, there’s not much to see or do outside anyway. So stay home and keep yourself and your family safe.

3. Practice Proper Hand Hygiene

While it was the first piece of guidance when the pandemic hit in March, it remains as crucial today as it was then. Regularly washing your hands is one of the best ways to stay healthy. Especially with the pandemic and flu season in full swing, you want your hands to be as free from germs and viruses as possible.

The CDC recommends washing your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds to prevent the spread of germs. While handwashing may seem like a mundane and straightforward thing to do, if you follow the CDC recommended steps and techniques, it could go a long way in ensuring your family’s health and safety.

4. Don’t Skip Your Doctor’s Appointment

This year, too many people have deferred their check-ups and appointments out of fear of contracting the virus. The truth is, delaying care has led to more harm than good.

While it’s understandable to be anxious about going to your doctor while COVID cases are on the rise, it shouldn’t be an excuse not to seek medical help when you need it. Here at Allmed, we offer Telehealth visits so you can see your doctor in the comfort of your home. Even when your condition requires an in-person visit, you can rest assured that our clinics strictly adhere to the guidelines and protocols. 

5. Stay Active and Eat Healthy

Exercise and healthy eating aren’t usually the first things to come to mind when talking about winter and the holiday season; in fact, it’s quite the opposite. But eating healthy and staying in shape is more important now than ever. A healthy diet paired with daily exercise can help boost your immune system and make you more resistant to illnesses.

Just because you have to eat healthy, though, doesn’t mean that you also have to deprive yourself during the holiday season. There are plenty of healthy recipes you can make at home that can make your holiday feast just as good, if not better. 

6. Manage Your Stress

The past few months have indeed been stressful for all of us. If you’re feeling too overwhelmed with everything going on, give yourself a little break and look for support. Whether it’s talking to a trusted friend or seeking medical help, coping with stress is usually a lot easier when you know someone’s got your back.

Create distance between yourself from the things that cause you stress, whether it’s a specific situation at work, social media, or anything else. Especially in this colder season, finding an indoor hobby can make all the difference.

There Are Plenty of Reasons to Celebrate

With everything that’s happened and continues to happen this year, it’s easy to lose sight of reasons to celebrate. However, shifting your focus on more important and positive things like your and your family’s health and the imminent arrival of a vaccine can go a long way in brightening up your Holiday season. The COVID vaccine is rolling out now, and we are officially in the home stretch. 

It’s news like this that makes us here at Allmed optimistic about the future. Just like how the saying goes, the night is darkest before dawn. So even if our holidays are disrupted and look different this year, our entire community can still emerge from these challenges stronger and healthier.