With the cold and flu season arriving soon, it is important that we all protect ourselves and those around us from any potential ailments that we are exposed to. Here are a few ways to ensure that you stay healthy this season, as well as how to keep others safe from illness.

If you think that you may be catching a cold or other sickness, your top priority should be to take care of yourself, and simultaneously take care of those around you. Taking care of yourself can look different in many situations, but ensuring that you have time to sleep and rest is needed especially when you are not in the best of health. Eating good and drinking many fluids is also crucial to healing from an illness, fruits, soups, and teas are all good examples of healthy and hydrating factors that may help you feel better. You may also be able to find some comfort in medicine, and certain medicines may make it easier to sleep, decrease congestion, or relieve other symptoms as long as you take it responsibly.

Other cures that may relieve some of your symptoms or help speed up your recovery are vitamin c and zinc, which are both effective for boosting your immune system. By making sure you have time to wait for your condition to get better, you protect yourself and others in proximity to you. Although taking time away from your school or work may seem damaging or stressful, it is a quintessential aspect in protecting yourself and your peers, family, relatives, etc. The time you would’ve spent in public would’ve only led to you feeling uncomfortable or worse, and potentially giving other people your sickness. We can also keep other people safe while we are sick by minimizing the spread of germs, such as coughing or sneezing into your elbow, and as cliche as it may sound, washing your hands and keeping a cleanly environment, which is very helpful and essential to helping your condition and also keeping those around you safe.

Hopefully these steps will help you stay safe this winter season!