While there are plenty of ways you can look after your health, it is also vital that you take steps to prevent infections all year round, not just in the months before winter. Infections can impact anyone and occur at any time of year. Without precautions, you can find yourself suffering from symptoms, such as a headache, fever, and a rash. Those symptoms aren’t what anyone wants to experience, especially given the impact on your health, social life, and career. Thankfully, you can be proactive and take steps to prevent infections. Here are some of the top ways to get started.
Boost your immune system
Learning about your immune system can change your entire perspective about health. Your immune system plays a vital role in protecting you from harmful germs, bacteria, viruses, and other toxic substances that can make you unwell.
It is made up of a variety of cells, proteins, and organs. There are many different things you can do daily to boost your immune system, including getting vaccinations, eating a healthy diet, and exercising regularly. Also, be sure to stay hydrated, and get plenty of quality sleep.
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Reduce stress to help prevent infections
Stress impacts you not only mentally but also physically. Stress can have the power to make you more vulnerable to infection if you experience a lot of it over a long period.
That is because when you have a lot of stress, your body releases a hormone called a corticosteroid. It can lower the number of immune cells in your body, therefore suppressing the effectiveness of your immune system.
The habits and coping mechanisms that you participate in when you are under a lot of pressure or anxiety can also have an impact on your ability to fight off an infection. It is a good idea to replace any bad habits, such as drinking alcohol and smoking, with something like breathing exercises to deal with stress. These bad habits may make you more susceptible to infections and increase the risk of adverse outcomes.
Take steps for known conditions
If you regularly get the same infection, or your medical doctor tells you that you are hypersensitive to certain conditions, then you ought to take precautionary measures. For example, if you are prone to getting a urinary tract infection (UTI) you can take Uramet. That will help you to manage your conditions and reduce the risk of getting infected.
Improve your hygiene to prevent infections
One of the best ways to prevent infections is to improve your hygiene practices. Doing so will kill microorganisms that carry infectious diseases before they can enter your body.
Good hygiene includes washing your hands well and covering your face when you cough or sneeze. Also, use your own utensils when eating. In light of the COVID-19 pandemic, you may also wish to social distance, keep rooms well ventilated, and wear a mask in crowded places.
Taking additional steps to reduce infection is a great way to stay healthy and keep your life on track!
These are all good recommendations, Christy. Thanks for sharing.