Winter is in full swing, and with it comes many runny noses, sore heads and throats, and a plethora of other undesirable symptoms that you’ll want to avoid. Due to the wet and rainy weather keeping us inside, sickness can be passed more easily from person to person, and the cold, dry air can make it harder to fight germs.
According to the Department of Health and Aged Care, there have already been 37,700 laboratory-confirmed cases of influenza across Australia so far this year, up 40 per cent over the same period last year. And according to VirusWAtch (week ending 9th June), there have been 692 hospitalisations due to influenza year to date as of 28 June 2024.
To avoid catching any sickness and becoming unwell, and in some cases really unwell requiring emergency care, it’s imperative we protect ourselves and others from getting sick. And there are many simple and easy ways to do so.
Here are our six tips for preventing sickness—basic ideas that, in the hustle of life, we often forget are incredibly important.
Back to basics
Wash. Your. Hands. The – dare I say – most important words used in 2020, which are still just as relevant today. Make sure to soap up before eating, after using the restroom and after coughing or sneezing. This will prevent the spread of germs. It’s handy to also carry an alcohol-based hand sanitiser with you and use it often (you can buy small tubes from most pharmacies or supermarkets). Remember to also cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when you cough or sneeze in public, and if you don’t have a tissue in arms reach, use your elbow.
Don’t be a hero
Don’t be that person in the office spreading sickness. Do everyone a favour and stay home. If you do, however, need to leave the house, wear a mask.
Kind regards,
Your colleagues.
Food is fuel
Healthy eating is vital. Eating a diet with good nutrition is important and can help keep your immune system strong. And don’t forget to stay hydrated; drink plenty of water.
Book it in
One of the best ways to prevent winter illness is to get the recommended jabs, which may include the seasonal flu or COVID-19 vaccine. This year, we celebrated 50 years since the World Health Organisation launched its Expanded Program on Immunisation which has prevented the deaths of countless people from vaccine-preventable diseases. You can book the flu and COVID-19 vaccines at the same time.
Don’t put it off ‘til tomorrow
We’re all suckers for telling ourselves we’ll work out another time, but it’s imperative to our health that we exercise regularly – even more so in winter to build up our immune systems. Being active with regular physical activity, such as walking, running, cycling, or swimming, can reduce the risk of illness. As little as two 15-minute brisk walks will do the trick.
A powerful drug
If we were able to bottle up the power of sleep and put it in a tablet, we’d all be taking it. The benefits are so beneficial – it’s a pity some of us don’t get enough of it. Adults should be getting between 7-9 hours of sleep every day and it’s highly recommended you get your circadian rhythm (your internal clock) on track by going to bed and waking up at the same time every day.
Now, take the QUIZ:
Do you need the ED? If you have a minor illness or injury, go to your nearest Urgent Care Clinic, or visit your GP, local medical centre or pharmacist. For more information, visit the website.
Disclaimer: This is general information of a medical nature supplied by a third party and is not medical advice. For medical advice specific to your needs, please see your medical practitioner.