10 winning tips for preventing diseases in winter

1. Make sure there is ventilation
   Even when it’s cold outside, try to leave a window open to keep the house ventilated. The passage of air helps to neutralize the bacteria that disperse in the room when coughing or sneezing. If there is a baby in the house, the recommended temperature in the house is no more than 23 degrees, because overheating dries out the salivary glands and impairs the ability to protect the children from bacteria.

    

    

2. Maintain hygiene
   Washing hands with soap and water, coughing into the mask or elbow (if there is no mask) and social distancing entered our lives during the Corona period, but these are recommended actions that also dramatically reduce the risk of contracting the flu. On top of that, we know that viruses and flu are transmitted through the nose, eyes and mouth, so it’s good to get the children used to touching their faces as little as possible – theirs and their friends’.
3. Take vitamins
   Studies show that vitamin D and C may help the immune system and the respiratory system and reduce the risk of contracting viral diseases such as corona and flu, so it is recommended to adhere to an adequate diet that includes these vitamins and exposure to the sun for 10-20 minutes a day.
   Vitamin D Also essential for bone health, it encourages absorption of calcium from the digestive system, maintains normal levels of calcium and phosphorus in the blood and bones, encourages bone building and reduces its breakdown. Therefore it is recommended for adults, whose natural production of the vitamin decreases; for people who are rarely exposed to the sun; For those who are overweight and of course for babies from birth to one year old. Consult a doctor before use.
4. Eat grandma’s chicken soup
   In addition to the warmth and love found in every spoonful of soup, it was found that the soup contains ingredients with anti-inflammatory properties that help the body against cough and bronchitis, and of course fluids and salts that are recommended to avoid the dehydration that can accompany the flu and its symptoms.

    

    

5. Thoroughly clean toys, dolls and furniture
   Research shows that children who play with dolls tend to develop more ear infections. For sure in a public place, then the risk of bacteria infiltrating the doll and infecting the child increases significantly. Therefore, it is necessary to keep the dolls and toys clean and avoid taking them out of the house.
6. Get vaccinated against the flu virus
   The exception is the flu virus. In the flu, there is an antiviral treatment called “Tamiflu” that is recommended for a specific group in the population that is at risk of complications caused by the flu. This treatment is effective if given within 72 days from the onset of the disease. Of course, it must be remembered that the best way to deal with the flu is to prevent it – therefore it is recommended to get vaccinated against the flu.
   >> Does getting vaccinated against the flu every year weaken the immune system??
7. Make sure you have regular sleeping hours
   Our immune system is directly affected by fatigue and lack of sleep, and studies have found that people who suffered from a lack of sleep got much sicker than those who got enough sleep. Chronic lack of sleep reduces the production of cytokines in the immune system, which are necessary to fight infections and inflammations, such as the common cold.
8. Eat more vegetables
   A diet rich in antioxidants may protect you in the cold season and strengthen the immune system. The vegetables are rich in many antioxidants, including vitamin A and vitamin C.

    

    

9. drink water
   Even in winter, water provides our body with the moisture it needs and helps remove toxins. Remember that even in winter there is a danger of dehydration, therefore drinking water is essential and provides protection against the weakness of the body’s immune system.
10. Maintain physical fitness
    Research shows that exercising daily can reduce between half and a quarter of the cases of flu and colds during the year. Children don’t need a tough exercise program, but you can exercise them in the playgrounds or get them moving with good music.
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Dr. Kay Alkara is a family doctor in the northern district of Maccabi Health Services