5 Steps to Prep for Cold & Flu Season


As we approach the winter months, the days are getting shorter, the air is getting colder and our calendars are starting to fill up with holiday plans and parties. It’s also the time of year for our least favourite visitors to start arriving—no, not the in-laws—we’re talking about cold and flu.

Cold and flu season in Canada tends to arrive at some point in November and stick around until as late as March of the following year. While some sniffles during this period may be unavoidable, particularly if you have young children at home, there are a number of things you can do to safeguard yourself from getting sick.

Here’s a look at five tried-and-true steps to help you prep for cold and flu season:

  1. Take a hands-on approach. Your hands can build, comfort, carry and help you express yourself. Unfortunately, they can also transmit germs. Regular handwashing can help stop the spread of germs, and keeping your hands away from your face can prevent cold viruses from entering your system through your eyes, nose, and mouth.
  2. Support your immune system. A healthy immune system is better prepared to fend off illnesses through your body’s natural defense systems. You can support your immune system with a nutrient-rich diet. You may also want to add a good-quality vitamin C to your routine, such as Sisu Ester-C® 1000 mg. This form of vitamin C has been shown to last in the white blood cells for up to 24 hours*, giving you round-the-clock immune support.
  3. Keep it clean. Cold and flu viruses can survive outside the body, particularly on hard surfaces such as metal, plastic and wood. Maintaining a clean environment by regularly disinfecting household surfaces reduces the risk of infection. Don’t stop at the table and countertops—make sure to clean your keyboards, computer mouse, tablets and phones as well.
  4. Sleep tight. With the holidays approaching, this can be a hectic time of year, but it’s important not to let your sleep patterns suffer. When you become tired and run down, your immune system can weaken, leaving you more susceptible to illness. Adults should aim for seven to eight hours of sleep each night as part of a healthy lifestyle.
  5. Keep your germs to yourself. Sharing is caring, except when it comes to germs. If you get sick, stay home from work or school and minimize your interactions with others. Cough or sneeze into a tissue if you have one, or into your elbow if you don’t. Wash your hands often. Avoid sharing utensils, beverages and other items that may unwittingly pass your germs on to others.

Always read and follow the product label. Products may not be suitable for everyone.

Reference:
*Mitmesser S, Combs M, Evans M. Determinations of plasma and leukocyte ascorbate concentrations in a randomized, double-blind trial. FASEB Journal. 2014 Apr; vol 28 no 1 supplement 830.3.
Sisu Ester-C®

About the Author: Sisu

“Sisu”

Sisu has been crafting nutritional supplements for more than 35 years, helping Canadians live a healthy, happy and balanced life. With their unique, non-GMO formulations, guaranteed potency and purity, patented ingredients like Ester-C®, and 100% recyclable cobalt blue bottles, Sisu has bridged the gap between cutting-edge science and ethical manufacturing.