How to reduce your chances of a cold this fall

As we transition from long summer days to cool fall nights, our clinics see big spikes in the common cold.

Drops in temperature and less sunlight can weaken your immune system, making you more susceptible to getting sick. Viruses love cooler, dry weather and multiply quickly under these conditions. Combine these two facts with back to school and an increase in indoor activities, it is no wonder colds increase during this time of year.

While nothing can guarantee you won’t get sick, following the tips below can boost your chances of staying healthy.

Wash your hands. This is one of the most important things you can do to protect your health. Wash your hands before you eat, when you come home, and after you’ve touched frequently touched surfaces, like door handles or remotes. Make sure you scrub for at least 20 seconds with soap and warm water.

Avoid touching your face. Your eyes, nose and mouth are easy entry points for germs and viruses. Each time you touch your face, especially if you haven’t just washed your hands, you increase your chances of getting sick.

Prioritize sleep. To help keep your immune system strong aim for seven or eight hours of sleep each night.

Stay active. Regular exercise has been shown to help flush germs and bacteria from the airways and boost immunity.

Eat a balanced diet. The foods you eat directly impact the cells in your body. Fruits and vegetables provide vitamins that help you produce white blood cells, which are key to fighting infections.

If you start to feel sick, allow yourself to rest and make sure you stay hydrated. If your cold symptoms don’t approve after 10 days, it is time to make an appointment with a doctor.