With the beginning of the winter season, the rates of flu and colds increase, which causes a person to reduce their ability to practice their daily and routine activities and miss school, university or work.

So, it is necessary to know all possible ways to prevent flu and colds in children and adults, Because the lack of care and caution can cause a person to become infected with it, again and again, throughout the winter season.

This article mentions several methods and measures that help Reducing the risk of flu and coldsThe most important thing is to get a seasonal flu shot.

The best way to prevent flu and colds

If you receive a vaccine the flu Seasonal can be from The best way to prevent flu and colds During the winter season, when the individual must take this vaccine every year, and it is recommended to take it at least two weeks before the beginning of the winter season, that is, during the month of September or October. [1-3]

It is usually recommended to take the seasonal flu vaccine for the elderly over the age of 65, in addition to diabetics, asthmatics and immunocompromised patients. [1،2]

It should also be noted that if a person develops the flu after receiving the vaccine, the vaccine will reduce the severity and duration of the disease. [2]

for more: Flu vaccine: your complete guide

However, vaccines are not the only way To prevent flu and colds, Because there are many tips and methods that are recommended to be followed after taking the vaccine, including:

Practice good health habits

Several health practices help Reducing the risk of exposure to the flu Other viruses, including:

• Avoid crowded places and wear a face mask if you go to crowded places.
• Wash your hands regularly with hot, soapy water, especially when shaking hands with others or touching contaminated surfaces.
• Use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer if you cannot wash your hands with soap and water.
• Avoid touching your mouth, eyes and nose without washing or sanitizing your hands.
• Clean all surfaces, doorknobs and other objects before touching them.
• Avoid sharing personal equipment, food plates or glasses with others.
• Covering the nose and mouth with a tissue when sneezing or cough up. [1-3]

Strengthening the immune system

If one of the ways Prevention of colds and flu It improves the immune system’s ability to fight viruses contagious. It has been found that the immune system works best if a person:

• Eat a healthy and balanced diet.
• Perform non-strenuous physical activity regularly, at least 5 days a week.
• sleep 7-9 hours at night.
• Reducing stress and tension levels.
• Maintaining a normal body weight. [1،3]

Also read: Flu in children: symptoms and treatment

Stop Smoking

Smoking negatively affects the respiratory health of the smoker himself and of other people around him, and increases the individual’s chance of infection cold Influenza and other infectious diseases. [1،3]

Therefore, quitting smoking can contribute to reducing the incidence of the flu in the smoker and in other people around him. [1،3]

Take nutritional supplements

Taking several vitamins, minerals and other nutritional supplements can help reduce the incidence of colds and flu, as they help strengthen the immune system and improve its functions. This is a nutritional supplement that can help Prevention of colds and flu:

• Vitamin C.
• Vitamin D.
• zinc;
• Antioxidants, such as flavonoids.
• green tea.
• the garlic
• Probiotics. [3،4]

The flu vaccine can be The best ways to prevent flu and colds, However, there are several health and prevention methods that contribute to increasing the effectiveness of the vaccine in reducing influenza infection, so it is recommended to adhere to them along with taking the annual vaccine.

Also read: Seasonal flu is a potentially dangerous disease