Winter is here and so is the cold and flu season. Although many people get sick, there are multiple ways to strengthen your weak immune system, get better quickly, and other ways to stay healthy to prevent and spread of harmful germs.

Most illness are caused by viruses and a weak immune system, so an antibiotic will not be effective. Antibiotics may even make things worse causing symptoms and side effects like diarrhea and rash. Instead, we focus on symptom reduction until your immune system is able to fight off the virus.

Here are some things you can do to help your body stay healthy through the colds and improve a weak immune system:

Wash your Hands

The number one way that germs are spread is through direct contact. Washing your hands regularly and consistently is the cheapest and easiest way to prevent getting sick. If you cough or sneeze, wash your hands. Before you touch your face or eat, wash your hands. Hand sanitizer is also effective but washing with warm water and soap is always preferred.

Eat Whole Fruits and Vegetables

Mandarins, oranges, lemons are all high in vitamin C, which helps support a healthy immune system. And it’s not just vitamin C that keeps you healthy; eating a variety of foods including healthy green vegetables and cutting back on processed foods, keeps your body at optimum levels, ready to fight what gets in its way and can even boost your immune system.

Stay Hydrated

Water, Water, Water! Increase the amount of water you are drinking will help your body get rid of the toxins formed during illness. Hydration is important to stay healthy. Some studies compared water to cough medication and showed that people who drank only water had a shorter duration of cough than those who had a cough suppressant medication. Water helps you cough up all the junk in your lungs. So drink up!

As Sweet as Honey

Honey has shown to be effective at suppressing cough in many studies, as well as helping with a sore throat. It is the foundation of many cold remedies in the eastern part of the world. Honey has antibacterial properties as well and can help build up a weak immune system. A teaspoon twice throughout a day, and at bedtime can help with those coughing fits.

Gargle Salt Water

Saltwater gargles can help relieve a sore throat and other cold and flu symptoms. Start by mixing one teaspoon of salt in an eight-ounce glass of warm water and gargle for 30 seconds, three times per day.

Get Adequate Amounts of Sleep

Resting and sleeping, are important to allow your body to fight off illnesses and promote healing. Prevent a weak immune system by getting the rest you need to re-charge during this upcoming cold and flu season!

As with healthcare-related concern, stay up to date on your health by visiting your doctor regularly.

About the Author

Lucy Pun is a board-certified family physician offering direct primary care, as it allows her to develop valuable relationships and spend quality time with her patients. Passionate about education, empowerment of individual patient needs, and general medicine, she continually pursues helping individuals be in charge of their own health. With a history of being the medical caretaker of her family and working in child development previous to residency, she enjoys assisting patients of all ages.

Lucy received her medical degree from Western University of Health Sciences and completed her residency at PIH Health Hospital in Downey. As a board-certified physician in Family Medicine, Lucy prides herself in providing the best care to every patient she meets.