Cold and flu season is here, and it will only get worse as the weather cools. Here at Rodriguez MD, we want to help our patients to avoid the ravages of the cold and flu season by following these simple tips.

Get Vaccinated

Although there’s no vaccine for the common cold, there is one for the flu. The circulating strains of influenza virus change every flu season, so you need to get vaccinated every year. Certain individuals are particularly susceptible to the flu, including pregnant women, individuals who have certain medical conditions, and the old and very young. The annual flu shot becomes available at our Lawrenceville family practice right around the beginning of October, so there is no excuse for not getting vaccinated.

Wash Your Hands

One of the best defenses against cold and flu season is also one of the simplest: wash your hands frequently. Our Lawrenceville doctors recommend that you wash your hands after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing; after being around sick people; before you eat; and before you touch your face. Be sure to wash for at least 30 seconds with warm water and a good amount of soap.

Take Care of Yourself

Your immune system is only able to work at its best when you are taking care of yourself. Get enough sleep, reduce your stress levels, eat a balanced diet, and exercise regularly to help your immune system stay at the top of its fighting game.

Avoid Touching Your Face

When you touch your face after touching an item a sick or infected person has touched, you increase the likelihood of catching their cold or flu strain. In addition to avoiding touching your face, our Gwinnett physicians recommend keeping a bottle of hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol volume nearby so that you can quickly sanitize your hands if you do need to touch your face.

See the Doctor

Remember, if you begin to feel ill, you should see one of our doctors in Lawrenceville right away. Quick medical attention can help you to feel better more quickly and can help to keep you from accidentally getting others sick.