5 Tips to Protect Yourself from Cold and Flu

If we ask you which diseases are the most common in winter, you are likely to answer: the cold and the flu. Even if they are usually not a big deal, they bring discomfort, sneezing, coughing and fatigue. While it's impossible to promise that you'll never catch another cold in your life, or that you'll never have the flu again, we do know that you can protect yourself by following these 5 helpful tips below.

1. Stay Hydrated

   To fight colds, it is important to stay hydrated so that you can evacuate mucus from your nose and throat especially if you have a fever. We tend to forget how important is it to stay hydrated during the cold season since we feel less thirsty, but our body needs as much hydration as in summer! What should you drink for good hydration? The best are water, herbal teas and hot chocolate.

2. Wash Your Hands

   The number 1 advice of doctors to avoid germs? Good hand washing! It's important to wash your hands regularly with anti-bacterial bar soap or hand wash and water, especially before eating or preparing meals, and after treating a sick person.

   Johnson’s, the antibacterial experts, have developed an antibacterial liquid hand wash and bar soap that are formulated with natural extracts: sea salt and almond blossom. Johnson’s antibacterial hand washes remove germs, moisturize and leave your skin fresh and with a nice fragrant. The best part is that the natural ingredients keep fighting bacterial growth on your hands.

3. Eat Fruits And Vegetables Rich in Vitamin C

   A diet rich in nutrients and vitamins against colds and flu has many benefits. It provides the body with the nutrients it needs to defend itself against bacteria. Eating fruits and vegetables rich in vitamin C strengthens your immune defences so it is a great way to protect yourself from falling sick. The superfruits to eat are berries, citrus fruits, kiwis, pineapple, melon. Vegetables that are full of vitamin C are peas, cabbage, tomato, potatoes, sweet potatoes and peppers.

4. Cover Your Mouth When You Cough Or Sneeze!

   When you cough or sneeze, you send millions of tiny viruses into the air that could contaminate your surroundings. Try placing a tissue in front of your mouth or placing your nad in front of your mouth. Do not forget to wash your hands next!

5. Exercise Regulary

   Among the many reasons you have an exercise program (30 to 60 minutes a day of moderate intensity movements, such as walking or cycling), there is the need to stimulate your immune system. Research has consistently shown that exercise decreases the risk of catching colds. One study even reported a 43% reduction in those who exercise the most, compared to those who do less.