Jessica George
Every year it seems that when the winter months roll around, all of a sudden everyone is sick, just starting to get sick, or finally recovering.
Horrible things like colds and the ’flu often are associated with cold air, so people tend to barricade themselves in their cozy homes to stay protected.
In reality, however, it isn’t the cold air that’s causing the illness to spread—actually, it is the insistence to remain shut up inside and within close quarters of each other in attempts to stay warm.
Donna Stanley, program manager for infectious disease for the Northwestern Health Unit in Dryden, explained that the dry air in buildings, coupled with our habit to congregate in closer quarters, makes for a great breeding ground for infectious viruses and bacteria.
“We are all exposed to viruses and bacteria all the time,” noted Stanley, explaining they are everywhere. “It’s the strength of your immune system that governs whether you [get] sick or not.”
Things like reduced activity levels, crowding around and sharing the dry air, not eating right, and not bundling up with scarves and toques while enduring the cold all help to deplete our immune systems, she remarked.
“Until we’ve eradicated something completely from the globe, it’s still circulating someplace. And then when the conditions are right, then more people start to get sick and pass it on,” added Stanley, further illustrating the importance of keeping yourself healthy all year-round.
“Exercising, eating well, and staying hydrated are really important,” she stressed. “And getting the ’flu shot is good because it protects you against one of the most evil viruses.
“Doing all of those things will make you less likely to get sick or else more likely to recover quickly should you fall ill.”
But, even despite all of your efforts to stay healthy, sometimes you’re just unlucky enough to catch a “bug.” In that case, it is your responsibility to try and keep it to yourself.
If you are feverish, Stanley advised to stay home since a high body temperature is an indication your immune system is fighting off something pretty big.
But she also revealed that some viruses, such as the ’flu, are most contagious before you even recognize any of the symptoms. In this case, it is always good to err on the side of caution.
It is seen as courteous to sneeze or cough into a tissue or, if there is no tissue immediately available, to sneeze or cough into your sleeve—but never your hand.
We use our hands all the time, as most are well aware, and infectious bacteria is very easily spread to other surfaces if touch them with your bare hand.
Stanley insisted that washing your hands regularly will diminish both the chances you are passing something on, as well as the chances you will catch something from somebody else.
But these precautions are done out of courtesy to those around you. Stanley still stands by saying the best thing you can do for yourself is just treat yourself right and take care of your immune system.
If you take care of yourself, and your body does happen to come into contact with those pesky bacteria that are lurking in every corner, you will have a better chance at being able to stay healthy and happy this winter.
