Tips for Staying Healthy During Cold & Flu Season

As the weather gets colder and daylight hours get shorter, people tend to get sick with the cold and flu more frequently. Cozying up indoors can provide relief from the chill, but enclosed environments may also increase exposure to airborne illnesses. Stay healthy this winter (and all year long) with these cold and flu season tips from The Roosevelt, an outstanding senior living community in Elmhurst, IL.

Catching Symptoms Early

Identifying cold or flu symptoms early gives you the chance to support your immune system and reduce the spread of germs. Pay attention to symptoms such as:

• Runny or stuffy nose
• Coughing
• Scratchy, irritated, or sore throat
• Muscle soreness or general achiness
• Chills or unusual tiredness
• Headaches

Because colds, flu, pneumonia, and COVID-19 can share similar symptoms, staying aware of changes in your body is important. If you experience a high fever or symptoms that linger for more than a week, contact your doctor or visit urgent care. Older adults often have weaker immune defenses or ongoing health concerns, so seeking early care can help avoid more serious issues.

Maintain Good Hand Hygiene 

Maintaining proper hand hygiene continues to be one of the most effective habits for preventing viral illnesses. Frequent handwashing and using sanitizer keeps germs from spreading, especially during cold & flu season, when viruses thrive in cooler, drier conditions.

Stay healthy this cold & flu season by:

• Washing hands with warm water and soap for at least 20 seconds
• Using hand sanitizer if washing your hands isn’t possible at the moment
• Sneezing or coughing into your elbow to limit the spread of germs
• Keeping tissues on hand and discarding them immediately
• Avoiding touching your face until your hands are clean

Don’t Skip Your Flu Vaccine

Getting your annual flu shot remains one of the most dependable ways to prevent sickness. As we age, the immune system naturally becomes less strong. Vaccines help strengthen your body’s defenses so it can recognize and fight off viruses more effectively.

Vaccines can:

• Lower your risk of catching the flu
• Reduce the severity of symptoms if you do get sick
• Protect the people around you, particularly those with weaker immune systems

Also speak with your healthcare provider about staying current on other recommended vaccines, such as tetanus, shingles, pneumonia, and COVID-19. Keeping up to date on vaccines is an important step to staying healthy during the winter.

Strengthen Your Immune System with Nutrition

The saying “you are what you eat” feels especially true during cold and flu season. A nourishing, colorful diet supplies your immune system with the vitamins and minerals it needs to defend your body.

While supplements can be helpful, check with your doctor before starting anything new. You can naturally support immunity by choosing foods rich in key nutrients:

• Vitamin B: Lean meats, dairy, eggs, whole grains
• Vitamin E: Nuts, seeds, avocados
• Vitamin C: Citrus fruits, bell peppers, broccoli
• Vitamin D: Salmon, tuna, egg yolks, and sunlight exposure

Stay Hydrated

Staying hydrated is essential in every season. Adequate fluid intake helps carry nutrients through the body, remove waste, and keep joints and organs functioning smoothly.

A few simple ways to stay hydrated include:

• Drinking water regularly throughout the day
• Adding water-rich foods like celery, cucumbers, and oranges to your diet
• Enjoying warming foods and beverages such as soups, broths, and herbal teas

Stay Active and Get Plenty of Rest

Consistent physical activity boosts immune health while improving balance, energy, and overall strength. Movement enhances circulation, supports cardiovascular health, and helps your body detect and respond to infections more efficiently. It can also lift your mood and decrease inflammation.

Quality sleep is equally vital. Rest gives your body time to repair and maintain immune defenses. Aim for seven to eight hours of restful sleep each night.

Quit Smoking for Better Respiratory Health

Smoking weakens lung function and compromises the immune system, making respiratory infections like the flu, bronchitis, and pneumonia more likely. Over time, it also slows the body’s natural healing response.

Quitting smoking brings rapid health benefits. Your lungs begin recovering, your immune system strengthens, and your overall wellness improves. Focus on keeping safe during the cold and flu season by avoiding cigarettes, e-cigarettes, and exposure to secondhand smoke.

Stay Healthy With The Roosevelt

At The Roosevelt in Elmhurst, IL, it’s easy to maintain a healthy lifestyle with our welcoming and comprehensive approach to wellness. With our wellness education programs, fitness and wellness center, and dedicated Health and Wellness Navigator to help with your health goals, our community makes it easy to prioritize your health.

Contact us today to learn how The Roosevelt in Elmhurst, IL, can help you live well and stay healthy in all seasons.