Anyone can get sick anytime, but some are more at risk than others.
You may get sick more frequently because of a chronic health condition orcompromised immune system.
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1.
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Environment
Air pollutionis harmful to immune health.Exposure to pollutants may weaken your immune system over time.
The season can affect your risk of infection, as well.
If you live in a cold-weather environment, you may be exposed to more viruses more frequently.
This is because viruses spread more easily when people are spending more time indoors.
Diet
A persons diet can impact their immune health and risk of getting sick.
Take avitamin D supplementor add vitamin D-rich foods to your diet.
These foods include:
There are also other supplements that promise to helpboost the immune system.
Heavy or frequent drinking may impact your immune health.
Every tissue and cell in the body needs water to function well.
Dehydration affects kidney health and may raise the risk ofurinary tract infections(UTIs) andkidney disease.
Long-term sleep deprivation raises the risk of serious health problems, including heart disease anddiabetes.
People who do not get enough sleep may also have shorter lifespans.
Stress and Anxiety
Chronicstressandanxietyaffect immune health and lower the body’s ability to fight infection.
It may also affect immune health and lead to heart disease over time.
Proven strategies to reduce stress and anxiety include:
6.
Hand Hygiene
Regularhandwashingis a proven way to prevent infection.
Touching shared surfaces such as doorknobs or light switches may expose a person to viruses or bacteria.
Washing your hands reduces the risk of germs entering your body and causing illness.
Hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol is also effective.
Be sure to wash your hands before and after eating or preparing food.
Handwashing is especially important when spending time with someone who is sick.
Lack of Physical Activity
Some lifestyle factors may affect your immune systems ability to function well and fight infection.
People who do not engage in regular physical activity may get sick more often than those who do.
That is because physical activity increases your immunity.
Whileexercisebenefits your health, extreme exercise, like running a marathon, may make you more susceptible to illness.
Obesitymay lower your bodys ability to fight infection.
Your risk may be higher if you have a family history of frequent infections or an autoimmune condition.
Immune System Disorders
Immune system disorders are chronic health conditions that affect the immune systems function.
People with asthma are at higher risk of respiratory viruses.
People with immune deficiency disorders are more likely to get sick and become ill when exposed to germs.
Loneliness
Having social interactions is linked to better health and is important for overall well-being.
Immunity naturally declines with age.
The older we get, the more susceptible we are to infection.
For most people, getting sick from time to time is part of life.
The average healthy adult in the United States experiences about two to three colds yearly.
Atypical cold lasts for about one weekbut may be longer.
Children experience more colds than adults.
See a healthcare provider if you are getting sick more frequently or have colds lasting longer than one week.
See your provider if your symptoms are severe or you have a high fever for more than four days.
Seek immediate medical attention if you develop trouble breathing.
Summary
Getting sick is often uncomfortable and inconvenient.
Many people seek ways to stay healthy, especially in the winter months.
Eat a balanced diet of nutritious foods and exercise daily.
Manage your stress levels and aim to get seven to eight hours of sleep each night.
Keep your body hydrated daily, focus on good dental care, and wash your hands frequently.
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