Here’s what you need to know
This will stop any potential nasties on your outdoor clothes being spread around your home. It's nice to have some cosy loungewear or pajamas to change into during the colder months anyway.
Change your clothes as soon as you enter your home. The clothes you wear outside can pick up bacteria and viruses. You can divide your wardrobe into outdoor clothes and at-home clothes!
It's important to get the normal winter flu shot and the COVID one, particularly for the high-risk groups. These include young children, the elderly, and pregnant women.
Reducing the number of people catching the flu reduces the strain on the health care system, which is likely to be stretched thin this winter.
It's important not to miss regular screenings that can catch a health problem early when it's most treatable.
Getting a wide variety of nutrients in your diet is also important for a strong immune system. Increasing your intake of various fruits, vegetables, and grains is the best way to start.
Sufficient rest is also important for our overall health. Somewhere between eight to 10 hours is ideal for most people. The healthier your body, the stronger it'll be to fight off viruses.
Definitely think twice before sharing chips and dips or popcorn in front of the TV!
If you're meeting up with people outside your household, it doesn't hurt to discuss your comfort levels in regard to contact in advance.
If you're going to a friend's house, they may feel totally comfortable going maskless and giving you a big hug when you walk in! If that's not okay with you, don't be shy to gently communicate that.
Most importantly, if you need to cough or sneeze, cover your face with your upper arm instead of your hands!
Since the start of the pandemic, there has been a great deal of misinformation about how to protect against and treat coronavirus. Be skeptical about what you hear and read, and do some research using reliable sources like the WHO or the CDC.
Winter usually means more time indoors, and this year that'll mean more time in isolation for a lot of people. Taking care of your mental health is just as important as your physical health, so make a plan to keep yourself well.
Try to think of some cosy home activities you can look forward to. For example, research some new recipes you'd like to try or get ingredients for baking.
Make sure your home is cosy and comforting. If you need a heater, get it before the real winter hits! You can also add some nice blankets and pillows, some fairy lights, and some candles–anything that will make it a soothing environment.
Try to narrow down your social circle to a few friends or family members.
It's also a good idea to disinfect your phone and any other items you touched while outside. We touch our phones constantly and they're a hotbed for germs!
Even within this group, it's important to be careful. If you're having a meal with friends or family, avoid shared dishes or anything that's eaten with hands.
This winter may be tougher than most, but we're all in the same boat and we'll get through it together. Stay connected, stay safe, and stay strong!
(Harvard Health) (CDC) (Health24) (FDA)
The best way to strengthen your immune system is through diet and exercise. Research shows that regularly increasing your heart rate through exercise improves immunity.
Click through the following gallery for top tips to stay healthy this winter.
Top tips to stay healthy this winter
Read this before winter sets in
HEALTH Advice
Most of the necessary steps for a safe and healthy winter are the tried and tested strategies we're supposed to use every year.
Click through the following gallery for top tips to stay healthy this winter.