There’s a lot to like about winter, with its cooler days and cozy evenings. Enjoy the season and stay healthy by following these tips from Paul Kim, MD, a family physician on the medical staff at Baylor Regional Medical Center at Grapevine.
Stay a Step Ahead of the Cold and Flu.
While it may seem as if illness is more prevalent in the winter, catching a cold can’t be attributed to cold weather. What can contribute to winter cold and flu is proximity—people tend to spend more time indoors, close together. But the flu can thrive in dry and cold environments, so arid winter air allows the virus to linger in the air.
To keep yourself and those around you healthy, Dr. Kim offers these tips:
- Wash your hands frequently and scrub for at least 20 seconds.
- Get a flu shot.
- Use hand sanitizer with at least 60 percent alcohol.
- Avoid people who are coughing or appear sick.
- If you’re sick, stay away from other people for at least 24 hours after recovering.
- Take antibiotics only if your doctor recommends them, and be sure to finish the prescription.
Dr. Kim recommends flu shots for just about everyone. “In the spring and summer, the World Health Organization monitors a global influenza surveillance network, sampling the strains of flu that are going around, he says. The flu shot for that winter is based on the three most likely strains.
Flu shots are especially important for seniors, who are more prone to complications from the flu, and for people who work with young children. Young children don’t get as much benefit from the shot, so immunity in others increases their protection.
Control Your Allergies.
Allergies can strike even in winter. They often start with a runny nose, postnasal drip and a sore throat. Left untreated, they can increase the likelihood that you’ll get another infection as a cold, bronchitis or pneumonia.
Check your Smoke Detector Monthly.
During the winter, you’re more likely to use the fireplace, burn candles and cook with the stove top and oven. Make sure your fire warning system is up to speed. And keep fire extinguishers handy just in case.
For information about services offered at Baylor Grapevine, all 1.800.4BAYLOR or visit BaylorHealth.com/Grapevine.
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About Baylor Scott & White Health
As the largest not-for-profit health system in the state of Texas, Baylor Scott & White is empowering customers to live well by reimagining traditional healthcare — creating more convenient, personalized and informed experiences. It serves more than three million customers through 55 hospitals, including flagship academic medical centers in Dallas, Fort Worth and Temple; the Baylor Scott & White Research Institute; 1,300+ access points; 59,000+ team members; and its leading digital platform — MyBSWHealth. The system's award-winning employer solutions include Baylor Scott & White Health Plan, Baylor Scott & White Quality Alliance and Levanto — a company offering digitally enabled health products. Founded as a Christian ministry of healing more than a century ago, Baylor Scott & White's mission is to promote the health and well-being of all individuals, families and communities. For more information, visit: BSWHealth.com
