How to Stay Healthy During Cold and Flu Season

As temperatures drop and the days grow shorter, staying healthy becomes a priority for every family. Cold and flu season brings extra challenges, especially for caregivers and loved ones at home. Taking simple steps to stay protected can make all the difference in keeping your family strong and well all season.

Understanding the Flu

Influenza, or the flu, is a viral infection that affects the nose, throat, and lungs. It spreads quickly and can cause mild to severe illness. Most flu activity happens between October and May. During this time, many people experience coughing, fever, fatigue, and sore throat, making prevention even more important.

Flu viruses spread mainly through droplets when people cough, sneeze, or talk. These droplets can land on surfaces or enter the air. Staying healthy protects you and your loved ones.

Wash Your Hands Often

Washing hands is one of the best ways to stay healthy during flu season. Germs live on surfaces like doorknobs, phones, and keyboards. When we touch these and then touch our face, we can spread viruses. Wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds or use sanitizer with 60% alcohol.

Handwashing is especially important after blowing your nose, coughing, or caring for someone who is sick. We also recommend disinfecting shared spaces and items like phones, wallets, and keys. Keeping clean hands reduces the spread of germs and helps your family stay healthy throughout the year.

Disinfect Common Surfaces

Germs often linger on high-touch areas. Regularly cleaning surfaces like countertops, doorknobs, and light switches helps prevent illness. Use disinfecting wipes or sprays that kill viruses and bacteria effectively. This habit keeps your home and work environment safer during flu season.

At gyms or public places, always disinfect shared items before and after use. Exercise equipment, shopping carts, and elevator buttons are common sources of germs. A few seconds of cleaning can make a big difference for your health and the people around you.

Strengthen Your Immune System

Taking care of your health helps your body fight illness more effectively. Getting enough sleep, eating nutritious foods, and exercising regularly improve your immune system. Research shows that people who sleep poorly are more likely to get sick after exposure to viruses.

Healthy habits matter all year. Foods rich in vitamins and minerals help your body stay strong. Zinc supports immune function and helps reduce the length of illness. Vitamin C may slightly improve cold symptoms, even if it does not prevent them.

Consider the Flu Vaccine

A flu vaccine is one of the best tools to lower your risk of severe illness. Vaccines are available at local pharmacies, clinics, and care centers across Colorado. Many of our families schedule flu shots as part of their yearly care plans to keep vulnerable loved ones safe.

You can find vaccines through local health departments or nearby pharmacies. For those caring for someone at home, getting vaccinated helps create an extra level of protection. Staying consistent with vaccines helps everyone stay healthy during cold and flu season.

Our Commitment to Colorado Families

At Voyager Home Health Care, we focus on care that strengthens families and keeps them safe at home. We help parents and relatives care for loved ones through programs like Parent CNA, Family CNA, IHSS, and CHCBS. Our goal is to help families grow in confidence and compassion while caring for one another.

We are proud to be Colorado’s highest-rated and highest-paying home care team. We offer same-day assessments and round-the-clock support so families can focus on what truly matters – caring for their loved ones with comfort and understanding.

Contact Voyager Home Health Care

Voyager Home Health Care serves families across Colorado from our Colorado Springs office. We are available Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM, with 24/7 emergency support.

Address: 2233 Academy Place, Suite 105, Colorado Springs, CO 80909
Phone: (719) 378-4852
Email: Support@voyagerhomehealth.com

Let us help you learn more about Parent CNA, Family CNA, IHSS, or CHCBS programs. Reach out today to speak with our team and start building a care plan that fits your family’s needs.

Highest Paying Provider ● Highest Quality ● All Phones Text-able ● Overtime allowed with hybrid hours ● Smart Documentation ● Home Healthcare Company with Class A License.