Being sick is no fun at all. Aside from feeling miserable, when you are sick there is so much you miss out on from spending time with your friends, going out to your schools’ sporting events, and participating in activities. Luckily, there is plenty you can do to make sure you stay healthy all winter long.
Get Your Vaccinations
The best way to stay healthy through winter is by getting vaccinated. Many vaccines are free or low cost and are available at pharmacies like Walgreens or CVS as well as your local grocery store pharmacies. Usually, you can make an appointment or show up as a walk-in. Besides the understandably popular COVID-19 vaccine, you can also get a flu shot. Flu vaccines reduce your risk of getting sick with the most common strain of the virus and passing it on. In general, vaccines provide you with armor against the highly contagious diseases that will be around this winter.
Practice Good Hygiene
Practicing good hygiene is another good idea to avoid getting sick. The best thing you can do is wash your hands. Be sure and wash your hands when you get home, before you eat, and after you use the restroom. Keeping your hands clean and free of germs will protect you from getting sick. Washing your hands is essential before and after handling your retainers. Try not to touch your eyes, nose, and mouth, especially if you haven’t washed your hands recently.
Get Enough Sleep
Getting enough sleep is another way to help your body stay healthy. Poor sleep can make you more susceptible to catching viruses and bacteria. When you’re asleep, your body creates disease-fighting cytokines. Not getting enough sleep can prevent your body from being able to make the antibodies it needs. If you do get sick, lack of sleep can make it take longer for you to get better. Teenagers need nine to ten hours of sleep to stay healthy, so make sure you’re getting in bed at the right time to get the sleep you need.
You don’t have to spend this winter in bed with a fever for days. Taking good care of yourself and taking steps to prevent catching an infectious disease will help keep you and those around you safe. That way you can spend the winter out doing what you love doing instead of staying home feeling awful.
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