The flu and cold season come every year, and people are always in search of how to protect themselves and their loved ones from getting sick. This year, the COVID-19 pandemic has taught people the importance of protective measures against respiratory diseases and the severity of such illnesses.
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It is crucial to take the necessary steps towards reducing the risks of respiratory illnesses like COVID-19, acute bronchitis, colds, pneumonia, and flu. Respiratory illnesses affect the lungs, which are a very important organ in the breathing system. Mucous membranes in the throat, nose, airways, and mouth trap germs and particles that enter the lungs, causing respiratory complications.
Respiratory infections can affect different parts of the respiratory system. However, the symptoms are often similar. Some of the common signs that you should look out for respiratory infection in your loved ones include cough, runny nose, and sore throat. Body aches, fatigue, wheezing, difficulty breathing, and sneezing are other signs of respiratory infections. Here are steps you can take to protect yourself and your loved ones from these infections.
Get Vaccinated
Receiving a vaccine for respiratory infections is an important step towards protecting your loved ones from the illnesses caused by the flu. You may want to consider the flu vaccine that is safe and effective against types of influenza virus. While you might contract cold or flu even after receiving a shot, the symptoms will not be as severe. A flu vaccination protects the lungs of your loved ones by preventing the respiratory infections that can damage the lung and lung tissue.
Keep Indoor Air Clean
Most people overlook the impact that indoor air can have on their respiratory organs. Moisture, chemical cleaners, and dust can pollute indoor air quality in your home and cause respiratory infections. You can protect your loved ones from these infections by using exhaust fans in kitchens and bathrooms to vent moisture. You should also wipe away dust and keeping bathtubs, counters, and other wet areas dry. Another important measure you should never overlook is opening windows daily to allow fresh air in, especially when installing a new carpet, painting, or cleaning.
Maintain a Healthy Lifestyle
You can protect your loved ones from respiratory infections by keeping your body healthy and strong from the inside. Get back to the basics of a healthy lifestyle, such as sleep schedules, dental care, work, and school balance, and taking a well-balanced diet. Dental care is vital in preventing respiratory infections because it affects your mouth and throat, which are parts of the respiratory system. Make sure your loved ones visit Elm Dentistry at least twice annually for a dental check-up, which can help in the early detection of dental issues that might cause respiratory infections. Remember to feed your family with well-balanced meals to increase immunity and protect their lungs from infections.
Quit Smoking
Smoking is the main cause of respiratory infections, such as lung cancer. Cigarette smoke makes the air passages in your lungs narrow, which makes breathing more difficult. You need to protect your family from these infections by quitting smoking or encouraging a family member to quit the habit.
Smoking also causes Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease, a common respiratory infection. Remember that it is never too late to quit smoking for the sake of protecting the people you love. Secondary smokers can also contract respiratory infections from first-hand smokers.
Every day Preventative measures
Common respiratory infections like COVID-19, flu, and cold are spread by hands after touching infected surfaces and then touching the nose, eyes, or mouth. You can encourage everyday preventative measures that will protect your family from these infections, such as proper handwashing techniques. Encourage your family to wash hands regularly to significantly reduce infection risks. It would also help to avoid crowded places, especially during the cold and flu season. Additionally, using alcohol-based hand sanitizers significantly protects your family from infections like COVID-19.
Take Minerals and Vitamins
Protect your family from respiratory infections by giving them minerals and vitamins daily. Zinc, Vitamin D, and vitamin C are vital for immune function and defending against respiratory infections. Give your family vitamin D supplements, especially if the levels are low, to protect them against COVID-19 and other respiratory infections. Zinc activates and develops lymphocytes, a white blood cell that fights against infections.
Conclusion
You can reduce the risk of respiratory infections in your family with the above precautions and guidance to stay healthy for longer. It would also pay to educate your loved ones about respiratory infections. Parents should take their children for a medical checkup if they realize any respiratory infection symptoms early enough before the illness worsens.
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