Your Plan of Action During Flu Season

While our immune systems work 24/7 to defend us against disease-causing microbes, we are all more susceptible to illnesses as the weather cools towards the end of the year.

Colder weather increases our susceptibility to infections due to a range of factors - from physical reactions to humidity and temperature changes (like the build-up of mucous in nasal passageways) to behavioural changes (like an increase of more time spent indoors with other people, and hence, more exposure to viruses). Research also shows that foreign microorganisms thrive in the cold.  Common viruses like the rhinovirus, influenza and coronavirus flourish and spread more effectively in cooler air.

During these unprecedented times with the current global pandemic, it is more important than ever to maintain healthy habits during flu season. Your first line of defence starts with a strong immune system.

Beyond following the sage advice of maintaining good personal hygiene, avoiding big crowds and wearing masks, we would suggest these best practices to optimise your immune system:

1. Ensure you get enough quality sleep and take steps to manage stress effectively. A poor sleep schedule and stress can decrease the body’s lymphocytes (the white blood cells that help fight off infection), making it harder for your body to fight off pathogens.
2. Say bye to bad habits like smoking and heavy drinking. Nicotine and alcohol impair immunity, weaken the body’s natural ability to fight off infections and damage respiratory systems.
3. Exercise, but do not overdo it. Adopting a moderate and healthy workout regime is one of the most effective ways to improve your overall wellbeing and strengthen your body’s defence mechanism. Improving your cardiovascular and heart health ensures sufficient blood circulation around the body and strengthens the body’s natural defence mechanisms.
4. Infuse your diet with green leafy vegetables, fruits, nuts and seeds. To provide an extra aid to your body, add ingredients that have anti-inflammatory and immune-boosting effects like garlic, turmeric and ginger.
5. Make an appointment for a chiropractic check-up. Spinal subluxation weakens our immune system, so catching it early and getting adjusted is one of the best solutions for you and your loved ones during the flu season.

At Atlas Studio, your health is our top priority. We consistently maintain a thorough cleansing and sanitising routine to ensure our studio environment and facilities are at the highest possible standard of hygiene. Tissue paper is changed after each client visit, and hand sanitisers are easily accessible throughout the entire studio for all staff and clients to use.

If you are feeling unwell with symptoms of fever, flu or respiratory issues, please consult a medical doctor for immediate attention and reach out to us to reschedule your appointment.

Please remember to attain information about COVID-19 from trustworthy and reliable sources. You can find out more fact-based information here.

If you want to know about the best defence against COVID-19, learn more here.