Winter is filled with joyful activities and get-togethers. However, these can easily be spoiled if you get sick. To prevent infecting loved ones with your germs, and to get much needed rest, sick people usually choose to opt out of the fun festivities. So, to avoid missing out on unforgettable moments, take the time to integrate these immune boosting habits into your daily routine.

Regularly wash your hands.

It’s a simple yet effective way to safeguard your health and reduce the spread of cold and flu viruses. When you can’t wash your hands, keep hand sanitizer on you for a quick clean.  

Exercise daily.

Not only does staying active keep you fit, it also keeps your body ready to battle viruses. Just 20 minutes a day of moderate exercise helps boost the white blood cells that fight pathogens. So, get up and get moving to stay healthy this winter.

Drink water.

The body is made up of nearly 70% water, so hydration is important to keep the whole system working well. Staying hydrated also helps maintain moist mucus membranes that fend off invaders. To calculate your daily water intake, divide your body weight by two. This equals the total ounces of water you should drink daily.

Get enough sleep.

Deep, restorative sleep is how the body naturally repairs and resets to keep the immune system strong. So, it is imperative that you get the recommended amount of sleep for your age group. Most adults need seven to nine hours while children need more.

Eat healthy.

Seventy percent of the immune system lives in the digestive tract, so eating nutritious foods, such as yogurt or garlic, is key this time of year. A healthy and balanced plant-forward diet naturally rich in antioxidant and anti-inflammatory foods will help support your body’s defenses.

If you do get sick this winter, homeopathic medicines can help relieve your symptoms and get back to doing the things you love. Boiron Oscillococcinum has been shown in clinical studies to reduce the duration and severity of flu-like symptoms such as body aches, headache, fever, chills, and fatigue.* The meltaway pellets dissolve easily in the mouth and are recommended for everyone ages 2 and up.

For cold symptoms, ColdCalm provides targeted relief during the onset, established, and resolution stages of the common cold. These non-drowsy, meltaway tablets are easy to take at the first sign to relieve sneezing, runny nose, nasal congestion, and minor sore throat pain.** ColdCalm is phenylephrine-free, offering a gentle option for the whole family with formulas for children and babies, too.

The winter months can be magical. Don’t let colds or flu stop you from experiencing one of the most wonderful times of the year. Check out Boiron’s Wellness Tips Blog for more helpful tips on how to stay healthy and thrive through winter.

*These “Uses” have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Association.

**Claims based on traditional homeopathic practice, not accepted medical evidence. Not FDA evaluated.