Tips for Staying Healthy This Season

Tis the season of sniffling, coughing, and sore throats, and this year is no joke. We are in the weeds of a flu epidemic that may only be worsening. In fact, as of writing this blog, the CDC reports that 51/54 US states and territories have regional or widespread flu activity. The flu is particularly insidious because people are contagious for about 24 hours before they begin to have symptoms. What can you do? Well, no matter what your level of clinical interaction, whether you are an RN Supervisor, Unit Manager, or Director of Nursing, we have some helpful tips for staying healthy this winter season, and all year long.

1. LIMIT EXPOSURE

As senior living and healthcare professionals, you already know viruses and bacteria can live on surfaces for hours. The highest concentrations will be found in common workplace areas such as the break and conference rooms, and on common surfaces like doorknobs, light switches, stair rails and keyboards. Regular swipes with antibacterial wipes will reduce the number of germs found there, but you’ll need to take it a bit further. Avoid the common places if you can, become good friends with hand sanitizer if you can’t, avoid touching your face, and vigorously wash your hands with soap and water whenever possible (say the alphabet while scrubbing to give the soap time to work its emulsifying magic).

2. MAKE YOUR BODY AN INHOSPITABLE PLACE TO LIVE

You may recall from microbiology class that germs are everywhere, and there is a constant battle going on in your body to fight them. Luckily for us, most of the time we win. Here are some ways to give your body the advantage in the battle.

Get the home field advantage. Your mucus membranes (inside your mouth, nose, and eyes) are the first line of defense. When they are dried out (as they often are in the winter), they cannot effectively deliver white blood cells (i.e. the army) to the battleground. This often allows the enemy to gain a foothold and begin the process of making you sick. Hydration is the key here. Almost none of us drink enough water. Aim for at least 0.5 ounces for every pound you weigh. If you’re good at math you’ve just realized that’s a lot of water – and probably far more than you are drinking. Getting an adequate amount of water can feel like a part time job, but it’s worth it. Make it easier by getting a reminder app for your phone (there are lots), and getting a graduated water bottle so you can easily keep track.

Support the troops. Tell me if you’ve heard this one before: eat a diet that is heavy on fruits, vegetables, and lean meats, but light on processed and junk foods; take a multivitamin; get eight hours of sleep at night; exercise regularly. Sound familiar? There’s a reason - all these habits are immune system boosters. Following all these habits AND drinking more water may even make you feel fantastic.

Send in reinforcements. Keep your vaccinations up to date and get a yearly flu shot. Yes, we know, it’s still possible to get the flu, but those who’ve been vaccinated tend to have a shorter disease course and a lower risk for serious complications.

3. CARE FOR YOURSELF WHEN YOU ARE SICK

Even the best-laid battle plans sometimes fail. If you do get sick – stay home. Don’t be the plucky ‘push through the misery’ guy/gal. Admittedly, this is more for your coworkers than you, but staying home and resting (keep drinking that water and eating those vegetables) will likely result in you getting better faster and having fewer complications.

It’s a war out there, but a little self-care can go a long way to making sure you are battle ready. RN Supervisors, Unit Managers, and Directors of Nursing can support their staff by encouraging healthy, immune boosting habits such as these.