Scott Hawig, CPA, CMA, MBA Chief Financial and Administrative Officer | ThedaCare Regional Medical Center-Appleton
Scott Hawig, CPA, CMA, MBA Chief Financial and Administrative Officer | ThedaCare Regional Medical Center-Appleton
ThedaCare has provided guidance for those aiming to navigate the cold and flu season without relying on quick-fix remedies. Instead, they advocate for adopting healthy habits.
"Healthy habits go a long way in strengthening your immunity," stated Dr. Sam Beschta, a Family Medicine Physician at ThedaCare Physicians-Darboy. He recommends getting vaccines, maintaining a balanced diet, leading an active lifestyle, practicing good hygiene, and ensuring adequate rest.
The immune system protects the body from infections and diseases through components like white blood cells and antibodies. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), factors such as lifestyle and genetics can influence immunity. The immune system identifies harmful entities like viruses and bacteria and responds by eliminating them.
Dr. Beschta emphasized the importance of staying current with immunizations, including the annual flu vaccine: "It’s part of the philosophy that says it’s always better to prevent a disease than to treat one after it occurs." Vaccines aid the immune system in combating infections more efficiently by triggering an immune response without causing illness since they contain weakened or dead germs.
He noted that all children and adults should adhere to the recommended vaccine schedule. The CDC advises everyone aged six months and older to receive the COVID-19 vaccine. Depending on age and health risks, additional seasonal vaccines might include RSV and pneumonia.
"When your overall health is good, it puts your immune system in a strong position to fight off germs," Dr. Beschta explained. He suggests several measures to support wellness: quitting smoking, eating a diet rich in fruits and vegetables, exercising regularly, maintaining a healthy weight, getting sufficient sleep (seven to nine hours per night), managing stress levels, drinking plenty of water, consuming alcohol moderately if at all, frequent handwashing for at least 20 seconds as recommended by the CDC, especially during cold and flu season.
Dr. Beschta also advised staying home when sick and ensuring mutual understanding of expectations when gathering with others.
While certain vitamins and supplements might be beneficial for some individuals, Dr. Beschta cautioned against high doses of single vitamins like vitamin C due to potential dangers. He advised consulting with primary care providers before starting any vitamin or supplement regimen: "Consuming more of a vitamin doesn’t make you healthier," he said.
Regarding supplements claiming to enhance immunity significantly enough to protect against infection or disease better than normal practices would achieve alone—there is no supporting evidence for such claims according Dr.Beschta .
Even when following these healthy habits diligently , catching colds or flu remains possible . However , their duration may decrease along with severity thanks largely due diligence taken beforehand according Dr.Beschta .