Getting Ready for the Cold and COVID-19

COVID-19 is here to stay, winter is well on it’s way, and coming along is flu season. Colds and Influenza make their rounds every winter, unfortunately this time they will be circulating alongside COVID-19. It is important to prepare yourself and your family to prevent getting sick and staying informed. Besides staying safe and cautious you can also look forward to this time of year. If you made the best of your summer with picnics and social distancing barbecues, who says you can't make the most out of the upcoming winter season?

Since we’re not sure how the flu will interact with COVID-19, the best thing you can do is keep yourself healthy and do everything to reduce the spread of the flu. As your health and safety is the most important priority, here are some recautions you should take and symptoms you should look out for.

Boost your Immunity

The first steps in reducing the risks of getting the flu are the most basic. Healthy habits such as getting plenty of sleep, eating well and managing stress will help prepare your body and immune system. A few simple lifestyle changes will go a long way: 

• Getting your flu vaccine: The flu shot will greatly decrease your chances of getting the flu but also make your symptoms less severe.

• Staying active regularly: Get about 150-300 minutes of moderate intensity exercise each week.

• Washing your hands: Washing your hands regularly will keep you healthy and prevent the spread of infections. Soap and water is the best way to get rid of germs, however using hand sanitizer comes in at a second best option.

• Eating healthy: Consume more fruits and vegetables. Certain fruits are rich in vitamins which will help boost your immunity.

• Maintaining distance and avoiding sick people: This should be obvious, but keep your distance if anyone close to you is showing any symptoms.

• Wearing your mask: A mask is the most recommended way to prevent the spread of COVID as well as spreading the flu.

Understand the Symptoms

With each cough or sneeze you will find yourself assessing whether you've contracted the flu or if you've fallen victim to COVID. So it is a good idea to know the difference between the symptoms for a cold and for COVID. The symptoms are quite similar, it starts off with a runny or stuffy nose. Then in addition to those, more severe symptoms include a cough, sore throat, headache, fatigue and body aches.These symptoms can be seen within a cold or a flu. However as soon as these symptoms start to worsen, for example if you happen to get a persistent fever despite taking medication, or shortness of breath, it might be COVID. It's important to remember that whether you've been diagnosed with the cold, or a flu, if you feel unwell you should isolate yourself from others.

If you're prone to seasonal allergies, it's a good idea to start your usual medicines and antihistamines before inflammation or symptoms arise. Allergies can cause upper respiratory symptoms and can alter your sense of smell, but they don't cause fever which is a common symptom in COVID and in the flu. So it's important to keep an eye on your symptoms. Besides being cautious and prepared about catching anything it’s also good to know how to make the most of this season.

Enjoy the Winter

Despite the temperatures dropping, you won’t have to be confined inside the entire time. There are multiple options of outdoor activities that you can take part in while maintaining distance and keeping safe. Summer 2020 saw its fair share of inflatable pools, backyard BBQ’s, a new appreciation for gardening, etc. So what does a COVID winter have to offer?

A Bonfire night

Have a bonfire with your closest family and friends. Get cozy and swaddled up in warm blankets, prepare a flask of mouth watering hot chocolate and get some skewers lined with marshmallows for a solid time.

A Weekend Getaway

If you’re tired of staying inside your home the entire time, feel free to change up the scenery by spending the weekend at a cabin. There are plenty of adorable cabins that you can escape to during cold times. A staycation will prove to be the best getaway for you and your family. Some cabins come with an outdoor jacuzzi and other amenities, so feel free to look at your options to make the most of your getaway.

Winter Sports

With winter comes a variety of outdoor sport options. Take advantage of a snow day by going skiing or sledding with friends and finish the day off with a warm meal. Hiking up and down the hills will not only be a fun workout but will also create a day full of laughs and family bonding. Another great outdoor activity to take part in is ice skating or ice fishing.

Spend the night in

Keep your circle small and invite a few people over for a friendly game night. Pull out some cards, a few board games and some snacks. Another option is to have a holiday movie night. Seasonal holiday movies are always a family favorite. Spend the night watching a selection of the best holiday movies on Netflix while snacking on treats throughout the night.

If you're looking for a more creative option, try having a gingerbread house competition. This winter will be quite different compared to previous years, however it still has a lot of potential to be great as long as you maintain social distancing guidelines and keep safe.

Buckeye Northwest Realty provides houses for rent in Toledo, Ohio and the surrounding areas. To learn more about houses for rent, contact us today!