Since winter is cold and flu season, you're guaranteed to run into people carrying these germs. Healthy habits like washing your hands regularly will help you avoid contracting these illnesses, but they aren't always enough. It’s crucial to also boost your body's ability to fight off invading bacteria and viruses to prevent illnesses and to recover more quickly when you get sick. Here are some of the most common recommendations from primary care doctors for boosting immunity.

What Do Primary Care Doctors Suggest to Avoid Getting Sick?

1. Reduce Stress

Research over several decades has concluded that chronic stress suppresses the immune system. Taking time to relax and reducing stressful activities in your life doesn't just help your mental health; it also improves your physical health as well. It's particularly important to get enough sleep, as lack of sleep is a major contributor to stress and also means your body isn't getting the recovery time it needs each night.

2. Get Your Vitamins

Vitamin C found in citrus fruits is good for your immune system. It's used in several different processes in your cells that kill microbes and clear away infections. But it isn't the only vitamin you need; A, B6, D, and E are also essential. D is particularly hard to get in winter because your body mainly relies on sun exposure to generate it. Get outdoors as much as you can, and consider adding Vitamin D supplements from a pharmacy to your daily routine.

3. Get Vaccinated

Your primary care doctor or a local medical clinic can offer you a flu vaccine each year. This shot primes your immune system so it's ready to combat some of the worst germs going around this season. It takes about two weeks for the vaccine to reach its full effectiveness, so get yours as soon as you can.

If you're looking for a primary care doctor who can help you stay healthy this winter, choose Patient Choice Medical Care in Hamden, CT. Serving New Haven County, they offer everything from routine exams and DOT physicals to chronic illness care. To schedule an appointment, call (203) 535-0262 or learn about their services online.