Reduce Your Risk Of Seasonal Illnesses, But Seek Prompt Care When You Need It
As the weather cools down and the days grow shorter, autumn not only brings festive holidays, but also an increase in seasonal illnesses. From the common cold to more serious concerns like the flu and COVID-19, the next few months present a challenge in staying healthy.
Direct primary care (DPC) providers like ProPartners Healthcare emphasize preventive care and personalized strategies to promote year-round health. Illness is often unavoidable during cold and flu season, but by following the precautions direct primary care doctors recommend, you can take actions to prevent getting sick or feel better faster.
Fall Seasonal Illnesses and Healthcare Concerns
The colder months come with a unique set of health challenges. Cold, dry air weakens the body’s natural resistance to respiratory diseases. Lower temperatures also mean people spend more time indoors in close quarters with others, making it easier to spread illnesses. These are some of the most common health concerns during this time of year:
- Cold and flu
- COVID-19
- Seasonal allergies
- Seasonal affective disorder
- Asthma symptoms
- Respiratory illnesses
- Sinus infections
Direct Primary Care Best Practices For Preventing Seasonal Health Issues
Let’s explore the best practices and tips from our direct primary care doctors that you can use to stay healthy during the cold weather months.
Update Your Seasonal Vaccinations
One of the most effective ways to prevent seasonal illnesses like the flu and COVID-19 is to get vaccinated. Your DPC provider can help you stay up to date on your flu shot, COVID-19 vaccines, and other necessary immunizations.
These vaccines significantly reduce your risk of severe illness and help prevent the spread of disease to others. For example, the CDC reports that flu vaccines reduce the risk of critical flu cases that require medical attention by up to 60%.
Frequently Wash Your Hands
The human hand plays host to more than 150 species of germs, and they can survive on the skin’s surface for up to three hours. Germs are easily spread through contact, so regularly wash your hands with soap and water, especially after touching high-contact surfaces, sneezing, or coughing.
Follow these proper handwashing steps:
- Wet your hands with clean, running water.
- Apply soap and lather by rubbing your hands together, making sure to get the backs of your hands and between your fingers.
- Scrub for at least 20 seconds.
- Rinse your hands under clean, running water.
- meeting with a licensed dietician.
Boost Your Immune System
Strengthening your immune system is key to staying healthy during the colder months. Consider supplements such as a daily multivitamin with vitamin C, vitamin D, and zinc, which are known to support immune function. Consult with your provider of direct primary care near you before starting a new supplement routine.
Manage Your Stress and Get Plenty Of Sleep
Chronic stress and lack of sleep can make you more susceptible to illness. Practice stress management techniques like deep breathing, meditation, or exercise. Aim for at least seven hours of quality sleep per night to keep your immune system functioning at its best.
Get Regular Exercise
Physical activity is not only an effective stress-management technique, but it also boosts your immune system and improves your overall health. Engage in moderate exercise, such as walking, jogging, cycling, or indoor sports like pickleball or basketball. Exercise can also help alleviate symptoms of seasonal affective disorder by boosting endorphins, which holistically improve your mood.
According to Health.gov, adults should engage in at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise per week. They also recommend engaging in muscle strengthening exercises at least two days per week, such as free weights or resistance bands.
Stop Smoking and Drink In Moderation
Smoking cigarettes or excessive alcohol consumption weaken the immune system. Not only do they increase your risk of respiratory illness, but they are both associated with more serious chronic illnesses like cancer and heart disease.
Stay Warm and Protect Yourself From Cold Weather
Dress in layers to keep warm during cold days. Wear a scarf or mask over your nose and mouth to protect your lungs from cold air. Staying warm helps reduce the likelihood of respiratory infections and asthma flare-ups.
Maintain a Healthy Home Environment
Fall is usually when people turn on their heat for the first time in several months, kicking up dust, mold, and allergens that trigger respiratory issues. Maintaining a well-ventilated home with clean air significantly reduces your risk. Consider getting a professional HVAC system cleaning to address unwanted airborne particles. You can also use air purifiers and humidifiers to improve indoor air quality and help prevent dry sinuses.
Monitor and Manage Your Mental Health
It’s important to monitor your mental health if you’re prone to seasonal depression. Therapy, spending time in natural light, and seeking support from your DPC doctor can help you manage seasonal affective disorder.
Schedule Regular Check-Ups With Your Direct Primary Care Provider
Regular check-ups with your DPC provider are the best way to monitor your health and identify potential concerns during the earliest stages. Your direct primary care doctor can offer personalized guidance on staying healthy during cold weather months, including recommendations for managing pre-existing conditions like asthma or allergies.
Contact ProPartners For Personalized Direct Primary Care
Fall and winter present a variety of health challenges, but with the right approach and medical guidance, you can stay healthy and resilient throughout the cold weather months. Remember that prevention is key, and your DPC provider is your partner in proactive, personalized care.
You may be asking, “Where can I find direct primary care near me?”
ProPartners Healthcare provides comprehensive care to the greater Kansas City metro area, including Johnson County, Kansas. By becoming a ProPartners member, you’ll receive all major primary care services through one dedicated physician. Your membership also includes 24/7 direct physician access, same-day and next-day appointments, and reduced medical expenses by eliminating copays and coinsurance charges.
If you’re seeking a more effective healthcare model that emphasizes preventative care, a DPC membership can benefit your entire family, especially during cold and flu season. Learn more about our direct primary care memberships, then call us at (913) 451-5709 to schedule a free meet-and-greet with one of our physicians.