Healthy habits for a happy Fall, how to avoid seasonal sickness

BECKLEY, WV (WOAY) – It’s that time of year when it seems as if everyone is coming down with something.

Unseen airborne droplets of germs and viruses regularly land on you or the surfaces you touch. But there are ways to prevent those droplets from spreading colds, flu, COVID, RSV, bronchitis, strep, and more.

“Hand-washing is huge. If you already know you have a lung disease or tend to get pneumonia or sick, wear your mask,” said Raleigh Heart & Health Clinic Nurse Practitioner Lisa Walker. “There’s no shame in wearing that mask to protect yourself. Also, making sure you’re avoiding irritants.”

And basic personal hygiene is important when it comes to avoiding autumn illness. 

“Try to get sleep, eat as healthy as you can because a weakened immune system compromises your well-being,” Walker said. 

She also calls vaccines one of the best ways to ensure you don’t get very sick.

“You may still get the flu, but may not be in the hospital. You may still get pneumonia, but may not be in the hospital. Vaccines ensure that if you do have that particular disease process, it’s not as severe,” said the nurse practitioner.

Walker suggests getting the COVID, flu, and RSV vaccines to stay healthy for the winter holiday season, so you can enjoy it with your family. 

“If you’re on the fence about COVID, I get that,” the nurse practitioner said. “With some people on the fence about all of the vaccines, for the best protection, I would strongly encourage you to do flu and RSV, especially for older patients and anybody immunocompromised.”