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. Preparing yourself and your family to prevent getting sick and staying informed is important. Besides staying safe and cautious, you can also look forward to this time of year. Who says you can’t make the most out of the upcoming winter season if you made the best of your summer with picnics and social distancing barbecues?

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 are the most important priority, here are some precautions and symptoms you should look for.

Boost Your Immunity

The first steps in reducing the flu risk 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 150-300 minutes of moderate-intensity weekly exercise.
• Washing your hands: Regularly will keep you healthy and prevent spreading 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 shows any symptoms.
• Wearing your mask: A mask is the most recommended way to prevent the spread of COVID-19 and the flu.

Understand the Symptoms

With each cough or sneeze, you will assess whether you’ve contracted the flu or fallen victim to COVID-19. So, it is a good idea to know the difference between the symptoms of a cold and COVID-19. The symptoms are similar; it starts 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 in a cold or the flu. However, as soon as these symptoms start to worsen, for example, if you get a persistent fever despite taking medication or shortness of breath, it might be COVID. It’s important to remember that you should isolate yourself from others, whether you’ve been diagnosed with the cold or the flu if you feel unwell.

If you’re prone to seasonal allergies, starting your usual medicines and antihistamines before inflammation or symptoms arise is a good idea. Allergies can cause upper respiratory symptoms and alter your sense of smell, but they don’t cause fever, a common symptom of COVID and 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 outdoor activities that you can take part in while maintaining distance and staying safe. Summer 2020 saw its fair share of inflatable pools, backyard BBQs, 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 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 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 sports options. Take advantage of a snow day by skiing or sledding with friends, and finish the day with a warm meal. Hiking up and down the hills will be a fun workout and 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 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.

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!