Sponsored Content

4 ways to prevent sickness + stay healthy this fall

Sponsored by
COLAtoday Wellness-Prisma Health-10.30.24.gif

With the beginning of fall each year also comes the beginning of flu season.

GIF by the COLAtoday team

Achoo! If this is you during the colder months, it’s time to get prepared. As temperatures continue to drop, the inevitable cold and flu season is just around the corner.

The common cold, flu, COVID, and RSV are all unique and contagious respiratory illnesses with similar symptoms. Something else they have in common? The onset of discomfort and inconvenience.

Taking proactive steps can help you stay healthy and minimize the spread of sickness, so we’ve rounded up a few essential tips to help keep these pesky illnesses away.

💉 Get your annual vaccines

Annual flu and COVID vaccinations help reduce the risk of severe illness. The viruses that cause these illnesses can’t be treated with antibiotics, so a vaccination is the best line of defense.

Pro tip: Consider the new RSV vaccine if you’re in a high-risk group.

🍊 Boost your immune system

Eat immune-boosting foods like citrus fruits, leafy greens, and live-culture yogurt. Plus, hydrate regularly and include warm broths like chicken soup in your diet to soothe symptoms.

🧼 Practice good hygiene

Good hygiene equals good health. Be sure to wash your hands frequently and use hand sanitizer when soap isn’t available. Also, try to avoid close contact with those showing symptoms.

🛏️ Get enough rest

It’s especially important to rest and recharge during this busy season. Ensure you’re getting enough sleep to maintain a strong immune response.

Prepare to avoid illness this season

More from COLAtoday
Find Super Bowl LIX watch parties, local food deals, and Columbia connections for the Eagles vs. Chiefs showdown.
Sponsored
The new parking system will allow customers to pay using credit cards or the Passport app as the city prepares to increase parking fees.
The pre-Super Bowl game will feature a member of Team Fluff and a senior dog in a coaching role.
Tupelo Honey Southern Kitchen & Bar opens Thursday, Feb. 13 in Columbia’s BullStreet District with Southern-inspired dishes, craft cocktails, and a grand opening celebration.
A’ja Wilson joins an elite club with her Nike A’One, a signature shoe designed to inspire the next generation.
If you recently retired and are looking for things to do, this guide will help you make the most of retirement in Columbia.
The City of Columbia shared a YouTube video featuring a timeline, images, and renderings of the Finlay Park revitalization project.
The New York Times put together a list of nine food trends for 2025 including sauces, coffee, and grab-and-go options. Here’s where you can get try some of these trends in Columbia.
Readers predict Columbia in 2101 will thrive with healthcare and manufacturing, a booming population, high-speed trains, and a pedestrian-friendly future.