Tips and tricks to survive germs during the winter season

Winter brings its share of joys with snow, parties and cozy evenings, but unfortunately it also often comes with a resurgence of colds, flu and other viruses. For families, this period can become a real challenge to maintain everyone's health. Here is a complete guide of tips and tricks to help your family get through the germ season in top shape, as much as possible!

Strengthen your immune system

Balanced diet

- Choose fruits and vegetables rich in vitamins C and E (citrus fruits, kiwis, peppers, spinach, etc.).

- Include probiotic foods (yogurt, kefir) in your diet which will support the health of your intestinal flora.

- Eat foods rich in zinc (seafood, pumpkin seeds).

Natural supplements

- Vitamin D: an essential vitamin in winter when exposure to the sun is limited!

- Echinacea: may help prevent and reduce the duration of colds

- Propolis: a vitamin known for its antibacterial and antiviral properties

Maintain good hygiene

Hand washing: the key to avoiding germs!

- Wash your hands regularly, for at least 20 seconds each time.

- Use soap and warm water, or hydroalcoholic gel if you do not have access to a sink.

- Teach children how to wash their hands properly (to do this, display our handy little trick in a visible place!).

Avoid touching your face

- Educate the whole family about the importance of not touching their eyes, nose and mouth, especially when hands have not been washed recently.

Cleaning surfaces

- Regularly disinfect frequently touched surfaces (door handles, switches, telephones): use disinfectant wipes or a solution of water and white vinegar.

Create a healthy environment at home

Daily ventilation

- Ventilate each room for at least 10 minutes a day, even in winter; take advantage of midday, when temperatures are milder.

Air humidification

- Maintain a humidity level between 40% and 60% to avoid dry mucous membranes: use a humidifier or place containers of water on radiators.

Purifying plants

- Incorporate plants like aloe vera, pothos or spathiphyllum to purify indoor air.

Adopt a healthy lifestyle

Quality sleep

- Make sure that each member of the family gets enough sleep (at least 8 hours for adults, more for children depending on their age).

- Establish a regular sleep routine.

Physical activity

- Encourage regular exercise, even indoors (yoga, dancing, active games).

- Take advantage of sunny days to do outdoor activities.

Stress management

- Practice relaxation techniques as a family (meditation, deep breathing).

- Limit the overload of anxiety-provoking information.

Prepare your anti-microbial arsenal

Take a few minutes at the start of the season to prepare your germ survival kit , the inventory of which you can keep on hand here, or at any time directly in the “Lists” section of your Octave application !

Knowing when to stay home

- Learn to recognize the signs that it is necessary to keep a child at home.

- Respect contagion periods to avoid spreading viruses. Consult this link for practical advice to limit the transmission of infectious respiratory diseases.

Vaccination

- Consult your doctor regarding recommended vaccinations (flu, COVID-19, among others).

- Make sure the entire family's vaccination schedule is up to date.

Teach children the right gestures

- Show them how to cough and sneeze into their elbow.

- Encourage the use of disposable tissues.

- Turn hand washing into a game to make it more engaging.

Stay positive and patient

- Remember that this period will pass!

- Take advantage of quiet moments to strengthen family bonds.

- Celebrate small victories (a day without a cold, for example!).

Surviving winter germ season takes a little preparation and vigilance, but with these tips and tricks, your family will be well-equipped to face the challenges of this time of year. Remember, prevention is key: by adopting good habits in your daily life, you naturally strengthen the defenses of the whole family.

Also remember that everyone is different, and what works for one may not be as effective for another. Feel free to adapt these tips to your unique family situation and consult a healthcare professional if you have any specific concerns.

Finally, keep in mind that winter is also a magical season, filled with opportunities to create warm memories with your family. By taking care of your health, you ensure that you can fully enjoy all these precious moments. So, equip yourself with these tips and get ready to spend a winter in great shape, or almost!