Stay Healthy This Fall with Radish Health

The fall season is officially less than a week away, and as it begins, so does cold and flu season. Taking preventive steps can help you avoid getting sick this season, and Radish Health makes it easier than ever to get care if you do. Here are some quick tips to stay healthy this fall.

How to Avoid Getting Sick

1. Get your flu and covid shots. Getting vaccinated is your best defense against the flu and covid. We recommend getting these by early October to have maximum protection going into flu season.
2. Wash your hands often. Regular handwashing with soap and water is a simple way to stop the spread of germs. If you can’t wash your hands, use a hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol. Make sure to ALWAYS wash your hands before eating!
3. Avoid touching your face. Viruses can enter through your eyes, nose, and mouth. Keep your hands away from your face, especially in public spaces. If you are in very dense crowded spaces, consider wearing a mask to reduce your risk of infection from circulating viruses.
4. Maintain Healthy Habits. Boost your immune system by eating a balanced diet, getting enough sleep and physical activity, staying hydrated, and managing stress.
5. Stay Home if You’re Sick. If you’re not feeling well, stay home to avoid spreading illness and give your body time to recover. This is especially important if you have a fever.

What to Do If You Feel Sick

1. Recognize symptoms early. Cold symptoms often include a runny nose, sore throat, mild cough, with more severe infections causing fever, aches, and fatigue. If you’re not sure whether your symptoms are due to a cold or allergies, feel free to chat with your Radish doctor to discuss further.
2. Stay hydrated and rest. Drink fluids and rest as much as possible to help your body fight off the illness. You should be drinking enough water so that your urine is clear or light yellow.
3. Use over-the-counter remedies. We usually recommend decongestants, cough suppressants, or pain relievers such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen. Saline and steroid nasal sprays can also be very helpful, but it is best to avoid nasal sprays containing oxymetazoline if possible.
4. Seek help if symptoms worsen. Colds are usually caused by viruses and will improve within 7-10 days. If your symptoms last longer than this, or if they are getting worse after a week, you should schedule an appointment with your Radish doctor to discuss further.

With preventive measures and personalized access to Radish Health, you can navigate the upcoming cold and flu season more comfortably. Chat with us or schedule a telehealth visit for expert guidance and treatment when you need it, from your dedicated Radish doctor, all from the comfort of home or work. Take care and stay healthy!