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Dr Gérald Kierzek (Medical Director of Doctissimo)
The days are getting shorter and shorter, the cold is coming… It’s almost winter and generally, the season is accompanied by its share of viruses. So how can you avoid getting sick? Here is practical advice from Dr. Gérald Kierzek, emergency physician and medical director of Doctissimo.
Cold, covid, sore throat, flu… there is no shortage of viral infections. So how can you avoid getting sick? Here are 10 practical tips from Dr. Gérald Kierzek to protect yourself.
Adopt a balanced diet
For a complete supply of vitamins and minerals, nothing beats a balanced diet. “This helps strengthen your immune system and provides better protection against viruses” explains Dr. Kierzek.
Hydrate well
Hydration, often forgotten in relation to food, is nevertheless important to maintain for the proper functioning of our body. “This is especially true because when it is cold, we tend to be less thirsty. But you must always drink well every day, 1.5L of water on average” underlines Gérald Kierzek.
Exercise daily
Physical exercise is important to protect your health. This also applies to avoiding viral infections. “This means that we must seize every opportunity to move, to practice physical activity, no matter how minimal it may be” according to Gérald Kierzek.
Get enough sleep
Almost all of us need to sleep 7 to 8 hours a night. According to the medical director of Doctissimo, “sleep is restorative for our body, sleeping well also means being better protected against winter viruses“.
Avoid excessive stress
It is essential, according to our specialist, to fight against excessive stress. “This can be done through yoga, meditation, self-hypnosis… All of these methods are good for reducing everyday stress.” assures the doctor.
Wash one’s hands
It’s basic, but washing your hands several times a day protects against viral infections, such as colds or tonsillitis, but also against gastroenteritis.
When we meet a sick person, we try to keep our distance, because contamination passes through spit in particular and kissing, for example. “We can also advise, when you are sick, to wear a surgical mask” adds Dr. Kierzek.
Clean your interior regularly
Door handles, switches, fridge, toilets… The house must be maintained and regularly cleaned. “It is important to clean your interior regularly, without wanting to sanitize it.” further indicates Gérald Kierzek.
Have your vaccinations up to date
Do you know when your last vaccination was? If this is not the case, it is time to contact your doctor to update your vaccination record. “This applies to all vaccines and if you are fragile, you should also consider getting vaccinated against the flu or Covid-19.” estimates our expert.
Dress for the weather
This makes sense, but covering up well prevents you from being cold and weakening our mucous membranes. Because it is this process that facilitates the entry of viruses into our body, when we encounter one. So get into the habit of knowing the weather before preparing your outfit for the next day.