They escape viruses.
We are all trying to escape the viruses of the cold seasons. Flu, cold, gastro, sore throat, bronchitis… Some people are more successful than others. Genetics plays a role in the body’s immune response, this is no longer in doubt. But people who never – or very rarely – get sick in winter have excellent reflexes that boost their immune system and help them avoid viruses.
Their first point in common is that they are active. “Doing sport reduces the risk of developing diseases and infections, this has been scientifically proven” explains Doctor Sylvain Bouquet, general practitioner, member of the College of General Medicine (CMG). In practice, it is recommended to practice physical activity for at least 30 minutes per day. If you don’t have the opportunity to do a real sport session (running, weight training, swimming, yoga, cycling) every day, that’s not a problem. You just need to stay active and fight against a sedentary lifestyle.
Those who never get sick also eat a healthy, varied and balanced diet. They favor raw foods, stock up on fruits and vegetables rich in vitamin C (kiwi, orange, pear), eat enough protein, good fatty acids and complex carbohydrates. On the other hand, they limit their consumption of processed foods and refined sugar. These are also people who sleep at least 8 hours per night and who do not hesitate to take 20 to 30 minute naps when fatigue sets in in order to recharge their battery. Fatigue induces a decline in the immune system and consequently, greater vulnerability to viruses.
The person who never gets sick also has impeccable hand hygiene (they never go out without their hydro-alcoholic gel, for example). Regular hand washing with soap and water (or hydroalcoholic gel) is probably the best way to reduce the risk of virus transmission. “In the same way, it is better to avoid kissing and shaking hands, unless you disinfect them thoroughly each time. People who never get sick in winter are also used to wearing a mask when they are in a closed environment“, suggests Dr Sylvain Bouquet.
At home, these people ventilate for at least 20 minutes in the morning and 20 minutes in the evening. This helps renew the air and reduce airborne viruses. “The more humid a home is, the more likely you are to get sick because fungi and bacteria proliferate when there is humidity.” also reminds our interlocutor. Finally, people who wash their noses every day (with a solution based on salt water) greatly reduce their risk of falling ill since they leave little room for any virus of any kind. You should therefore not wait until you have a cold to wash your nose. It must become a daily habit.