25 Sep Fall Cold Prevention 101: Tips From A LA Concierge Doctor
Many people get the common cold during the fall and winter months. Instead of trekking to your local clinic and exposing yourself to viruses and bacteria to get care, a concierge doctor can come to your home for your appointment. Today, we will provide an overview of the fall cold season in LA, how to prevent getting a cold, and how a concierge doctor can help you feel better fast.
Why Fall is a Peak Season for Colds
It is commonly believed that the common cold is caused by cold weather, but this is inaccurate. In fact, a variety of factors influence the onset of cold and flu season, which generally starts in late August or early September and lasts through March or April.
The change in weather affects the immune system in a number of ways.
Lower temperatures and humidity increase the spread of human rhinovirus (HRV) due to several factors. Cold air restricts the blood vessels in your nose and upper airways, and low humidity dries out the mucus membrane in your esophagus, lungs, mouth, and nose. Cooler weather also allows viruses to survive for longer periods and travel more easily.
There is also an increase in indoor activities and gatherings, which leads to close contact between people and increased spread of viruses. Viruses spread faster in indoor settings by being spread from person-to-person contact and interaction with contaminated surfaces like doorknobs.
Tips for Fall Cold Prevention
There are a number of ways you can prevent fall colds, including boosting immunity, hygiene practices, limiting exposure, and lifestyle changes.
Boosting Immunity With What You Eat
You can boost your immunity to the common cold by changing your diet to include more of the following nutrients:
Beta carotene
From plant foods like broccoli, carrots, and sweet potatoes.
Probiotics
Good bacteria from cultured dairy products like yogurt or fermented foods like kefir and kimchi.
Protein
From animal sources (like beef, chicken, dairy products, and seafood) or plant-based sources (like beans, lentils, nuts, and seeds).
Vitamin C
From certain fruits (such as berries, citrus fruits, and melons) and certain vegetables (such as bell peppers, broccoli, and tomatoes)
Vitamin D
From foods that are naturally high in vitamin D (like eggs and fatty fish) or that have been fortified with added vitamin D (like certain juices and milk)
Zinc
From beef and seafood (easier to absorb) or plant-based sources like beans, nuts, tofu, and wheat germ.
Staying hydrated is also important for your immune system. Your body is made up of almost 70% water and needs water to aid digestion, deliver nutrients to your cells, and flush out substances that are harmful or otherwise not useful.
Dehydration causes issues with body temperature regulation, inhibits joint lubrication, and causes your muscles to get tired more quickly. Water is necessary to absorb nutrients during digestion and keep your mucus membrane healthy.
Lymphatic fluid, which contains infection-fighting white blood cells, is also composed partly of water. Regular exercise is important for improving your overall health. It is believed to improve immunity by helping to get rid of bacteria in your airways and lungs, increasing the flow of antibodies and white blood cells throughout your body, and slowing down the release of stress hormones that can weaken your immune system.
Exercise also briefly elevates body temperature, which may cause effects similar to a fever, helping your body fight infection and preventing the growth of bacteria.
Hygiene Practices
Regular hand washing with soap and water is integral to preventing colds. Germs collect on your hands when you touch people, objects, and surfaces, which can enter your body when you touch your eyes, mouth, or nose.
Regardless of the time of year, you need to wash your hands after using the bathroom, after touching raw meat or produce, and before eating or preparing food. During cold and flu season, you should also wash your hands after you have been in contact with anyone sick or after touching objects or surfaces that may be contaminated.
Wash your hands for at least 20 seconds (the amount of time it will take you to sing “Happy Birthday” twice). You will need to lather the soap thoroughly between your fingers, on your fingers and palms, over the tops of your hands, and under your fingernails and jewelry. Be sure to rinse and dry thoroughly.
Using sanitizers when outdoors also helps prevent colds. Unlike soap, alcohol-based hand sanitizer gel does not need to be rinsed off with water. It is effective at killing bacteria and viruses when you spread it on your hands for at least 20 seconds.
Keeping home surfaces clean and disinfected is another aspect of cold prevention. Surfaces throughout your home that should be frequently disinfected include:
- Bathtubs
- Bedding
- Cabinet handles
- Countertops
- Door handles and doorknobs
- Drawer pulls
- Electronic devices
- Faucets
- Floors
- Laundry
- Light switches
- Microwave
- Oven
- Refrigerator
- Remotes
- Showers
- Sinks
- Tables
- Toilets
- Wastebaskets
It is better to use paper towels and disposable disinfectant wipes instead of cloths and sponges that can retain and spread germs. Other germ-killing supplies include alcohol, chlorine bleach, and disinfectant sprays like Lysol. Hydrogen peroxide, iodine-based antiseptics, and soaps and detergents are also effective.
Limiting Exposure
Limiting exposure to viruses by avoiding crowded places or gatherings, wearing a mask, and proper ventilation indoors will also reduce your risk of catching a cold.
As mentioned earlier, viruses spread more easily indoors. The more people you come into contact with, the higher your chances of contracting an illness.
Using face masks when you are feeling under the weather or in close contact with someone who is sick will prevent you from spreading germs or breathing in germs through your nose or mouth.
Ensuring proper ventilation indoors reduces the spread of airborne viruses. You can improve air circulation by letting fresh air in from outside through open windows or doors. You may also want to invest in an air purifier or change out your filter if you already have one.
Lifestyle Changes
Another way to prevent colds is through lifestyle changes such as ensuring adequate sleep, reducing stress through relaxation techniques such as meditation, avoiding smoking, and reducing alcohol consumption.
A study from the Archives of Internal Medicine found that healthy adult participants who got at least eight hours of sleep each night for two weeks were more resistant to rhinovirus. Meanwhile, participants who got seven or fewer hours of sleep were about 3% more likely to contract rhinovirus after being exposed to it.
Drinking alcohol can damage the dendritic cells in your body, which are an important part of your immune system. Drink in moderation and make sure to rehydrate with water between alcoholic beverages. Avoiding smoking cigarettes is also important because cigarette smoke worsens viral infections like the flu.
Cortisol, which helps fight disease and inflammation, is released during times of stress. Continuously having high amounts of cortisol (such as if you have chronic stress) lessens its beneficial effects.
The Benefits of a Concierge Doctor and House Visits
A concierge doctor is a primary care physician who has the same education, training, and ability to treat health conditions as a regular doctor does, but offers more personalized care. Concierge doctors have fewer patients, which affords them more time to spend with patients during appointments, as well as more appointment availability. They also offer house calls.
Let’s take a closer look at the benefits of a house call doctor.
Concierge doctors charge their clients a monthly fee for their services, and they see fewer patients than regular doctors do, which allows for more personalized care. This gives you direct access to the doctor without waiting for an appointment to become available. You can also expect to develop a closer relationship with a concierge doctor because appointments are not rushed. They will offer tailored medical advice based on personal history.
Concierge doctors make house calls, which eliminates the need for patients to travel to a clinic. Not needing to travel reduces the risk of spreading or contracting a cold because you will not need to wait in a waiting room full of sick patients. Making house calls and having a limited number of patients to care for also opens up more flexible scheduling according to your needs.
Another advantage of more available schedules is getting access to regular check-ups and follow-ups, even if you do not have any immediate health concerns. Concierge doctors also provide education on personal health maintenance so you will be more equipped to keep yourself healthy.
Concierge doctors provide medical consultations in the privacy and comfort of your home. This is especially helpful when you have a cold or other contagious illness. It also makes healthcare more accessible if you have difficulty with mobility or transportation. Concierge medicine is also ideal for high-profile individuals or those who prioritize discretion and privacy.
Last Words
Preventative measures are your best defense against the fall cold season. You can prevent colds by strengthening your immune system, practicing good hygiene, limiting exposure to viruses that cause colds, and implementing lifestyle changes.
Concierge doctors in LA can provide you with a comprehensive and convenient healthcare experience with many advantages you cannot get from a regular doctor. In-home appointments, easier scheduling, and more time with the doctor during appointments make it simple to get the quality care you need, when you need it.
On-Demand Medical House Calls in Los Angeles with Concierge MD
Whether you have a busy schedule, can’t get a timely appointment with your physician, or don’t want to sit in a crowded waiting room, you can skip the clinic and get the medical care you need with on-demand house calls for primary and urgent care services.
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