Viruses are germs that are composed of genetic material (DNA or RNA) and protein. They are not considered alive on their own, but they have a commanding way of hijacking healthy cells.
In humans, viruses can cause infections such as colds, influenza, warts, smallpox, HIV/AIDS, Ebola, and the coronavirus. Viral infections invade living normal cells and use them to replicate themselves. They can then multiply so quickly that they can damage or change healthy cells, depending on the organs that they attack – and this is when you experience symptoms.
Viruses can invade anything from your respiratory system to your liver to your blood. Let’s talk about some of the most effective ways to prevent viral infections and where you can go if you are experiencing unusual symptoms.
How Can I Avoid Getting a Viral Infection?
Here are a few tips to help prevent viral infections:
Maintain a Strong Immune System
The best thing that you can do is to keep your immune system strong enough to fight off an infection, thereby preventing a virus from causing much harm to your body. With viral infections, there is usually no medication that can treat you – antibiotics are for bacterial infections and do not work against viruses.
Antivirals and vaccines work for some virus infections, but not all viruses have a corresponding medication or vaccine to prevent them. Often, to recover from a viral infection, you have to wait for your immune system to fight it off.
Eat Healthily
What you eat can help your immune system fight off viruses. Excellent food options are green leafy vegetables and fruits, which are rich in nutrients and antioxidants.
Much of your immune system is in your GI tract, so keeping a healthy gut is half of the battle. Immune-system-boosting foods include fish, nuts, and olive oil.
Take Your Vitamins
During flu season every year, doctors advise patients to take vitamins – especially vitamin C, vitamin D, and zinc. You may want to have your own vitamin levels checked so that you know what to supplement.
Wash Your Hands Often and Sanitize
Viruses usually enter your system through your mouth, eyes, and nose. Therefore, avoid touching your face, especially around your orifices, and always wash your hands before eating and after using the bathroom. If you’re out and about, use a hand sanitizer.
Get Enough Sleep
Getting plenty of sleep every night can help to keep your immune system naturally strong, since sleep reboots your system and gets it ready to fight off foreign invaders (such as viruses) another day. People who get enough sleep at night have higher levels of T cells, which fight off infection.
Cold and Flu Treatment in Sherman, Texas
If you are experiencing unusual symptoms, see a doctor right away. At Carrus Health, our experienced medical team can provide treatment for colds, the flu, and provide flu shots. We have access and knowledge of all the latest treatments for viral infections, and we are here for you and your family.
If you have any questions or would like to schedule an appointment, contact our friendly staff today by calling us at (903) 870-2600 or fill out our contact form online now. We look forward to seeing you!
