Boosting Immunity Before Flu Season: Essential Tips from Toledo Family Pharmacy

As the leaves begin to turn and the crisp autumn air settles over Toledo, it’s a clear sign that flu season is on its way. At Toledo Family Pharmacy, with locations on Sylvania Ave and Main St, we understand the importance of preparing your immune system for the challenges of the colder months. Boosting your immunity is your first line of defense against flu season and other respiratory illnesses that peak during fall and winter. Here are some essential tips to help strengthen your immune system and information on the vaccines we offer, including flu, pneumonia, RSV, and shingles.

Nutrition and Hydration: Foundations of a Strong Immune System

1. Eat a Balanced Diet: Your immune system requires nourishment. Focus on a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats. Foods like citrus fruits, garlic, ginger, spinach, and yogurt are particularly good for enhancing immune function because they contain essential nutrients like vitamins C, D, and zinc.

2. Stay Hydrated: Drinking enough water is crucial for overall health and helps your body produce lymph, which carries white blood cells and other immune system cells through your body. Even though it’s cooler, don’t skimp on your water intake.

Exercise: Boosting Immune Function

3. Regular Physical Activity: Moderate exercise can boost the effectiveness of vaccines, increase immune function, and reduce inflammation. Aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate aerobic activity or 75 minutes of vigorous activity each week, complemented by strength training.

Sleep and Stress Management: Critical Immune Boosters

4. Get Enough Sleep: Lack of sleep can impair the function of your immune system. Adults should aim for 7-9 hours per night. Good sleep hygiene includes maintaining a regular sleep schedule, limiting exposure to screens before bed, and creating a dark, quiet, and cool sleeping environment.

5. Reduce Stress: Chronic stress depresses the immune system and increases vulnerability to illness. Techniques such as meditation, deep breathing exercises, yoga, and mindfulness can help manage stress effectively.

Hygiene Practices: Simple Yet Effective

6. Maintain Good Hygiene: Regular hand washing, especially before eating or touching your face, is one of the most effective ways to prevent the spread of viruses. Also, make sure to clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces.

Vaccinations: Your Best Defense

7. Stay Up-to-Date with Vaccinations: Vaccines are one of the most effective tools to prevent specific viral infections. Toledo Family Pharmacy offers vaccinations for the flu, pneumonia, RSV (respiratory syncytial virus), and shingles. Here’s a brief overview of each:

  • Flu Vaccine: An annual flu vaccine is recommended for almost everyone six months and older. It is the best way to reduce the chances of severe flu and its potentially serious complications.
  • Pneumonia Vaccine: Recommended for all children under two, adults over 65, and people with certain medical conditions or weakened immune systems.
  • RSV Vaccine: Important for infants, young children, and elderly adults, as RSV can cause severe respiratory illness.
  • Shingles Vaccine: Recommended for adults over 50 to prevent shingles and its complications.

Conclusion

Preparing for flu season involves more than just getting vaccinated. A holistic approach to boosting your immunity—focusing on diet, exercise, sleep, stress management, and proper hygiene—can help you stay healthy and resilient throughout the fall and winter. Visit us at Toledo Family Pharmacy on Sylvania Ave or Main St to get your vaccinations and more personalized advice on staying healthy this flu season. Let’s work together to keep our community healthy and thriving during flu season and beyond!