Dr. Roy Buchinsky 7 Ways to Avoid Colds and Flu This Winter he days are shorter, the air is crisp and the leaves are starting to turn lovely shades of gold and crimson. But fall also heralds cold and flu season, which wreaks havoc at work and school, leads to sick days and costs employers billions in productivity. “We’re more susceptible in the fall and winter because we’re in closer contact with people,” says Roy Buchinsky, MD Wellness Director at University Hospitals. Dr. Buchinsky was appointed the Robert and Susan Hurwitz Master Clinician in Wellness and is responsible for designing and implementing wellness programs for employees, communities and corporations. Adults get an average of two to four colds a year. Children get six to eight. Although adults can contract the virus – which causes fever, runny nose, sneezing, cough and body aches – children are more susceptible to infection, because they haven’t yet developed immunity to combat various illnesses. Unlike the common cold and many other viral respiratory infections, the flu can cause severe illness and life-threatening complications in many people. There’s no cure for viruses that cause respiratory illness – such as the common cold or influenza – so it’s wise to avoid infection in the first place. Here are some proven ways to safeguard your immune system against microbial invaders: Wash, wash, wash: Your best defense against any illness-causing viruses is washing your hands regularly to break the chain of infection. “Frequent hand washing will help prevent cross-contamination,” says Dr. Buchinsky. “Especially with susceptible membranes such as the eyes; people often touch their eyes instinctively without thinking about it.” Use hand-sanitizing gels that contain alcohol when you can’t get to a sink. Roll up your sleeve: Health officials recommend routine influenza vaccinations for most people six months and older; this includes women who are pregnant. “Getting the flu shot is one of the best things that you can do for your health,” says Dr. Buchinsky. It not only offers personal protection to an individual, it also helps stop the spread of the flu to other people. People should not use the nasal spray vaccine FluMist® because of its low effectiveness in recent flu seasons; injected vaccines are the only recommended option. Remember, prevention is the best intervention. Get your Z’s: “Good health habits like sleep improve your immune system overall,” says Dr. Buchinsky. In fact, research shows that people who sleep less than seven hours a night are more likely to catch a cold than those who sleep at least eight hours at night because sleep resets your body systems and repairs itself during this time. Get off the couch: A fitness habit can also help. One study revealed that women who exercised regularly lowered their risk of colds. Be educated about supplements: “Neither Echinacea nor zinc – both touted as cold and flu fighters – are effective against colds and flu,” says Dr. Buchinsky. Vitamin C might cut down on the number of colds only if you are using it regularly. Taking it after the first sneeze or sniffle won’t do the trick. Don’t light up: Cigarette smoke appears to damage the mucus membranes, which act as the frontline barrier to infectious agents. Smoking also suppresses the immune system overall. Guard your germs: “If you get sick, do your part to keep the virus from spreading,” advises Dr. Buchinsky. Cover your mouth when coughing or sneezing, don’t share utensils and wipe down common objects such as phones and the remote control. UH has joined with other Northeast Ohio hospitals and the City of Cleveland in a collaborative public awareness effort, Focus on Flu, aimed at educating residents about the importance of flu vaccinations. For more information go to UHhospitals.org/FocusOnFlu. If you would like to be referred to a University Hospitals primary care or specialty physician, call 1-866-UH4-CARE (1-866-844-2273) or visit UHhospitals.org/ScheduleNow. T Unlike the common cold and many other viral respiratory infections, the flu can cause severe illness and life-threatening complications in many people. October 2016 n Beachwood Buzz 43