How to Stay Healthy During Cold & Flu Season

As temperatures fall and daylight fades sooner, cases of colds and flu often rise. While cozying up indoors keeps you protected from chilly air, enclosed spaces can also increase your risk of airborne germs. Stay well this winter (and the rest of the year!) with these cold and flu season tips for older adults from Westminster Village, a trusted senior living community in West Lafayette, IN.

Recognize the Symptoms Early

Catching flu and cold symptoms early allows you to take action to support your immune system and limit the spread of germs. Watch for these familiar warning signs:

Runny nose, congestion, or cough
Scratchy or sore throat
Muscle or body aches
Chills or fatigue
Headaches

Because symptoms of colds, flu, pneumonia, and COVID-19 can look similar, it’s important to pay close attention to your body. If you develop a high fever or symptoms that persist for more than a week, contact your doctor or visit urgent care. For older adults, whose immune defenses may be weaker or who have existing health conditions, timely care can help prevent more serious complications.

Keep Hands Clean and Germs Away

Proper hand hygiene remains one of the easiest (and most powerful) ways to stay healthy. Washing your hands often and using sanitizer helps stop germs in their tracks, especially during winter when viruses linger in the cooler, drier air.

Stay healthy this cold & flu season by:
• Washing your hands frequently with soap and warm water for at least 20 seconds
• Using hand sanitizer when soap and water aren’t available
• Sneezing or coughing into your elbow to prevent spreading germs
• Keeping tissues nearby and disposing of them promptly
• Avoiding touching your face until your hands are clean

Don’t Skip Your Flu Vaccine

One of the most reliable ways to stay healthy during the winter is to get your annual flu shot. As we get older, our immune systems naturally weaken, making us more prone to illness. Vaccines give your immune system the boost it needs to recognize and fight off harmful viruses more effectively.

Vaccines can:

Lower your chances of catching the flu
Lessen the severity of symptoms if you do become sick
Help protect those around you, especially those with weaker immune systems

In addition to your flu shot, talk to your healthcare provider about staying up to date on other vaccines, including tetanus, shingles, pneumonia, and COVID-19. Many are updated regularly, so keeping current is an important part of staying healthy.

Strengthen Your Immune System with Nutrition

The saying “You are what you eat” couldn’t be more true during cold and flu season. A colorful, well-balanced diet fuels your immune system and helps your body defend itself from illness.

While supplements can help in some cases, always check with your doctor before adding any new aids to your diet. You can naturally support immunity by eating foods rich in essential vitamins:

Vitamin B: Dairy, eggs, lean meats, and whole grains
Vitamin E: Nuts, seeds, and avocados
Vitamin C: Citrus fruits, bell peppers, and broccoli
Vitamin D: Salmon, tuna, egg yolks, and sunlight exposure

Stay Hydrated Year-Round

Good hydration isn’t just for summer, your body needs it year-round. Drinking enough fluids helps move nutrients through your body, flush out toxins, and keep your organs and joints working properly.

Here are a few simple ways to stay hydrated:

Sip water regularly, not only when you feel thirsty
Eat foods with high water content, like cucumbers, celery, and oranges
Warm up with herbal teas, soups, and broths

Keep Moving and Get Plenty of Rest

Regular activity supports your immune health and boosts energy, balance, and strength. Staying active improves circulation, strengthens your heart, and helps your body identify and fight infections more efficiently. Plus, exercise naturally lifts your mood and reduces inflammation.

Getting enough rest is also very important. A good night’s sleep allows your body to repair itself and restore your immune defenses. Aim for 7–8 hours of quality rest each night.

Avoid Smoking for Better Respiratory Health

Smoking weakens your immune system and damages your lungs, leaving you more vulnerable to respiratory infections like the flu, bronchitis, or pneumonia. Over time, it also slows your body’s ability to heal.

The good news? Quitting offers almost immediate benefits. Your lungs begin to recover, your immune system grows stronger, and your overall health improves. This cold and flu season, protect yourself and stay healthy by avoiding cigarettes, e-cigarettes, and any exposure to smoke.

Stay Healthy With Westminster Village

At Westminster Villagein West Lafayette, IN, we provide a welcoming, holistically healthy environment to help you stay well in every season. From comfortable, well-maintained residences to dynamic wellness programs and personalized care, our community makes it easier to focus on your health, happiness, and peace of mind.