After months of unfamiliar restrictions and guidelines, pandemic fatigue is affecting how some Americans protect their health. However, experts warn that diligence is still extremely important because new mutations and variants of the virus that causes COVID-19 are being discovered. The typical cold and flu season also brings added threats to people’s health and wellness.

Though you may still be spending more time at home, it’s important to take proactive steps to maintain your health.
Avoid Exposure

As COVID-19 continues to impact communities from coast to coast, there’s no better time to avoid getting sick. Even if you catch a less serious illness like a cold or the flu, health care professionals in many areas are stretched thin. What’s more, getting sick could compromise your immune system, making you more susceptible to a more serious infection.

Minimizing your risk of exposure means limiting close contact with others outside your household, wearing a mask and washing your hands regularly with soap for at least 20 seconds. An alcohol-based sanitizer that is at least 60% alcohol can substitute for hand washing, if necessary.

Always avoid touching your face when out and about, and when possible, avoid high-touch surfaces like door handles and light switches. If you’re prone to allergies, be conscious of what triggers allergic reactions and manage your allergies so you’re able to easily identify any new symptoms that may not be allergy related.
Treat Symptoms

Depending on your diagnosis, a health care professional may suggest medication to help treat symptoms until your illness runs its course. There are a variety of products available over the counter that are commonly used to treat symptoms of respiratory viral infections. Many provide relief from multiple symptoms in a single dose.

Steam and Hydration

* Both steam and water help thin your mucus, which may help clear chest congestion. Try a warm, steamy shower or a soak in a hot tub and drink plenty of fluids to keep your body hydrated.
Around the House

* If you’re struggling with a parched throat from your cough, try gargling salt water to soothe discomfort.

* Lozenges increase your saliva production to help soothe a parched throat and get you feeling better as your cough subsides.

* Exposure to particulates in the air, like pollutants and irritants, may be linked to nighttime dry coughing. A high-efficiency particulate air filter can help remove them.

* Wipe down surfaces. Cleaning removes settled dust and pollen while disinfection can help remove lingering cold and flu germs.

* If you’re smoking, stop. Smoking is a leading cause of chronic cough. Also avoid secondhand smoke as much as possible.

* Rest recharges your immune system, and getting enough sleep may help you cope with an illness that is the cause of a lingering cough.

* Rely on a cough medication that contains dextromethorphan, which works on the cough center of your brain to help suppress coughing. (Family Features & Mucinex)