As flu season arrives, health professionals are urging the public to take steps to maintain a strong immune system. Dr. Leslie Pittman, a primary care physician at St. Joseph’s/Candler Physician Network Primary Care in Statesboro, emphasized the importance of protecting one’s immune system, especially during this time of year.
“It’s important any time of the year, but particularly right now with flu season, you need to be aware of your immune system and live a healthy lifestyle,” said Dr. Pittman.
Dr. Pittman explained that the immune system acts as the body’s defense and repair mechanism. It consists of white blood cells and organs such as the spleen and lymph nodes, working together to identify and fight infections from germs, bacteria, and viruses. The system also helps repair injuries and regulate allergic reactions.
“The immune system does a lot in the body,” Dr. Pittman added.
She stressed that maintaining a healthy immune system is not only about personal protection but also about safeguarding others: “You want to do everything you can to make sure you are protecting yourself from being exposed to infections to begin with, but also making sure your immune system is as healthy as you can make it because you don’t know how you’re going to respond to an illness until you have one,” Dr. Pittman said. “The other problem is that even if one person responds OK, they might pass it on to a friend or loved one who might not be able to handle it and become extremely ill or even die. It’s not just about protecting yourself but other people too.”
Dr. Pittman outlined ten recommendations for supporting immune health:
1. Wash hands regularly with soap and water for at least 20 seconds or use alcohol-based hand sanitizer when necessary.
2. Prepare foods properly by washing fruits and vegetables and cooking meats and eggs thoroughly while avoiding cross-contamination.
3. Stay up-to-date on recommended vaccines for your age group or medical condition; consult your doctor about vaccines such as those for flu, pneumonia, or whooping cough.
4. Eat a balanced diet rich in fresh fruits and vegetables high in vitamin C and antioxidants; include whole grains and lean proteins like chicken, turkey, or fish.
5. Limit sugar intake since excessive sugar can hinder the immune system’s ability to fight infection—people with diabetes are especially at risk for complications from viruses like influenza.
6. Exercise regularly; aim for at least 150 minutes per week as recommended by health authorities since physical activity improves circulation and reduces stress.
7. Manage stress through relaxing activities such as listening to music, hobbies, exercise, prayer, or meditation.
8. Get adequate sleep: adults should target seven or eight hours per night; teenagers need around ten hours; young children require approximately twelve hours.
9. Avoid smoking because nicotine damages the body and burdens the immune system further; smokers are more prone to lung and sinus infections.
10. Be aware of medications that may suppress immunity—consult your doctor before stopping any medication—and take extra precautions if needed.
Dr. Pittman encourages individuals to adopt these practices both for their own well-being and that of those around them.
