The holiday season, whether it's Christmas or New Year, is a time for joy, celebration, and gathering with loved ones. However, increased social interaction also means prolonged exposure, which elevates the risk of transmitting or catching viruses and common colds. Nobody wants to be sidelined by illness, missing out on precious family time or impacting their work. So, beyond the essential masks and shields, what can you do to combat colds and steer clear of harmful viruses?
Here’s a rundown of effective strategies to help you stay healthy and beat the flu this season:
Many of us tend to doubt traditional motherly advice, perhaps thinking a simple vaporub won't cure all ailments. Yet, the comforting foods our mothers typically suggest often hold potent home remedy properties. Think of the American "Chicken Soup" or the Filipino "Tinola" and "Lugaw." These broths are packed with ingredients like garlic and ginger, known for their anti-viral, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory properties.
Beyond that, these warming broths provide essential vitamins and minerals that help keep us hydrated – crucial for recovery. But perhaps the best ingredient is the warmth of a home-cooked meal, made with love, offering comfort like a warm embrace.
Nutrients are vital for maintaining a robust immune system and can act as powerful immunity boosters. Your daily diet should include a rich variety of fresh fruits and vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains.
Certain foods possess special immune-boosting qualities:
Nutrition is also about what you don't eat. To effectively combat colds and inflammation, it's wise to limit sugar intake, as it can aggravate and worsen inflammatory responses in your body. Similarly, fatty and greasy fast food should be avoided, as they can also negatively impact inflammation.
If you're only dealing with a cold and have no fever, moderate exercise can significantly improve your immune function. Physical activity helps by elevating white blood cell activity, which are your body's primary defenders against viruses, thus aiding faster recovery. Exercise also offers a temporary reprieve from nasal congestion by opening up nasal passages. Just remember, don't overdo it; excessive exercise can be counterproductive.
Stress hormones have a profound impact on your immune response. Chronic or excessive stress can force your immune system into overdrive, eventually leading to dysfunction. Counteracting stress is vital for immune health.
Consider incorporating these activities into your routine:
Sleep is particularly crucial as it allows your body to repair cells that assist in the healing process. Seven to eight hours of quality sleep is ideal for most adults.
Vitamins and supplements can provide additional support to your body's repair systems.
This essential vitamin contains retinol and beta-carotene, both of which play a key role in reinforcing immune function. You can find Vitamin A in foods like:
Well-known for its antibacterial and antiviral properties, Vitamin C is a powerful immune ally. Excellent sources of Vitamin C include:
These tips should significantly impact your health. Be mindful of your well-being and don't let carelessness prevent you from enjoying a wonderful Christmas or New Year. Happy Holidays, and may you enjoy all the festivities this season brings!
If you experience extreme colds or colds that persist for more than two to three weeks, SPC Med has experienced doctors who can recommend appropriate medicine for your case. They can also assess if your illness might be a sign of a more serious underlying condition. Contact us now or email us for assistance.
For more information, please contact the hospital at +63493101100 or email inquiry@spcmc.com.ph.
SPC Medical Center activated its Solar PV system in June 2025—becoming the first solar-powered hospital in San Pablo City and marking a major sustainability milestone during its 50th Anniversary.
SPC Medical Center’s 50th Anniversary Community Health Caravan continued across San Pablo City in 2025, bringing preventive care and outreach to multiple barangays including Sta. Monica, Santiago, San Lucas, Sto. Anghel, San Jose (Malamig), and Santisimo.
A three-day highlight of SPC Medical Center’s 50th Anniversary: opening program and booths, a wellness-focused Day 2 with Zumba and games, and a culminating Doctors’ Night celebrating the hospital’s medical professionals.