With the dark days of winter fast approaching how do you plan to stay in top fighting condition this cold and flu season? Immunity is the magic bullet, so here’s our top five immunity-boosting tips:

# 1 Get the flu jab

October sees the launch of the annual NHS Flu Campaign that offers free vaccinations to members of the public that are considered ‘at risk’. In 2015 they are extending this to children in years 1 and 2 at school. Other sectors of the public who are eligible include those over 65, pregnant women, children over six months and under five and those that are in long-stay residential care homes and their carers.

If you’re not eligible for a free flu vaccination, what can you be doing to protect yourself?

# 2 Minimise the spread of germs

There are a number of common-sense steps you can take to protect yourself from the spread of germs; invest in a hand sanitiser, wash your hands frequently, use disposable tissues and stock up on pens so you don’t have to share with others.

And, remember, it works both ways. If you go to work sick, you’re not a hero but just spreading your germs to the rest of your co-workers.

# 3 Up your fluids

Increasing fluid intake is crucial when you body is fighting off infection. But this means more water – not alcohol! In fact, you’ll be amazed at how simple H²O can boost your immune system; it oxygenates you blood, flushes out toxins and helps produce lymph which circulates white blood cells around the body.

# 4 Sleep well

Sleep, or rather a lack of sleep, can have a devastating impact on your body’s immune system, making you vulnerable to every cough and cold around. One study published by the University of Chicago found that men produced half the amount of antibodies needed to fight flu if they only slept for four hours a night for just one week.

If you’re finding it hard to drop off, then put a bit more work into your bedtime routine by having a warm bath or listening to music before turning in. Our busy lives dictate that we’re plugged in at all times, but make sure you switch off your smartphone while you get ready for bed and definitely don’t keep it in the room with you. Exposure to the blue light emitted from our smartphones tricks our body into functioning as if it’s daytime and slowing down the production of melatonin which is essential for boosting the immune system – in a study published in Lighting and Research, one hour of blue light emitted from a device reduced melatonin production by 23 per cent.

# 5 Get an extra boost

A healthy, well-balanced diet is vital for strengthening your immune system and keeping you fighting fit, but what if you need an extra little boost? At IV Boost UK we offer a number of drips that could help you weather the cold and flu season.

We all know how important vitamin C is – it works as a powerful antioxidant, anti-viral, anti-bacterial and anti-histamine agent in the body – yet there are limits to the amount of vitamin C that can be taken orally which is why our high-dose vitamin C drip is a safe and effective method of delivering high levels of vitamin C directly to your cells.

Our Immunity Booster IV is another popular choice during the winter months. A powerful cocktail of valuable nutrients, it includes magnesium, calcium, zinc, vitamin C, B complex vitamins, carnitine, cystine and glutamine.

To find out more about how our IV drips can boost your immune system or help speed recovery from illness, call 020 3095 0002 to get in touch with one of the team.