A strong immune system can help you stay healthy throughout the fall and winter. Think you know how to boost your immunity? Read on to see if you can separate fact from fiction

Annual checkups and preventive screenings protect your immunity.

FACT. Early detection, treatment, and monitoring of conditions like high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and prediabetes/diabetes, can help protect your immune system.

70% of your immune system resides in your gut.

FACT. That’s why what you eat matters. Five servings of fruits and vegetables a day boosts immunity and lowers disease risk, yet only 1 in 10 of us consume enough for good health.

Five and a half hours sleep per night won’t hurt you.

FICTION. You are four times more likely to catch a cold if you sleep less than 6 hours per night. 7-9 hours of rest gives your body time to produce infection-fighting cells for better immunity.

Exercising regularly lowers your risk of respiratory infections by 40%.

FACT. 150 minutes of brisk movement a week boosts immunity by improving circulation, reducing inflammation, and enhancing white blood cell function.

OTC supplements (Vitamin C, echinacea, elderberry, zinc, etc.) shield against illness.

FICTION. There is no evidence that they prevent colds and illness, although some may reduce duration or ease symptoms if you do get sick.

The seasonal flu vaccine reduces your risk of getting sick by 40–60%

FACT. Vaccines train your immune defenses, and that protects you, your family, and community against deadly illnesses like flu, measles, tetanus, diphtheria, and more.

Chronic stress doesn’t really impact the immune system.

FICTION. Regular wellness breaks (think deep breathing, mindfulness, and other self-care practices) can improve antibody production, lower cortisol, and boost immunity by 60%

Your Trust Fund benefits can help you boost your immunity

FACT. The Fund covers 100% of the cost for recommended preventive screenings and vaccines. Choose a clinic in the Wellness and Minor Care Plan or an Aetna in-network provider at aetf.com. Visit our Find a Provider page.

 

FACT. Talk to a counselor to learn how to manage stress or improve sleep—at no cost to you. Get started at teladochealth.com.