Prepare Your Lungs for Flu Season with these 8 Tips

Irene Li, Associate Editor | Nov 22, 2021 4:30 pm | Add a comment | 232 reads

It's flu season again, and despite that other virus still hanging around, its best to protect yourself against this infection as well. But even when you're protected with a jab against COVID and the flu, its still easy to get sick this time of year, when Beijing's temperature begins to drop significantly and there's more cold winds and the occassional snow. Here are a few tips to keep your lungs strong and healthy!

Laugh your heart out

You may be surprised that when it comes to healthy lungs, laughing might be one of the most effective remedies. According to the American Lung Association, when we laugh, our lungs have to work extra harder to force the stale air out and allow fresh air in, therefore we are expanding the tiny air sacs to let more oxygen in.

Work that chest!

Our lungs are like a pump that rely heavily on the muscles in our chest cavity to properly function, according to Lumen, a boundless biology class. To make sure these muscles are in tip-top shape, try 20-30 minutes of cardio, walk around the neighborhood, or just drop to the ground and do some pushups!

Maintain a healthy diet

A 2001 study conducted by researchers at the University of Washington found eating a healthy and balanced diet, complete with lots of fruits and vegetables, could be good for lung health. In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), fruits like Asian pears, persimmons and oranges are thought to be able to clear heat and moisten the lungs. Almonds, white radishes, and lilies are also thought to be beneficial for respiratory health.

It’s all about good air

Getting some fresh air into your home can help prevent viruses and germs from accumulating inside. If it's impossible for you to keep a window or two open all the time, at least try to open your windows for 4 to 5 minutes every hour (or just leave them open when you leave for work) to get the stale air out.

If you get sick, don't rely on self-treatment

If you've been coughing for a while and your symptoms don't improve after a week or get worse, go see a doctor as soon as possible before your conditions get worse. A a study carried out by the American Lung Association found that men suffering from pneumonia are more likely to have a higher risk of hospitalization and mortality. So, if you've got respiratory issues, see a doctor before it's too late!

Sorry, smokers!

According to the American CDC, chronic smokers are more likely to be prone to lung infections than non-smokers due to weaker lungs. Even though there's a prominent urban legend in China that smoking helped prevent people from getting SARS when that virus was shaking the world, for the sake of your lungs, its better not to test this theory out.

Get a nasal wash

If you feel like your nose is a little congested at the end of the day, performing a nasal wash might help. Rinse your nose with salt water and rub it gently with a swab. This will help you clean up your nasal passages that allow air to better pass through on its way to your lungs.

Lay on your stomach to breathe easier

Have you ever been laying in bed and found that when you move into a prone position (aka lay on your stomach), your breathing gets easier? This little "huh" moment could change the way COVID-19 patients get treatment. Multiple studies conducted in the US have found putting patients suffering from COVID-19 on their stomachs after they've arrived in the hospital could stall symptoms from worsening.