Even though the public health emergency has ended, COVID-19 and other respiratory illnesses like the flu or respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) Infection are still present and continue to spread.
It is extremely important for us to stay vigilant and take small but vital steps to protect our health and general wellbeing. Boosting your immune systems is a simple way to make sure your body’s immunity is strong and ready to fight off any illnesses that you may be exposed to and potentially contract.
Healthy immune systems are built through the following:
- Maintaining a healthy diet
- Eating foods that can be acquired locally
- Exercising regularly
- Spending time outdoors or getting out on the land
- Staying hydrated
- Getting enough sleep
- Minimizing stress
- Reducing substance use (alcohol, drugs, and tobacco)
- Maintaining a healthy weight
- Practicing good hygiene
In addition to building a strong and healthy immune system, staying up to date on your immunizations is the best way to protect yourself and those around you from preventable diseases and illnesses. Please contact your health care provider to discuss the status of your immunizations or check out the NWT Immunization Schedule for more information.
We have learned a lot about different ways we can protect ourselves and our communities from illness. It is our personal responsibility to continue following current recommendations and maintain healthy habits like, washing your hands often, wearing a mask in public, and staying home when sick to make sure everyone is healthy and protected from preventable diseases and illnesses.