Snowed In? Doctor Shares 4 Simple Tips to Protect Health During Winter Storms
The winter storms just can't seem to take a hint: we're over it. As snow covers much of the country and temperatures continue to drop—even in notoriously warm states—many folks have found themselves stuck indoors. Unfortunately, colder weather doesn’t just disrupt travel plans; it can also make your body much more vulnerable to sickness. And with flu cases still surging nationwide, everyone wants to know what it takes to stay healthy during winter storms.
Cold, dry air can weaken immune systems, while limited sunlight, less movement, and close indoor quarters all compound against you. But even if you’re snowed in, there are practical steps you can take to protect your health. Men's Journal spoke with Shirin Peters, M.D., to learn her top strategies for staying healthy during winter storms.
Begin Supportive Remedies Immediately
Peters advises starting supportive remedies at the first sign of symptoms, rather than waiting until you’re already feeling sick. Acting early can help reduce the severity of an illness and shorten how long symptoms linger. Delaying care, on the other hand, often makes recovery slower and more uncomfortable. Supportive remedies may include using zinc or Vitamin C supplements, drinking warm fluids, or starting over-the-counter medications.
"The first sign of a cold is a critical window," Peters says. "That’s when your body is just starting to respond, and taking action early can help reduce the severity of symptoms and potentially shorten how long you feel sick. Waiting even a day or two can make it harder to get ahead of it, especially during peak cold and flu season."
Keep Nasal Passages Hydrated
Keeping nasal passages hydrated helps defend against irritation caused by cold outdoor air and dry indoor heat. This might look like running a humidifier, using a saline nasal spray or rinse, and staying hydrated throughout the day. If you own a neti pot, it's the perfect time to bust it out.
Proper hydration in the nasal passages helps thin mucus, ease sinus pressure, and reduce congestion to support overall sinus health and lower the risk of infection. After all, nobody wants to spend several snow days glued to a box of tissues.
Related: Want to Avoid Getting Sick? Here’s What a Dietitian Actually Eats All Winter
Prioritize Rest and Sleep
With winter storms already disrupting daily routines, it’s the perfect time to double down on rest and quality sleep. Proper rest gives your body the recovery time it needs to support immune function and fight off illness. No need to feel bad about it when everyone is stuck inside, anyway.
Stay Stocked on Medicine
When winter storm have you stuck inside, the last thing you want is to realize you’re out of cold and flu medicine. With pharmacies often closed or picked over during severe weather, having basics on hand saves you an unpleasant trip to the store. Keeping items like pain relievers, decongestants, and throat lozenges on hand can make riding out winter storms more manageable.
"I personally recommend keeping ZICAM RapidMelts Cold Remedy and Simply Saline Daily Care Instant Relief on hand," Peters says. "ZICAM RapidMelts are designed to be taken right when symptoms begin, with a nighttime option to support rest, while Simply Saline helps gently relieve congestion caused by dry winter air, indoor heating, and early cold symptoms."