Medicine

How To Boost the Immune System When You Have A Cold?

Us humans, we at least most of us, are tragically unprepared and not used to thinking ahead much. Even when we manage to create some sort of a plan for the future, we fall flat on our faces a few weeks in.

We do this with dieting, studying, working… and, sadly, with our health as well! How many times have you told yourself “Starting tomorrow I’m going to take better care of my body”. Then tomorrow comes, and you postpone it.

Then, later on, this comes back to bite us in the ass. This is especially true when you get sick. The moment you get sick, you start negotiating with yourself, saying “When this is over, I’m turning a new page!”

So, if you are ready to start a new, healthier chapter in your life, here are some tips that are going to help you make it.

Become More Active

What most people think is you need to go to the gym and lift heavy weight to be considered “active” and “fit,” but this is not the case at all. Adopting an active lifestyle could mean something as simple as waking up in the morning and taking a relaxing 20-minute stroll down your neighborhood; or hopping on your bike and doing a few laps around your block.

Of course,hitting the gym is definitely not going to hurt, but you need to know that something as basic and easy as a morning stroll will have an overall positive effect on your body, your mind and your immune system.

Sleeping More

On the opposite end of the spectrum, you’ll find the most relaxing activity you can engage in – sleep! Even though this is a passive activity, it plays a crucial role in boosting your metabolism and ensuring you remain as healthy as you can be.

Studies have shown that, while we sleep, our body produces proteins called cytokines. Certain groups of these cytokines need to increase when the body is fighting foreign invaders such as viruses. So, if you’re not getting enough sleep, your immune system may underperform and make you more susceptible to virus infections.

Supplementation

It is true that you can get all the vitamins and minerals you need through diet, but in case your body is lacking, here are some of the most commonly recommended vitamins for boosting your immune system:

Vitamin C – everyone knows about vitamin C but we had to mention it simply because it’s the biggest, most important vitamin booster of all. Numerous studies clearly show that lack of vitamin C makes it easier for you to get sick.
Vitamin B – vitamin B, B6 to be more precise, has a vital role in supporting certain biochemical reactions involved in producing white blood and T cells. These cells help the body fight off both viruses and bacteria.
Vitamin E – studies confirmed that this vitamin is crucial for keeping the T cells at their peak performance, so it directly influences the capabilities of our immune system.
Peptides – peptides are one of the most recently discovered molecules affecting a whole host of chemical procedures going on within our body. One such molecule is ll37 peptide, proved to be effective in inhibiting certain viral replications.

Drinking A Lot (Of Water!)

Of course, hydration does not count if you drink a lot of alcohol or sugary drinks, we’re talking about only drinking water.

Since blood and lymph carry immune cells through the body, we need water (need to be well hydrated) in order to improve circulation and allow these immune cells to reach the affected areas of the body.

Even if you don’t sweat or exercise, you lose bodily water through breathing, bowel movement, urine etc. and this is why you should “refuel your tank” as much as necessary!

Stress

Of course, we all know that stress is bad for you, but we are still lacking in studies to determine how stress affects your health directly.

What we can talk about are the indirect effects of stress. When we are under a lot of stress (especially over longer periods of time), it starts taking a toll on our:

Sleeping – we start sleeping less and when we do get some sleep, it’s usually inferior in quality
Eating – when you are stressed out, chances are you’re going to consume more junk food that’s not good for you
Exercising – when you are stressed out, you’ll be less motivated to move around and exercise, further eroding your immune system capabilities

Medicine

How to Safely Store and Handle Injectable Water for Medical Use

Injectable water, such as bacteriostatic water, plays a pivotal role in healthcare, serving as a carrier or diluent for medications administered via injection. Despite its ubiquity in medical settings, improper use or storage of injectable water can compromise its sterility, potentially leading to serious complications for patients. This blog aims to guide medical facilities, pharmacists, and healthcare professionals on best practices for safely storing and handling injectable water to ensure patient safety and maintain compliance with health regulations.

Understanding the Different Types of Injectable Water

It’s essential to first comprehend the types of injectable water available and their unique properties. Two of the most commonly used types are sterile water for injection (SWFI) and bacteriostatic water.

Sterile water for injection is a pure, non-pyrogenic solution with no antimicrobial agents. It’s typically used as a diluent but is meant for single-use, as it does not contain preservatives. On the other hand, bac water contains a small amount of an antimicrobial agent, such as benzyl alcohol, allowing it to suppress bacterial growth and enabling multi-dose usage. However, the choice between SWFI and bacteriostatic water depends on both the specific medical context and the patient’s requirements.

By understanding the distinctions between these injectables, healthcare professionals can make informed decisions that align with safety and treatment outcomes.

Best Practices for Storing Injectable Water

Correct storage is the foundation of ensuring injectable water remains sterile and effective. Even the highest quality solutions can be rendered unsafe if storage protocols are not strictly followed.

All injectable water, regardless of its type, should be stored in a clean, dry environment that is free from contaminants. It’s essential to keep the storage space at the recommended temperature specified on the product label, typically between 68°F and 77°F (20°C to 25°C). Fluctuations outside this range may compromise the integrity of the solution. Additionally, injectable water should always be kept in its original container with a tamper-proof seal intact to avoid contamination.

For multi-dose vials of bac water, special attention is needed after the first use. Once opened, these vials must be stored according to the manufacturer’s instructions, and their use should not exceed the recommended time frame—typically 28 days after the first puncture. Healthcare professionals must clearly label opened containers to indicate the date of first use, ensuring that outdated vials are not inadvertently administered to patients.

Exposure to light and humidity should also be minimized, as these can degrade the solution over time. Vials should not be left on countertops or exposed to air unnecessarily. A good approach involves using sealed cabinets or dedicated pharmaceutical refrigerators in compliance with healthcare facility standards.

Proper Handling of Injectable Water in Medical Settings

Handling injectable water is as critical as its storage. During preparation and administration, any lapse in aseptic techniques can lead to contamination, which poses severe risks to patient safety.

When handling injectable water, it’s vital to start with personal hygiene. Healthcare professionals should wash their hands thoroughly and use sterile gloves before coming into contact with vials or syringes. The rubber stopper of the vial should be disinfected with an alcohol swab before each use, even if the vial has already been opened.

For single-use vials, the contents should be used immediately after opening, and any unused portion must be discarded to prevent bacterial growth. Multi-dose bacteriostatic water vials allow for multiple withdrawals, but each extraction must be conducted using sterile syringes and needles. Reusing a previously used needle or syringe risks contaminating the vial and endangering patient health.

Labeling is another critical aspect of handling. Clear and accurate labeling helps healthcare providers easily identify the product, its expiration date, and the date it was first opened, particularly for multi-dose vials. Facilities should implement a labeling system that aligns with regulatory guidelines to ensure traceability and compliance.

It’s equally important to ensure proper disposal of used or expired vials. Healthcare facilities must follow established biohazard disposal guidelines to mitigate the potential spread of contaminants.

The Risks of Improper Handling and Storage

The consequences of mishandling or improperly storing injectable water are far-reaching. Contaminated injectable water can lead to complications such as infections at the injection site, sepsis, or the introduction of pyrogens into the patient’s system. These risks highlight the importance of adhering to strict protocols at every stage—from storage to administration.

Multi-dose bacteriostatic water may feel like a cost-efficient option due to its preservative properties, but improper handling can negate these advantages. For example, failure to label opened vials or using syringes that have been pre-exposed to non-sterile surfaces may introduce bacteria, undermining the chemical’s antimicrobial capability.

Healthcare administrators should also be cautious of counterfeit or substandard injectable water circulating in the market. Only sourcing products from reputable suppliers helps ensure compliance with quality regulations and reduces the risk of compromised solutions entering the clinical workflow.

Regulatory Compliance and Staff Training

Adhering to local regulations and best practices is crucial in any medical setting. Organizations such as the United States Pharmacopeia (USP) and the World Health Organization (WHO) have established guidelines for the storage and handling of pharmaceutical solutions, including injectable water. Healthcare facilities must stay updated with these standards and incorporate them into their operational protocols.

However, compliance is only effective when accompanied by proper staff training. Healthcare professionals must be educated on the importance of sterile techniques, specific product requirements, and the risks associated with non-compliance. Regular training sessions, refresher courses, and performance audits are essential to ensure all team members remain informed and competent.

Additionally, staff should be encouraged to report any deviations from standard safety protocols without fear of retribution. This culture of accountability and continuous improvement can significantly minimize the likelihood of preventable errors.

Why Vigilance Matters in Modern Healthcare

The safe use of injectable water like bacteriostatic water underscores the broader commitment healthcare professionals make to patient safety. Every step—from selecting the right product to its eventual administration—requires a level of vigilance that reflects the critical nature of the profession.

By following industry-approved standards for storage, handling, and disposal, healthcare facilities not only comply with regulations but also reinforce trust among patients and staff. Proper use of injectable water contributes to better treatment outcomes, fewer complications, and an overall enhancement in the quality of care delivered.

If your healthcare facility seeks further guidance on optimizing the use of injectable water or ensuring staff adherence to best practices, consider leveraging expert resources. Through continual education and adherence to safety protocols, medical professionals can elevate standards for the very products that underpin their daily operations.