On October 19th， it was reported by the media that the autumn and winter seasons are peak periods for respiratory and infectious diseases. Elderly individuals， due to their gradually declining immune function and the common presence of chronic underlying conditions， are more susceptible to infections.
Doctors recommend that elderly individuals get vaccinated against influenza， pneumococcal disease (23-valent)， and shingles. Actively building a defense for their health， these three vaccines are collectively referred to as the “vaccine trio.”
Physicians point out that the varicella-zoster virus， which causes shingles， is a neurotropic virus that can lead to nerve pain. Some patients may experience this pain for months or even years. Vaccination can effectively reduce the risk of developing the condition.
In addition to vaccination， maintaining a healthy lifestyle is crucial. This includes ensuring adequate sleep， engaging in moderate exercise， eating a balanced diet， paying attention to air circulation， practicing good personal hygiene， and washing hands frequently. Wearing a mask when going out is also advised.
Dietary recommendations include limiting spicy and irritating foods and increasing consumption of white-colored foods known for their lung-moisturizing and dryness-preventing properties， such as lily bulbs， white fungus， white radish， lotus root， and pears. As autumn and winter temperatures decrease， it is particularly important for the elderly and children to stay warm and avoid excessive sweating during physical activity to conserve energy (qi).
