Winter Immunity: Tips for Getting Ready for the Cold Season
As fall arrives, temperatures drop and respiratory viruses begin to circulate more widely again. Whether it’s a cold, the flu, bronchiolitis, or COVID-19: why are we more vulnerable during the cold season, and how can we better protect ourselves?
Preventive measures, vaccination, nutrition, and micronutrients: let's take stock.
Why are infections more common in the winter?
First of all, let’s debunk an urban legend.
No. Cold weather does not cause a cold or the flu: these illnesses are caused by viruses.
On the other hand, several factors contribute to their spread in the fall and winter.
Low temperatures and dry air can promote the stability and transmission of certain respiratory viruses (such as rhinoviruses and influenza, among others). Low humidity can also disrupt certain natural defense mechanisms of the respiratory tract, making them more susceptible to microbes.
Added to this is a very practical factor: we are spending more time in enclosed, poorly ventilated spaces, which facilitates the transmission of respiratory droplets.
That is why it is still recommended to ventilate indoor spaces regularly, even in winter.
Flu, bronchiolitis, COVID-19: What Is the Impact in France?
The flu remains one of the most significant seasonal respiratory infections in France.
During the 2025–2026 season, Santé publique France estimates that it resulted in the following in mainland France:
approximately 1.2 million medical visits attributable to the flu;
115,000 emergency room visits;
21% of these visits were followed by a hospital admission.
Bronchiolitis, which is primarily caused by the respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), mainly affects infants. Meanwhile, COVID-19 continues to circulate, although its impact on healthcare utilization was less significant than that of the flu last winter.
Source: Santé publique France, Report on Acute Respiratory Infections 2025–2026.
What steps should you take to protect yourself in your daily life?
I imagine we're all familiar with the preventive measures since 2020, but a quick refresher might be helpful:
Wash your hands regularly: with soap for at least 30 seconds, especially after blowing your nose, coughing, or when you get home. If soap and water aren’t available, use hand sanitizer.
Ventilate your home: As mentioned earlier, it’s recommended that you do this every day for a few minutes, even when it’s cold.
Wear a mask, especially in crowded places or when in contact with someone who is vulnerable or sick.
A little common sense: Cough into your elbow, use disposable tissues, and avoid kissing on the cheek.
Getting Vaccinated Against the Flu and COVID-19: Is It a Good or Bad Idea?
For people at increased risk of severe illness, health authorities recommend vaccination. Last year, a slight increase in vaccination rates was observed, but the rate remains well below the authorities’ recommendations.
The 2026–2027 French flu and COVID-19 vaccination campaign began on October 13, 2026.
Flu vaccination is especially recommended for:
people aged 65 and older,
pregnant women,
to people with certain chronic illnesses,
for people with compromised immune systems
to certain healthcare professionals.
The COVID-19 vaccination program also prioritizes people who are at the highest risk of developing severe illness.
The main goal is to reduce the risk of severe cases and complications.
Vaccination and preventive measures are therefore complementary.
Can you really “boost” your immunity?
The term is widely used, but it oversimplifies the complex workings of the immune system.
The goal is not to “overstimulate” our immune system but to provide the body with the nutrients it needs to function normally.
In fact, several vitamins and minerals have health claims that are officially authorized in Europe.
Check out our selection of PharmaSmile products that can help you:
Our latest addition to the Aromatherapy section combines 45 organically grown essential oils in a triple-action formula that has been shown to be effective in the conditions of the tests conducted:
kills bacteria in 5 minutes
Targeted virus elimination in 10 minutes
yeast killer in 15 minutes.
A simple step to incorporate into your winter routine to keep your environment clean, especially when viruses are more prevalent.
However, using it is no substitute for daily ventilation.
TRAACS® Zinc Bisglycinate : a targeted formula
This new PharmaSmile dietary supplement
New from PharmaSmile: Our TRAACS® Zinc Bisglycinate features a concise, targeted formula.
This is a particularly beneficial combination as winter approaches, since zinc and vitamin B6 support the normal functioning of the immune system. Zinc also helps protect cells from oxidative stress.
What makes it special? We’ve selected a chelated zinc bisglycinate that incorporates TRAACS® technology developed by Albion® Minerals, a company renowned for its quality standards.
An ideal option for those looking for a targeted source of zinc as part of a simple daily routine: 1 capsule per day.
Immunity Complex: the complete formula to help you get through the winter
For a more comprehensive approach, the PharmaSmile Immunity Complex combines several complementary active ingredients in a single formula: vitamin C, vitamin D3, zinc, and echinacea.
Vitamin C, vitamin D, and zinc all contribute to the normal functioning of the immune system.
Liposomal Vitamin C : A Boost for Fall and Winter
As the days grow shorter and fatigue sets in more strongly, PharmaSmile Liposomal Vitamin C naturally becomes a part of your winter routine.
Its formula provides a high dose of vitamin C to support the body.
Vitamin C contributes in particular to:
the normal functioning of the immune system
to reduce fatigue
to protect cells from oxidative stress
to a normal energy metabolism.
Ravintsara Essential Oil: An aromatherapy essential
It's hard to talk about aromatherapy in the winter without mentioning Ravintsara.
PharmaSmile Organic Ravintsara Essential Oil, Cinnamomum camphora CT cineole, is 100% pure and natural, organic, and chemotyped.
Its fresh and distinctive aromatic profile makes it a particularly popular essential oil for use in aromatherapy routines during the cold season.
A must-have to keep on hand as soon as fall arrives; use according to the instructions and safety precautions.
In conclusion: How to Prepare Your Body for the Cold Season
Preparing for winter doesn't rely on a single solution, but on a combination of good habits.
Certain nutrients, such as zinc, vitamin C, vitamin D, and vitamin B6, also contribute to the normal functioning of the immune system and can be incorporated into a routine tailored to each person’s needs.
As the cold season approaches, the main goal is to do everything possible to support your body during a time when infections are more prevalent.
