10 Ways to Stay Flu Free

With the height of the flu season amongst us, there are several ways we can all stay flu-free and preventatives that we can put in place to avoid getting sick.

 

Here are 10 tips to staying flu-free this cold season:

Flu Vaccine

There are two forms of the flu vaccine - the flu mist which is a live virus and the needle injected version. Doctors recommend that you get your vaccine near the end of October because the flu season generally starts between the months of November and December.

 

Contact your doctor to make an appointment to get the vaccine or you can check our your local drug stores. Many drug stores like Walgreens and CVS offer the flu shot during regular business hours.

Wash Your Hands & Sanitize

Wash your hands and use hand sanitizer to ensure that germs are not on your hands. Think about it next time you turn a door knob, hold the door for someone else, pick up the sugar to add to your coffee, use a public phone or whenever you're around other people. If you're not near a restroom use hand sanitizer to ensure you're not carrying around any germs.

 

Also, clean your work area. Most people spend most of their time at work, so make sure that you disinfect your area and it stays clean.

Use a Humidifer and/or Saline Nasal Spray

When the air outside gets colder, it gets a lot drier. The dry air dries out the membranes of the nose which is bad for the mucous membranes, which need moisture to trap invading microbes and protect us from them. The mucous is sent to the stomach, where the acids it produces destroy the invaders.

 

Humidifers help moisten the air making the flu virus particles less likely to be airborne. Saline nasal sprays can also help keep your nasal passages moistened.

Exercise

Maintaining an exercise routine will help boost your immune system. The increased circulation that you get from excercising makes white blood cells move around the body which helps fight off infections.

Sleep

Getting the proper amount of sleep each night will help build your immune system and keep your body healthy. If your body is not well rested then you are more susceptible to viruses.

Watch Your Hands

You shake hands when you meet someone. You eat with your hands depending on what the meal is. Throughout the day you may need to scratch your nose and rub your eyes. Think about it - you're constantly using your hands. Keep in mind the potential germs that you are contracting during your every day habits. Keep your hand sanitizer close by and disinfect whenever possible.

Quit Smoking

Smoking can make you more likely to catch the flu. Cigarette smoke can affect the membranes of the nose and inflame them. This makes the nose more susceptible to infection. Also, keep in mind just because you're not smoking doesn't mean the smoke doesn't affect you. Second hand smoke will have the same affects on someone.

Eat Healthy

Maintain a healthy diet. Foods that provide immune boosting elements will keep your immune system balanced. Probiotics, that are found in foods like yogurt, have microbes that strengthen the immune system by crowding out germs that make us sick.

Stay Home If You're Sick

It's that simple - stay home if you're sick. Going to work will infect your co-workers and will also potentially cause you to get sick again because the virus will be passed around at work.

Relax

Stress sends your immune system into a whirlwind and studies show it can impair the way your body responds to vaccines. Clear your mind and take a deep breath.