Flu season is coming up quickly, which means it’s time to prepare. Follow these tips to decrease your chances of getting the flu this year. The more suggestions you adopt, the better your odds will be!
Wash Your Hands
Hands are the primary carriers of germs, so be sure to wash those hands frequently. Use soap and water and scrub-a-dub-dub for approximately 20 seconds, then rinse. Repeat if necessary. Always wash your hands before and after handling food, after using the restroom, and after touching any germ-friendly surfaces (door knobs, counters, refrigerators, etc.). If soap and water are not easily accessible, an alcohol-based sanitizer will do.
Get the Flu Shot
Per the CDC recommendation, getting the flu shot will reduce your risk of getting the flu. Keep in mind that a new vaccine variation comes out every year, so staying up to date means you’ll need to put a needle in your arm just before flu season approaches.
Stock Your Medicine Cabinet
In the event that you or someone in your household gets sick, prepare your medicine cabinet ahead of time. First things first: It’s time to replace and replenish! Get rid of anything old or expired or items you never use. Then think about your necessities: pain relievers and fever reducers such as acetaminophen and ibuprofen, a thermometer with extra batteries, cold and flu medicines, cough syrup and throat lozenges, tissues, etc.
Eat a Well-Balanced, Immune-System Booster Diet
Eating foods that contain vitamins and minerals boosts your immune system, which will help get rid of any virus quickly (or stop it from entering your body in the first place). Make sure you prioritize vitamin C, vitamin D, and zinc. You can get vitamin C from fruits and veggies; vitamin D from milk, yogurt, and cheese; and zinc from lean meat, legumes, and nuts.
Exercise Regularly
Studies show that those who exercise regularly are less likely to develop a cold or the flu. Exercise increases antibody circulation, which promotes white blood cells to fight off disease; raised body temps after working out can prevent bacteria growth; and exercise slows down the release of stress hormones, which weaken the immune system.