Kicking the Flu to the Curb – How to Prevent and Fight this Year’s Cold and Flu Bug
“ACHOO!”
Fight the flu this season
Are you a victim of the winter flu bug? This nasty bug is floating through work spaces, schools, shopping centers and restaurants across the country. So, how do you protect yourself and your family from getting sick? No matter if you’re trying to prevent the flu, or trying to prevent passing it along to someone else, here are some simple tips to remember:
-Everyone six months of age and older should get the yearly flu vaccine (this is a no brainer)! And it’s never too late to get your shot. Call your doctor or Clark’s RX, or another local pharmacy like Mullaney’s to schedule an appointment or check for availability.
-Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue or sleeve when coughing or sneezing, and throw the tissue away after use. If a tissue isn’t available, cough or sneeze into the elbow, not the hands.
-Wash hands often, especially after coughing or sneezing. If soap and water are not available, use hand sanitizer.
Eat Superfoods like dark chocolate
-Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth.
-Avoid close contact with people who are sick, if possible.
-Eat flu-fighting Superfoods that help promote health and immunity, like fish, garlic, citrus fruits, leafy greens, mushrooms, blueberries and even dark chocolate!
-If you’re able to, stay home from work if you’re feeling under the weather. It might be time to take those sick days you’ve been saving.
-Exercise regularly! Working out helps increase the body’s natural virus-killing cells.
-Go easy on the alcohol. Heavy alcohol use suppresses the immune system.
De-stress to boost your immunity
-Stay hydrated.
-Don’t smoke. Smokers tend to get more severe colds more frequently.
-Control stress. Studies have shown that people experiencing emotional stress have weakened immune systems and are more likely to catch a cold than their calmer counterparts.
