Winter is on its way: how to fend off the flu this season:
Did you know that without taking the right precautions, a whopping ONE in FIVE Americans would catch the flu this winter? And did you know, the flu season in the United States begins as early as October – so you need to act now!
Why is defending your body from the flu important?
Many sufferers will simply be knocked off their feet for a couple of weeks, confined to bed for rest and recuperation, and will have to take valuable (often unpaid) time off work sick. However, those with conditions like asthma, heart disease, diabetes or weakened immune systems will find the virus severe – even deadly in many cases. Did you know: between 3,000 and 49,000 people will die from flu each year in the USA? (Source).
Luckily, there are PLENTY of preventative measures that one can take to ward off the flu germs, and plenty of strategies that will help you recuperate faster if any flu nasties try to infiltrate your body!
Here’s what you need to do:
Get a flu vaccination:
In the medical world, getting the flu vaccine is regarded as the number one method for avoiding influenza.
Getting the vaccine, and the eligibility for doing so will differ from country to country. In the UK, the NHS provides FREE flu vaccines to the over 65s, pregnant women, children and adults with underlying health conditions (including respiratory diseases) and adults with weakened immune systems. Carers, frontline health workers and social care workers are also advised to get the vaccine by the NHS and employers should arrange this on your behalf. You should speak to your local GP or employer to discuss options (source).
In the USA, the government recommends that everybody over the age of 6 months gets the vaccine, but they stress it is particularly important for those who are high risk of developing the disease (source).
Adopt good hygiene practices:
Flu germs can be passed on through coughs and sneezes, so touching contaminated surfaces is a sure fire way to get ill quickly. Notably, when you then touch your eyes, nose or mouth after touching a contaminated object, you are transporting germs straight into your body.
It’s easier said than done, but DO try to avoid making contact with anybody who is ill.
You should also be washing your hands with warm water and soap regularly. Or, you may find it convenient to use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer. Always take extra care not to touch your mouth, eyes or nose without washing your hands first. Finally, you might wish to use disinfectant wipes at school, work or home to decontaminate surfaces from flu germs.
Give your immune system a boost:
One of the easiest ways to fight off germs is by keeping your immune system in peak shape, topped up with lots of lovely vitamins, minerals, fluids and believe it or not: exercise and sleep.
For years, the connection between a weakened immune system and sleep was seen as an old wives’ tale. Today, however, there is experimental data available that suggests a good night’s sleep CAN lead to a healthier immune system (source). The recommended daily amount is 7 – 9 hours a night.
A balanced diet is the easiest way to ensure your immune system is in tip-top shape for a season of fighting off nasty bugs, germs and diseases. If you work a busy job with no time for cooking, try taking extra multivitamin and mineral tablets to give you that much-needed boost.
In addition, some regular exercise is also said to boost the immune system, and medical consensus is that light exercise should help fight off bugs, but DO rest if you already have the flu (source).
We hope you have a happy flu-free winter!
Bio: This guest article was written by Carly on behalf of Seven-Seas.com. Seven Seas are a worldwide supplier a range multivitamins, supplements and remedies, including herbal cold & flu relief echinacea tablets.
When not writing, Carly loves nothing more than walking her two lovely doggies in the countryside and training for her first 5k run.
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