8 Tips for Preventing the Flu

8 Tips for Preventing the Flu

No one likes getting sick. Taking the proper precautions to keep yourself and your family healthy is essential.  

Use these eight tips to prevent catching the flu or other illnesses.

Getting Your Annual Flu Shot 

Your annual flu shot is essential to staying healthy year-round and keeping the flu from spreading to others you may come into contact with. 

The CDC recommends yearly vaccination for each person older than six months, near September to October or when flu season typically begins in your area. 

Eating a Healthy Diet 

A healthy diet is an excellent step in reducing the chances of getting sick.

A well-balanced diet of leafy greens, colorful fruits and vegetables, whole grains, and lean meats can boost your immune system and keep you out from being under the weather. 

Related Post: Clean Eating as a Way to Improve Well-being

Get Enough Exercise  

We’ve all heard that regular exercise benefits our health.

Staying active can be a great stress reducer and has even been proven to boost white blood cells, which fight infections and sickness

Even moderate exercise like walking, golfing, and cycling can greatly benefit long-term health while keeping your immune system strong. 

Get Enough Sleep 

Most adults should aim to achieve eight hours of sleep for a good reason! A restful night's sleep has been shown to impact your immune system. 

Related Post:  Reasons to Power Nap 

When you don’t get enough rest, the number of antibodies and cells that fight disease is reduced. When you are sick, your body uses periods of sleep to manage your illness, so continue aiming for a whole night of restful sleep.  

Manage Stress

Although it’s easier said than done, getting your stress to a lower level is necessary for preventing and fighting off the flu. Dealing with high-stress levels over time can negatively affect how well you deal with getting sick. 

To manage stress, consider setting time to unwind, talk through your feelings, and avoid unhealthy coping mechanisms like alcohol. 

Wash Your Hands & Keep Them Away From Your Face

We’ve heard time and time again how important it is to wash your hands, and it’s true! Washing your hands prevents the spread of germs and protects you and those around you from illnesses like the flu. 

It’s also essential to keep your hands away from your face. Your hands come into contact with everyday items that are dirtier than we think, like gas pumps, money, and door handles. Putting your hands near your face brings these surfaces closer to your eyes, nose, and mouth and could get you sick. 

Disinfect Surfaces 

All year, but especially during cold and flu season, you should disinfect objects and surfaces you encounter. This could be wiping down counters, handles, and light switches at home. 

It’s also important to disinfect personal devices like your cell phone. Most people bring their phones everywhere, meaning they’re likely to come into contact with various germs. 

Stay Home When Sick 

Most importantly, when you are sick, stay home! When you come into contact with others while sick, you risk spreading the flu to them. 

From fall to early spring especially, be mindful of avoiding people sick with the flu and take precautions like physically distancing yourself from crowds. It might be best to avoid large gatherings entirely when possible for at-risk groups like seniors or people with autoimmune diseases. 

The CDC recommends wearing a face mask if you work in an environment where you’re likely to come into contact with sick people. 

Learn More Health Tips From Experts 

For more health and wellness tips, Castle Connolly Private Health Partner’s SENs Solution offers podcasts, newsletters, webinars, recipes, and blogs written by experts in their respective fields. 

What is Concierge Medicine?

Learn the Pros and Cons of Telemedicine