Flu season is here, and that means many people will have concerns about their health at some point in the coming months. Even healthy people can be susceptible to a common virus, but some great preventative tips can cut your chances down significantly.
Here are some tips and actions you can take to keep healthy during the fall and winter seasons.
Here are a few tips to keep you healthy this flu season and to help diminish the chances of spreading illnesses you have come into contact with.
It’s important to wash your hands regularly during the day, especially after you cough or sneeze, or use the bathroom. You should also wash before meals, and after any time you handle currency or other objects that many people might have touched.
Regular checkups should be part of your health maintenance. Your physician can make personal recommendations specific to your own health situation. (Read: “Fact or Fiction? The Truth About the Flu Vaccine”)
Vitamins that boost your immune system can be very beneficial during these months, especially if you’re one of the many adults in the population who does not get enough of these nutrients through diet alone. Consider adding vitamin C, B-12, and D to your diet.
If you have a coworker who is sick, you should take precautions to avoid catching the illness. Don’t share drinks, make sure you wash your hands frequently, etc. The same can apply to sick family members – clean surfaces regularly and otherwise try to minimize exposure.
Lack of sleep can leave you more susceptible to illness. Getting the proper amount of sleep impacts your overall health in a significant way, so it’s vital to try to get good quality sleep as often as possible.
Drinking plenty of water and eating clean will improve your health overall. Physical activity also boosts the immune system and makes you less prone to illness. On the flip side, alcohol use can make you more prone to getting sick. While it’s fine to have a drink or two in moderation, maintaining an overall healthy lifestyle will diminish your chances of catching too many illnesses over the cold and flu season.
The flu vaccine is recommended, especially for those with compromised immune systems or those in the high-risk age categories. Flu shots don’t cover every strain that impacts the population in a given season, so it’s essential that you also follow other preventative steps to keep your body healthy. (Read “Fight the Flu: It’s Not Too Late to Take Your Shot!”)
Seasonal flu is detected year-round, but it peaks in the fall and winter. In the U.S., flu cases start to rise in October, so try not to wait, especially this year. The Carbon Health Vaccine Finder can help you locate a vaccination site near you. Book your appointment!
