Flu Season: 3 Tips to Keeping It Away
By Virginia Laird
With flu season making a mad dash into cities across the nation, it can be necessary to begin taking precautions that can help your family avoid bringing this illness home. For many, choosing to get the flu vaccine is one way to help avoid getting sick. However, even healthcare providers admit that the shot is not a sure way to keep the flu away. Health and wellness experts suggest that while there may be no sure way to completely exclude your family from this harsh virus, there are a few things you can do to lower your chances of falling ill this season, including:
- Wash your hands often
- Stay home when you are ill
- Give yourself a bedtime
Wash Your Hands Often
Hand washing is one of the first lines of defense against many illnesses, including the flu. If you think that washing your hands after using the restroom is enough, think again. Experts advise that you should keep your hands clean throughout the day. This includes before touching your face, before and after handling food, and after coming into contact with others. It is suggested that if you are washing your hands less than seven times each day, you need to step up your game.
Stay Home When You Are Ill
While many find it easy to stay home when feeling ill, there are some who try to power through the feelings of exhaustion, fever, and other symptoms. Although there are times when it may be all right to get out and about while slightly under the weather, flu season is not that time. Health and wellness experts suggest that when the body is sick it can be more susceptible to getting other illnesses as well. Research suggests that the flu (alone) can be enough to put its victim in the hospital. Be smart: Stay at home when you are sick.
Give Yourself a Bedtime
Getting enough sleep is another way to help keep you well. While many may find it necessary to stay up late getting work done or to finish the housework, making time to sleep trumps all when it comes to your health. It is recommended that the average adult should get a minimum of at least 6 hours of sleep each night. While this can prove to be a struggle for many, making sleep a priority can be as simple as giving yourself a bedtime.
Start protecting your family from the dreadful flu germs today!
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