How to Enjoy Fall While Avoiding the Flu
By Virginia Laird
Fall is the best time of year to get out and explore the outdoors with friends and family. It is also flu season, which can make getting out around large crowds slightly tricky. Healthcare professionals preach the importance of healthy living practices as part of flu prevention. While there is nothing that can be done to completely prevent the flu from attacking your family, there are a few things you can do to deter the germs from taking over your house. Some of these things include:
- Carry sanitizer at all times
- Wash your hands
- Try not to touch your face
- Get lots of sleep
Carry Sanitizer at All Times
Hand sanitizer can be your best friend this time of year. Not only should you carry it for you, but make sure to have enough to share. Sanitizing often can play a key role in keeping the flu at bay. When the need arrises to clean your hands but there is no sink readily available, you will be grateful you have your sanitizer.
Wash Your Hands
Wash your hands often and teach your children to do the same. Washing only after having visited the restroom is not sufficient during flu season. It is recommended to wash hands after entering a new building, as you will have encountered germs from the doorknobs. Another great practice is to wash your hands before eating or drinking anything. Your hands will handle the cup or container, which will essentially put the germs into your mouth.
Try Not to Touch Your Face
Touching the face is something that can increase the chances of the flu. Germs will be on your hands; it is a fact that will not change. However, you can keep the germs away from your mouth and nose by not touching your face. If you need to touch your face, including your eyes, be sure to wash your hands before doing so.
Get Lots of Sleep
Sleep helps the systems of the body function properly; this includes the immune system. Depriving the body of sleep can hamper the body’s ability to fight off infections. During flu season,more than ever you should make sleep a priority. It is recommended adults should get at least six hours of uninterrupted sleep each night.
Following these guidelines may not prevent the flu from attacking your family, but it can give you a running start in the race against these germs.
To learn more about your health and wellness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Plymouth, Minn.