Flu Season Has Arrived: Are You Ready?
By Virginia Laird
Each year, doctors across the country prepare and educate patients on how to prevent the flu virus from wreaking havoc on their homes. These same healthcare professionals admit there is little that can be done to eliminate the virus completely, but there are some healthy habits which can help reduce the risk of falling victim to the illness. While some families will opt to get the vaccine to help reduce their chances of getting the flu, others may not believe this to be the best options for their family. No matter what you may (or may not) decide about the vaccine, practicing healthy habits can help fight against the flu, including:
- Wash your hands often
- Disinfect daily
- Stay hydrated
- Get enough sleep
Wash Your Hands Often
Make sure to wash your hands often and teach your children to do the same. Some may wrongly believe that washing hands only after using the restroom is enough to prevent the spread of germs. It is best to wash your hands anytime you have been exposed to large crowds, outside, and prior to eating or cooking.
Disinfect Daily
Cleaning the house daily is another way to help prevent the spread of germs. Although there is no reason to deep clean every room in the house every day, it is wise to invest in antibacterial wipes. With the help of these wipes, it can be simple to keep the counters and other surfaces of the house clean and free of germs.
Stay Hydrated
The body needs proper hydration to function. Water is the best beverage to choose. When the body is dehydrated, it can hamper the function of the immune system, which can increase the odds of getting ill, especially during flu season.
Get Enough Sleep
Sleep allows the body to recover from the rigorous day it just experienced. A lack of sleep can affect the functions of the systems of the body, including the immune system. It is recommended that an adult should get a minimum of at least six hours of sleep each night to maintain optimal health.
Taking these precautions can help you reduce your chances of bringing the flu germs home to share with everyone in your house. Here’s hoping your family remains happy and healthy this flu season.
To learn more about your health, wellness, and fitness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Southlake, Tex.