It's a good idea to avoid getting the Flu in the winter.
The flu appears in the fall and winter, but can occur at any time.The holiday season brings together family members of all ages, which increases the chance of sickness, because the weather keeps lots of people indoors at the same time.If you get the flu, it can leave you with a high temperature, chills, and body ache, which can lead to hospitalization.If you want to prevent the flu this winter, you need to get your yearly flu shot, practice good hygiene, and keep your body healthy with diet and exercise.
Step 1: The flu shot is required every year.
Every person over the age of 6 months should get a flu shot before the flu season starts.Ask your doctor or pharmacist which vaccine is right for you, there are a few different flu shots available.You can get a flu shot at a doctor's office, clinic, pharmacy, college health center, or even in a school.You should get a shot every year because last year's shot won't protect you from the flu.If you have an allergy to eggs, have ever had Guillain-Barré Syndrome, or are not feeling well the day you are supposed to get the shot, talk to your doctor.It will reduce the chance of you passing the flu on to others.
Step 2: Put your hands in a container.
If you cough, sneeze, or blow your nose, wash your hands before eating, after changing a diaper, and after touching garbage.Wet your hands with clean, running water.Put soap on your hands by turning off the water tap.Rub your hands together.Between your fingers, up to your elbow, and underneath your fingernails, loosen the backs of your hands.Remove soap from your hands by scrubbing them for at least 20 seconds.You can dry your hands with an air dryer.
Step 3: If you can't wash your hands, use hand sanitizing.
If you don't have access to soap or clean, running water, use hand sanitizer at times when you would otherwise wash your hands.It's a good idea to make your hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol.Rub the product on your hands and fingers until they feel dry.Hand sanitizers don't remove germs as well as washing your hands.If you have the option, wash your hands.Hand sanitizers don't work if your hands are greasy.Don't let children swallow hand sanitizer.
Step 4: Don't put your face in your hands.
Unless you wash your hands first, don't touch your face, eyes, mouth, or nose.Illness can be spread this way.If you need to touch your face, carry a small bottle of hand sanitizer in your purse, briefcase, or backpack.
Step 5: Keep your coughs and sneezes to a minimum.
Throw the tissue away when you cough and sneeze.This can help prevent the spread of the flu.You should sneeze or cough into the crook of your elbow if you don't have a tissue with you.
Step 6: People who are sick.
Don't be around someone who has the flu.Stay away from people who are sick.Being in public transportation, auditoriums, and places where people congregate make it easy for flu to spread, so stay out of crowds during the peak of flu season.If you are sick, stay home from work or school.You can return to work or school after 24 hours if you practice good hand washing.
Step 7: Take precautions around sick family members.
If you share a bedroom with someone who is sick, consider sleeping in a different room.After interacting with them, be sure to wash your hands and clean dishes and cups.People can be infectious for up to a week after they feel better.
Step 8: You should clean your home and workspace regularly.
Disinfectants can be used to clean surfaces that can harbor flu germs.You can clean your bathroom, bedroom, wood and glass tables, office desks, and other areas often.Before you start work, wipe down your desk, phone, and keyboard with a container of disinfecting wipes.
Step 9: It's a good idea to sanitize your phone.
You use your phones so often that they are exposed to a lot of germs.During flu season, use a wipe or rag to clean your phone.Do not submerge your phone in water.
Step 10: Change your hand towels on a regular basis.
Because you will be washing your hands more frequently, you need to change your communal towels more often so that they don't become a breeding ground for disease.If the towel is damp, you should replace it every couple days.Each family member has their own towel.
Step 11: Sleep for 7 hours a night.
Your immune system performs at its best when you get adequate rest.Try to get at least 7 hours of sleep a night.If you want to improve your sleep habits, set a regular night time and wake up time.It doesn't keep you up if you exercise less than 3 hours before bed.Coffee should be avoided after 4pm.Do not nap during the day.Before bed, take a warm bath or read.Don't watch TV in bed, save your bedroom for sleeping.You can sleep in a dark room.
Step 12: Don't eat a bad diet.
Your immune system works when you eat a varied diet.A diet high in fresh fruits and vegetables of many different colors is called a "colorful" diet.This can help you get the vitamins you need.
Step 13: It's a good idea to drink enough water.
Don't get sick if you stay hydrated.Men should drink around 13 cups of water and other fluids a day, while women should aim for 9 cups.If you sweat a lot, drink more.Water, juice, and tea count towards your fluids.
Step 14: Don't stay inactive.
Aerobic workouts increase your heart rate and breathing rate.Good options include walking, biking, and swimming.For optimal health, aim to get at least 30 minutes of aerobic activity per day.It won't stop the flu, but it can make recovery easier.During the winter, you may have to modify your exercise routine.If you want to stay active in the winter, get a gym membership, go dancing, use workout videos at home, and find an indoor pool.
Step 15: Decrease the stress level.
Your immune system is negatively affected by the stress hormone cortisol.If you want to relax, try yoga, meditation, deep breathing, and taking a walk.If you are stressed out due to work or family, you can learn stress management skills.It won't stop.