Did you know up to 20% of the US population catch the flu each year?
Coughs and sneezes certainly do spread diseases!
But while the odds aren’t in your favor, you may wonder how to not get sick this year. Read on for some handy flu-combatting tips.
How to Not Get Sick with the Flu
Catching the flu can knock you out for several weeks. Some strains of the flu may cause you to need urgent care. But instead of using medication to help you recover, try to avoid getting it in the first place.
Read on to find out how to stop yourself from getting sick this flu season.
Get a Flu Shot
The number 1 thing you can do to prevent sickness is to get a flu shot.
Previously the flu vaccine was only recommended for people with a “high-risk” of influenza. But now, supplies are abundant and it’s worth jumping on board.
Wash Your Hands
If you’re constantly getting sick, it may come down to this simple tactic—wash your hands. You probably wash your hands several times during any given day, but it may not be enough. This is because you may come into contact with several people who are contagious.
This means you have to wash your hands anytime you come into contact with other people. You also have to wash properly by scrubbing with soap and water for 20 seconds or more. If you don’t have access to a sink, use antibacterial hand sanitizer instead.
If you have no way of washing your hands, don’t touch your face, your mouth, your nose or any food. If you do, you’re giving germs a free ride into your body.
Keep Your Surroundings Clean
Viruses can survive for hours or days on surfaces. So try to keep your surroundings clean by sanitizing touchpoints regularly. For instance, doorknobs, light switches, your computer mouse, and keyboard.
Another way to prevent sickness is to avoid finger food, which is more common during seasonal festivities. If you’re a party guest, use utensils to eat finger foods. Or dodge finger foods altogether.
Avoid Sick People
Avoiding people who are sick is another key way to stay flu-free. But you can’t be a hermit all winter long.
So when you do meet people, avoid shaking hands or kissing. If you can’t avoid a handshake, wash or sanitize straight afterward. If it’s a kiss, stick to air kisses if possible.
Look After Yourself (and Others)
Try to keep up a healthy lifestyle throughout those tough winter months. Regular exercise, drinking plenty of water, and a good night’s sleep can boost your immune system. This helps the body to fight off infections.
If you smoke, try to make a huge lifestyle change and quit. Because cigarette smoke inflames the membranes of the nose, causing them to be more susceptible to infection. Passive smoking also has the same effect.
If you do get the flu, try to stop it from spreading any further. Try coughing or sneezing into your sleeve or a tissue instead of the air or into your hand. Make sure your hands are clean before you touch anyone or anything.
Prevention Is Better Than a Cure
Follow these tips on how to not get sick this flu season and you’ll feel great through winter. Prevention is better than a cure, after all.
But in this big old world of bugs and germs, it’s not only the flu you have to look out for. For up-to-date tips and hacks to improve your healthcare, check back on this blog regularly.
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