Can I Avoid the Flu?
How do you know if you have a cold or the flu? It can be difficult to tell!
The symptoms of both the cold and the flu are similar. However, the flu is more severe than a simple common cold.
Is it the flu?
The flu often comes suddenly. Most people develop some of these symptoms:
- Fever that could be accompanied with sweating
- Shivering
- Cough
- Body aches
- Fatigue and tiredness
- Headache
- Runny nose
- Sore throat
How can you avoid the flu?
The flu can commonly cause you to miss out on work, school, and other activities. If someone around you has the flu, it is better to take precautions to prevent yourself from contracting the virus. Some of the precautionary methods you can take to avoid catching the flu are:
1. Get the flu shot
The best way to avoid the flu is by getting the flu shot. Every year pharmaceuticals develop new vaccines against the most common strains of the influenza viruses. Most people take about two weeks to develop immunity from the vaccine.
2. Wash your hands frequently
To prevent catching the flu, wash your hands frequently. Scrub your hands for about 20 seconds and wash with warm water. Don't forget about your fingernails. Keeping your hands clean is one of the best ways to prevent the spread of infection and illness.
3. Do not touch your eyes, nose, and mouth
Germs love warm, moist places such as your eyes, nose, and mouth. So, avoid touching them when your hands are dirty.
4. Get enough sleep
Make sure to get between 7 and 9 hours of sleep every night. If you have difficulty sleeping, your immunity may be compromised, which means you will be more susceptible to infections.
5. Avoid sick people
When someone with the flu coughs or sneezes in front of you, some of their germs can enter your body and make you sick too. So, try to avoid those who are infected to prevent you from catching the virus. If you already have the flu, stay at home and rest until you feel better so that you don't spread more germs. And always follow your doctor's orders.
6. Do not cough or sneeze into your hands
Cover your cough. Always sneeze or cough into a tissue. Don't have a tissue? Your sleeve will do! The best place to cough or sneeze is in the inside of your elbow. If you cough or sneeze into your hands, you can easily pick up the influenza virus.
7. Eat healthy
Your body needs sufficient amounts of minerals, vitamins, and antioxidants to work optimally. So, do your best to maintain a healthy diet.
8. Supplement with vitamin C
Vitamin C is an antioxidant and an important vitamin that helps to keep your body healthy. Many citrus fruits, like oranges and grape fruit, contain vitamin C.
9. Stay moderately active
Take a walk or ride your bike. Just get moving! Research shows that 30 minutes of physical activity a day reduces both the frequency and duration of a cold. Exercise will boost your immunity and will lead to a faster recovery.
10. Drink plenty of water
Drink plenty of water. You may also drink naturally low-sugar fruit juices or tea to maintain hydration. The lining of your respiratory tract needs to be moist to protect your body from infections.
