The beginning of autumn, besides the colorful landscapes and carved pumpkins, mean winds and frost and Flu. Flu season generally runs from October to May and it is impossible to predict how bad this year will be. One thing is certain: the influenza virus, present with us throughout the year, is waiting to strike.
Nobody is exempt from catching the virus. However, there are a few tips that can help you get through the season without too much trouble.
1. Wash your hands (with soap, often and well) – many viruses are spread this way: you pick them up on your fingers and then get them in your mouth or eye.
2. Prepare for the cold season – before you start the battle with cold and flu germs, supply your medicine cabinet with needed medicines (pain relievers and decongestants), tissues, soap, and hand sanitizer. Check that your thermometer still works and make sure that you have plenty of fluids (for me, herbal tea is a must) in the house; don’t forget the canned for homemade, frozen chicken soup.
3. Symptomology – cold or flu? Not easy to tell, but usually colds are milder involving runny or stuffy nose. The flu is more severe and hits you suddenly, probably knocking you off your feet for a few days. Fever, body aches, and exhaustion are common with flu.
4. Say no to antibiotics – both colds and flu are caused by viruses, so antibiotics won’t help. They can actually become dangerous by increasing the risk of breeding germs that are resistant to drugs. Keep in mind that antibiotics work with bacterial infections.
5. When sick, stay at home – even though it might not be easy to take a sick day off, when catching a cold or down with flu, you should. Not giving your body time to pause and heal it may have a harder time fighting off the virus and it could take longer to heal. Moreover, you can also spread the virus to other people. When sick, stay home, rest, and recover.
6. Use disposable products – if you or someone in your family is sick. It’s a simple way to stop the germs from spreading among those you live with.
7. Natural Cure – honey ginger tea are great for sore throats and warm teas made from herbs fight fever and cough. Vitamin C works wonders, regardless if you choose pills or plenty of fruits like lemons.
8. Drink extra fluids – they’ll help thin mucus, drain your sinuses and help relieve a stuffy nose. Water, warm teas and sports drinks are all good. Stay away from alcohol.
Before treatment comes prevention (Click on the graphic to enlarge.)
A healthy, strong body is hit by sickness less often. Enhancing your body’s natural resistance mechanisms helps get a stronger immune system, thus less prone to colds or the flu. Nutritionists advise that the right diet can help prevent colds and the flu; essential is to revamp your diet and lifestyle before the bugs get to you. Foods are unmeasurably better than supplements because they bring the whole nutritional package. Fruits and vegetables are not only excellent sources of Vitamin C, but also other vitamins, minerals, and flavonoids that together boost or maintain your immune system healthy. Natural juices and green shakes are a tasty way of increasing your daily intake of crucial nutrients.
Exercise is an evident differentiator between people who get sick often and those who don’t. Exercise is important all year round and if you’re worried about how to keep active during the cold winter days, remember gym and yoga.
A good thing to remember is that the way you take precautions to keep yourself away from colds and flu, so should you keep your home safe by purchasing renters insurance. Better safe than sorry.
