Tips on how to prevent the flu
Our immune system is our first line of defense against the flu virus.
Maintaining a healthy immune system should be a top priority, and becomes even more important during flu season.
Adopting good health habits including diet, exercise, adequate sleep and hygiene can go a long way.
Let’s look at some tips on how to prevent the flu:
Get vitamin D:
Vitamin D is one of the best vitamins to take for avoiding infections. “Optimizing your vitamin D levels is one of the absolute best strategies for avoiding infections of ALL kinds,” Dr. Joseph Mercola states.
The best way to get vitamin D is from sun exposure, but if that is not possible, a vitamin D3 oral supplement may be taken. Adults may need up to 8,000 IU’s of vitamin D daily.
Avoid sugar, fructose, and processed foods:
Sugar significantly lowers the immune system function, making us more susceptible to the flu. Avoid sweets, sugary drinks and snacks.
Maintain healthy gut flora:
The best way to maintain a healthy gut is by avoiding sugars and processed foods, and replacing them with healthy fats like omega-3 fatty acids. This will greatly help the immune system. Eat food rich in probiotics such as Sauerkraut, Kefir, Yogurt and take a probity supplement.
Get an adequate amount of sleep:
Getting a good night’s sleep brings many health benefits, and preventing the flu is one of them. Getting 7-8 hours of sleep every night gives your body time to rest, repair itself and thus the strength to fight infections.
Deal with stress:
We all face stress every day and there is no avoiding it. However, letting stress take control of your thoughts and well being can make you more susceptible to sickness including the flu.
Regular exercise:
Getting regular exercise may not only be one of the secrets to longevity, it may help prevent the flu as well.
The FDA recommends exercise for the immune system. When you exercise, blood circulates through your body more effectively and your immune system gets more circulated. This way, your immune system has a better chance of catching infections early.
Get omega-3 fatty acids in your diet:
Including omega-3’s in your diet is key for overall optimal healthy because of its antioxidant effects. Wild Alaskan salmon is a good source.
If you decide to get a supplement, take krill oil but make sure you get it from a reputable source.
Wash your hands regularly:
It is one of the simplest things you can do to avoid infections. Washing your hands keep infections from spreading to your nose, mouth, or to other people. Make sure to use a chemical-free soap that is safe for the family. “While soap and water are undoubtedly the first choice for hand hygiene, alcohol-based hand rubs may be used if soap and water are not available,” states the FDA.
Give your hands and wrists a food wash our rule if thumb is 35 seconds.
Use natural immune-boosting foods and drinks:
Natural immune boosters like elderberry extract, garlic and oregano oil capsules can go a long way to preventing flu. Drinking immune-boosting smoothies and juices are convenient ways of including immune-boosting foods in your diet.
Avoid hospitals:
Try to stay away from hospitals when you can. “I’d recommend you stay away from hospitals unless you’re having an emergency and need expert medical care, as hospitals are prime breeding grounds for infections of all kinds. The best place to get plenty of rest and recover from illness that is not life threatening is usually in the comfort of your own home,” states Dr. Joseph Mercola.
Stay home:
The Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that when sick with the flu or flu-like illness, stay home for at least 24 hours after the fever is gone unless it is for medical care of other necessities.
Tips for infants:
Infants can be more susceptible to viruses. “Keep infants away from crowds for the first few months of life, states the FDA. “This is especially important for premature babies who may have underlying abnormalities such as lung or heart disease.”
If you have the flu and care for an infant younger than 6 months of age, follow the precautions below to help prevent the spread of illness to your infant.
1. Try to minimize contact with your infant as much as possible.
2. Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when sneezing or coughing, and put your used tissue in a waste basket.
3. Wash your hands or use an alcohol-based hand rub frequently and as soon as possible if you have sneezed or coughed on your hands.
4. Before engaging in any activity about 6 feet from your infant (including feeding, changing, rocking, reading to your child) thoroughly wash and dry your hands.
Take these precautions for the first 5 to 7 days of your illness (beginning the first day you notice symptoms).
5. Make sure your infant is clothed properly.
Keep your infant warm: Cold feet and cold hands are bad.
Cover the top of their heads.
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DISCLAIMER: None of the information in our website is intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any illness or disease. The content on our website is for educational purposes only. Please consult your health practitioner or a qualified expert before changing your diet.
REFERENCES:
1. “CDC Says “Take 3” Actions To Fight The Flu.” Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 15 Oct. 2020. Web. 15 Oct. 2029.
