The flu season is right around the corner, so now’s the time to prepare your body and mind for battle. The flu virus is a nasty little infection that targets your respiratory system, reducing your ability to breathe normally and leaving you with a fever, sore throat and aching muscles. If these symptoms sound familiar, it’s probably because you caught the flu.
This article focuses on how to prevent catching the flu this winter, as well as how to deal with it if you catch it. So get ready for action, read on!
What is the best way to prevent catching the flu?
The easiest way to prevent catching the flu is by getting yourself vaccinated. Yes, vaccinations are a good thing and not something to be feared. The flu vaccine helps your body fight off the virus by priming it to produce antibodies if you come into contact with the virus.
The vaccine is recommended for everyone above the age of 6 months, with children between the ages of 6 months and 2 years being recommended to receive the nasal spray. There is a common misconception that the vaccine causes the flu, which is false. The vaccine contains small amounts of the virus that has been deactivated, so it can’t cause you to get the flu.
However, you can’t get vaccinated too early; the flu vaccine must be administered at least 4 weeks before the time you’re expecting to come into contact with the virus.
Wash your hands and stay away from sick people
The flu is a highly contagious infection that spreads easily. For this reason, you should try your best to avoid contact with people who are sick. If a loved one shows signs of being sick, such as coughing or sneezing without covering their mouth, stay away from them. The same goes for colleagues and friends.
If you are sick yourself, isolate yourself from others as much as possible to reduce the risk of transmitting the virus to others. If you must interact with someone who is sick, wear gloves and wash your hands thoroughly with soap and warm water.
Don’t forget your vitamins
Vitamins help boost your immune system and make it easier for your body to fight off infections such as the flu. Vitamin C is a great supplement to help fight the flu, as it is a powerful antioxidant that can help your body fight off infection. Vitamin B12 is another important vitamin to keep your immune system in tip-top shape.
Eat healthy foods
We all know that eating healthy is good for the body, but it is especially crucial during flu season. Foods that are rich in Vitamin C, Vitamin E, and Selenium are great for boosting your immune system and keeping your body strong during the cooler months. Vitamin C-rich foods include citrus fruits, broccoli, peppers, kiwi, and strawberries. Vitamin E-rich foods include almonds, sunflower seeds, and spinach.
Vitamin E can also be found in eggs, fish, and olives. Selenium-rich foods include brown rice, broccoli, fish, mushrooms, and walnuts.
Exercise regularly
Regular exercise also helps strengthen your immune system, making it easier for your body to fight off infections. Exercising regularly can also reduce stress and help you sleep better, which can help keep your immune system strong.
Exercising regularly also boosts your metabolism, making it easier to maintain a healthy weight and lower the risk of contracting obesity-related illnesses.
Try natural remedies
Home remedies such as drinking lots of water, getting adequate sleep, and wearing warm clothing can help boost your immune system and reduce your risk of contracting the flu. Hot water with lemon juice can help relieve symptoms of the common cold, such as sore throat, cough, and congestion.
Eating whole-grain foods can help reduce inflammation caused by cold symptoms. Vitamin C-rich foods can help boost your immune system and reduce your risk of contracting the flu. Regular exercise can help reduce stress and boost your immune system.
Conclusion
The flu season is just around the corner, so now’s the time to prepare your body and mind for battle! The flu virus is a nasty little infection that targets your respiratory system, reducing your ability to breathe normally and leaving you with a fever, sore throat and aching muscles. If these symptoms sound familiar, it’s probably because you caught the flu.
This article focuses on how to prevent catching the flu this winter, as well as how to deal with it if you catch it. The best way to prevent catching the flu is by getting yourself vaccinated. Wash your hands and stay away from sick people, and don’t forget your vitamins!
