How to Lessen the Risk of Catching the Flu

With flu season swiftly creeping upon us, it is essential that we consider ways in which we can keep ourselves healthy and flu free. The rlu, also known as influenza, is a virus that infects the respiratory tract. Unlike the common cold, the flu can be extremely severe and it is mostly due to the fact that there are different strains of the influenza virus that are always changing. This is why we have to take steps to lessen our risk of catching the flu.

Instructions

Difficulty: Easy

1. Get the flu vaccine as soon as it becomes available in the fall months. This is the best and most effective way of warding off the potential risk of getting the flu. However, this does not mean you will not get the flu and you may actually get it but it will be to a lesser degree.
2. Washing hands thoroughly and often will help you rinse away germs and viruses that are easily picked up from touching everyday objects like doorknobs, telephones, faucets and more.
3. Quit smoking or at least cut down on how much you smoke. Smoking, in itself, compromises and weakens the respiratory tract. It can predispose you to numerous illnesses and increase your risk of catching the flu because it weakens your immune system.
4. Include vitamin C in your daily dietary routine. Vitamin C has natural antioxidant benefits that improve our immune system.
5. Eat a healthier diet, which will boost your resistance to viruses and improve your ability to fight off viruses that do happen to sneak by and compromise your health. Maintaining a healthy diet also includes drinking plenty of fluids.
6. Exercise and get plenty of rest. A body that is well rested and physically fit is better able to fight off potential illnesses like the flu or prevent them from even invading the body to begin with.
7. Sleep in a different room when someone has the flu. Since the flu virus spreads easily through the air, you want to lessen contact with a person that already has the flu.
8. Avoid crowds during flu season. This will decrease your contact with people who are coughing, sneezing and carrying the flu virus.
9. Keep warm and dry. Putting your body through extreme temperature changes can leave the immune system weak and an easy target for the flu to creep its way in.

Tips & Warnings

• Running a high temperature and experiencing severe flu symptoms should be followed up with a visit to your doctor. It may be necessary to receive medical attention to help you overcome the flu.