How to Prevent a Flu

Maintaining a healthy immune system is your best bet for avoiding the flu, a.k.a. influenza. Avoid the tissue box this year by following these simple steps.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

1. Avoid sharing drinking and eating utensils with people who are sick.

2. Wash your hands before eating'it really does help keep germs away.

3. Increase your vitamin C intake'which may boost your immune system'by eating ample amounts of fresh fruits and vegetables. Oranges, tomatoes and broccoli are good choices.

4. Drink at least eight glasses of water a day. Herbal teas and diluted fruit juices are good options for increasing your water intake.

5. Get enough sleep. Most people need at least 7 to 8 hours a night for optimal rest.

6. Manage your stress. Chronic stress can weaken the immune system.

7. Take a multivitamin every day to make sure you are getting enough vitamins and minerals.

8. Exercise regularly'it's been shown to reduce the occurrence of colds and flu.

Tips & Warnings

• Vaccines (flu shots) are available and are particularly recommended for high-risk groups, such as those with immune disorders and anyone over the age of 50.
• Some studies have shown that the herbal supplement echinacea may be effective at fighting flu symptoms when taken during the first few days of illness'but not prior to exposure. However, there is no scientific data that supports the effectiveness of echinacea.
• Too much vitamin C can cause diarrhea and gastric discomfort. Avoid taking more than 500mg of vitamin C twice a day.
• This information is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice or treatment.

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[michme]

on 11/5/2009 Probiotics have been proven to improve immune function and help you and your loved ones avoid colds and the flu and can even help you to prevent more serious diseases. They also lower your cholesterol and improve heart function. We use BioDigest - Probiotics and we stay pretty healthy that way. Check it out: http://cli.gs/biodigest

[craigagallegos]

on 5/31/2009 buy this http://tamiflushop.us/product/tamiflu.html

[gildavis]

on 1/3/2009 I typically get 4 colds a year with one of them turning into bronchitis. I tried something this year and for the past 3 months that so far I attribute to preventing any colds. By now I would have easily had one. I started taking fairly high doses of vitamin D3. Really cheap at Sam's Club (I paid under $8 for 400 pills 2000 IU each). I take 3 of those a day and if a cold even tries to start, take one more. I found out about D3 on the 'net. There's a huge amount of info on mercola.com including about a one hour video. Fascinating. Do your own research and see what you come up with. Just a thought.

Gil

[bmi57]

on 11/10/2007 I always use hand wipes after pumping my gas because of so many other hands use them. Great tips. Thank you.

[britonia]

on 11/6/2007 Public Transportation - Always wash your hands after you ride on public transportation. People are touching the seats, the poles (if you stand), etc.