7 Simple Tips to Help You Avoid the Flu

This year’s flu season has gotten off to a late start, but it’s still vital to be prepared and avoid winter illness wherever you can. Check out our seven very simple tips to help you prevent getting the flu this year.

• The best thing you can do to prevent the flu is get your flu shot. While it’s true that you can still contract another strain of the flu, it will most likely give you less severe symptoms if you’ve been vaccinated.

• Boost your body’s immune response to the flu shot by exercising your biceps and deltoids for 25 minutes before getting vaccinated.

• Make it a habit to keep your hands off your face. Studies have shown that people who occasionally touch their eyes and nose are a whopping 41% more likely to get frequent upper respiratory infections.

• While you’re at it, take time out to scrub your hands well with soap and water for a good 20 seconds, then dry them thoroughly, since wet hands spread more germs than dry ones. Wash your hands frequently throughout the day.

• If you miss a lot of work due to illness, consider meditating. Meditation helps reduce the stress that can leave you vulnerable to illness.

• When outdoor temps head south, cover up your nose with a scarf. Keeping your nose covered helps the cilia in your nasal and sinus cavities sweep away illness-causing pathogens, since they perform best when warm.

• In addition to keeping your nose warm, you want to keep it moist. Dry nasal passages result in lower immunity. Keep the humidity in your home between 30-50%. In dry environments where you can’t control the humidity level, use a saline gel or spray.