In case you've somehow managed to avoid the cacophony of sneezes, cough and sniffles, let me remind that flu and cold season is currently in full swing. This has proven to be a particularly nasty year for the flu. In Minnesota, where I live, there were 2,128 hospitalizations and 75 deaths directly related to the flu reported as of mid-January. And that's not counting the thousands of people who have suffered through flu-like symptoms with minimal or no medical treatment.
So yeah, contagious illnesses are here and experts are predicting it will still be a few more weeks before the number of new cases begins to drop significantly. Fortunately, there are a few things you can do to stay healthy this winter:
1. Wash your hands (and don't half-ass it). The absolute best way to avoid catching any contagious disease is to wash your hands with soap and warm water. Wash them after using the bathroom (please tell you are doing this already), before eating or handling food, or any other time you think they need a good washin'. And don't be lame about it – a lot of people just splash soap on their palms and run their hands under the sink for a moment. Be sure to rub soap into your finger tips (you don't touch money or elevator buttons with your palms!) and under your nails, and try to wash for at least 30 seconds each time.
2. Get your flu shot. Yeah, yeah you're reluctant to get a flu shot because your friend's cousin's acupuncturist claimed she got flu from one. Guess what? You can't get the flu from a flu shot (here's what the Centers for Disease Control had to say about that) and it the most effective way to prevent the flu. Most health insurance plans cover flu shots, but if yours doesn't (or you don't have insurance) you can get a flu shot without an appointment at many local pharmacies and clinics for under $30.
3. Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth. Viruses generally don't enter through your kneecaps – they prefer the nose, eyes and mouth. Each time you touch your face you are potentially giving germs easy access to your body. Pay close attention to little tics you might not even be aware you have, such as nail-biting, nose-picking (you should really kick that habit anyway) and eye-rubbing.
4. Eat a healthy diet. This advice goes toward your overall well-being, but it is especially important to eat healthily during cold and flu season. Garlic and honey have natural antibiotic properties; fruits like oranges and strawberries have high levels of immune-system boosting vitamin C; chicken and tuna contain glutamine, an amino acid that helps ward off viruses; and vegetable-rich, broth-based soups have all kinds of vitamins and nutrients that can keep you healthy. Need your sweets? Luckily, dark chocolate is also a known anti-oxidant.
5. Exercise. Just like eating a healthy diet, exercising regularly improves your immune system. One way exercise helps ward off disease is by circulating immune cells through body to fight off bacteria and viruses. By sticking to a consistent exercise program (even moderate exercise will do), your strong cells will move around more often, thus preventing diseased cells from multiplying. Exercise also relieves stress, which can weaken you immune system.
6. Keep shared objects clean. Think of all the items at home or work that you share with others: phones, remote controls, staplers, computers, tools, etc. If someone with the flu was using the phone before you, chances are his germs are still lingering on the mouthpiece (and remember that an individual may have the flu for a couple of days before noticing the symptoms). Hand sanitizer, antibacterial wipes or good old-fashioned soap and water are you best tools in fighting off disease.
7. Don't make out with hobos, Kardashians or professional athletes. Just don't.
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