Do you have a fever, sore throat, headaches, fatigue, and chills? You may want to consider visiting a doctor. If you have the flu, it could lead to life-threatening complications.
Between 2010 and 2022, the flu has resulted in 9.4 million to 41 million illnesses. As many as 710,000 patients were hospitalized, leading to 52,000 deaths. Learning how to stay healthy during flu season can protect you and your family.
Not sure how to avoid the seasonal flu? Read on for the tips you need to stay healthy this season.
How to Stay Healthy During Flu Season
Some patients are at higher risk of getting the flu, including people who are:
- Younger than five years old
- People 65 years and older
- People of any age with chronic medical conditions
- Pregnant people
However, anyone can get the flu; even someone who follows healthy habits daily. Here are a few tips to minimize your risk of respiratory illness.
Don’t Spread Germs
One of the best ways to avoid the seasonal flu is to avoid spreading germs. Limit close contact with others who are exhibiting symptoms. This is essential if you’re taking care of a family member who is sick.
Avoid touching your eyes, nose, or mouth. These areas of your face are common points of entry for germs.
Minimize the spread of germs by cleaning and sanitizing surfaces as often as possible. Germs tend to survive best on hard surfaces (rather than clothing or toys). Use a germ-killing sanitizer or cleaner to disinfect:
- Counters
- Thermometers
- Toys
- Trays
If you or a loved one is sick, reduce the risk of spreading the flu by covering your mouth and nose with a tissue when you sneeze or cough. The spray from a cough or sneeze can spread in a variety of directions. You could unintentionally contaminate surfaces if you’re not using a tissue or sneezing into your elbow.
Wash Your Hands
After being in close contact with someone, wash and sanitize your hands. Try to wash your hands as often as possible. If you have children, encourage them to wash their hands frequently.
Scrub your hands with soap for at least 20 seconds. You can sink the “Happy Birthday” song twice to time yourself. Scrub your palms, the back of both hands, between your fingers, and under the nails.
Scrubbing will more effectively remove germs. Don’t worry about the water temperature.
Stay Home
If you have the flu, stay home and recover. Children and adults should avoid going out in public while sick. Stay home until you’re no longer contagious.
Staying home will keep the flu from spreading. It will also help you recover faster.
Get Immune Support
For some patients, the flu can mean a few days of feeling bad and missing school or work. Complications of the flu include:
- Ear infections
- Bacterial pneumonia
- Sinus infections
- Worsening of chronic conditions
Prioritize your health before you get the flu by taking the Immune Support supplement by ChiroNutraceutical. This supplement contains a combination of 25 all-natural vitamins and herbs.
The immune system support formula provides the exact nutrients your body needs to maintain a strong, healthy immune system. Take two capsules daily with a meal or as directed by your ChiroThin doctor.
Follow Healthy Habits
You can reduce your risk of getting sick during flu season by practicing healthy habits throughout the year. Maintaining these habits will improve your overall health, making your immune system more resilient.
Improve Your Diet
Add green, leafy vegetables to your diet. These veggies are rich in vitamins that can support a healthy immune system. Cruciferous vegetables like broccoli send a chemical signal to the brain to boost proteins necessary for immune system function.
Many Americans don’t get enough vitamin D as part of their routine. Vitamin D deficiency can cause cardiovascular problems and a weak immune system.
Foods that are rich in vitamin D include:
- Salmon
- Canned tuna
- Beef liver
- Mushrooms
- Egg yolks
If you have a vitamin deficiency, consider adding supplements to your routine. Take vitamin C and vitamin D for a healthy immune system. Your ChiroThin doctor can recommend supplements based on your needs and goals.
Try removing alcohol from your diet. Alcohol damages the body’s dendritic cells (a component of the immune system). Alcohol consumption could increase your risk of viral and bacterial infections.
Instead, add green tea to your routine. Green tea is rich in antioxidants called flavonoids. Drinking green tea could reduce your risk of cardiovascular disease by lowering your blood pressure.
Drink plenty of water (about half your weight in ounces). Water flushes out toxins and keeps your cells healthy.
Don’t make any major changes to your diet without consulting a doctor. Your ChiroThin doctor will help you make smart nutritional adjustments to your routine.
Stay Active
Develop a regular exercise routine to stay fit. Regular exercise can reduce your inflammation levels, keeping disease at bay.
Exercising reduces stress and the release of stress-related hormones. It can accelerate the circulation of disease-fighting white blood cells. White blood cells help the body fight against the common cold.
Get Enough Sleep
Make sure you get enough sleep each night, especially if you’ve been exposed to a virus. Healthy adults need seven to nine hours of sleep each night. Failing to get enough sleep could weaken your resistance to the virus.
The body releases cytokines during extended periods of sleep. This protein helps the body fight infections by regulating your immune system.
Prioritize Your Health This Flu Season
Learning how to stay healthy during flu season can benefit your overall health by reducing your risk of complications. Use these tips to stop the spread of germs and avoid the seasonal flu. For additional help regarding supplements or your diet, consult a doctor.
The ChiroThin Weight Loss Program includes dietary and behavioral modification guidance, as well as a strategy to help maintain long-term weight loss. ChiroThin is a natural dietary supplement that can increase metabolism, detoxification, and more.
Are you ready to get started on the path to a healthier you? Click here to find a ChiroThin doctor in your area.