In the flu season that is spreading across the country it is important to take precautions to prevent yourself from getting the flu. The outbreak of H1N1 has many people worried about hospitalization. The good news is the Center for Disease Control has reported that only 1 to 5 percent of cases actually end up in the hospital. The other cases of H1N1 end up in bed for about 3 days with a high fever. To help prevent the spread of flu and to protect your kid’s health, here are 10 simple tips to follow:
- Eat right. We have heard it for years but eating right can actually strengthen the immune system and it can protect you from getting sick in the first place. Eat lots of colorful foods like deep green vegetables, yellow squash, apples, oranges, and carrots. Eat lots of whole grain foods like oatmeal for breakfast instead of eggs and coffee. Whole grain foods are one of the best things because they actually increase the flow of endorphins in the body which give you more energy. Don’t forget to include a daily multivitamin in your diet to keep your body healthy.
- Sleep. It is important for every adult to get at least 8 hours of consistent sleep each night. While you may trick your body into thinking that you can get by with only 5 hours of sleep a night, the CDC actually reports that lack of sleep can cause the brain to function improperly and it is the equivalent to being drunk. When you are sick with the flu it is more important than ever to get enough rest. Your body needs rest in order to rejuvenate itself to fight off diseases.
- Water. Always make sure you are getting at least 8, eight-ounce glasses of water each day. Water helps to flush out the toxins from the body. Increase your intake when you are down with the flu because it’s easy to become dehydrated. Cut a lemon or a lime and squeeze it into your water if you need a little flavor. The rule of thumb with dehydration is that if you are thirsty, you are already dehydrated.
- War on Germs! Grab a pack of antibacterial hand wipes and go to town on everything. Make sure you wipe down shopping carts, door handles, desks, phones, and anything that is frequently touched. Use the antibacterial wipes after leaving a public place and make sure you use them before eating if you cannot wash your hands.
- Clean. Keep your home as clean as possible. Use antibacterial cleaning spray and wipe down the surfaces in your home often, especially if you have someone living in the home that is sick with the flu. Wash the sheets, blankets, and other things often if they are touching more than the couch.
- Stay home. If you have the flu, do not go out. Lay in bed until you are starting to feel better. Going to work or heading to the grocery store will spread the flu to others. The best thing you can do for yourself and everyone else is to stay home, drink water, and rest.
- Exercise. Daily exercise is important not only to prevent heart disease, cancer, and many other things but it can also build up the immune system. Exercise helps to prevent the body from getting sick and it can help you make a faster recovery if you do fall victim to the flu. Even when you are sick try to get in some exercise like a 30 minute walk on the treadmill or a yoga session at home.
- De-stress. There is no question that too much stress is unhealthy. Do not allow yourself to be overcome by stress and instead focus on removing stress from your life. Daily exercise can help reduce stress on the nervous system. People under a great deal of stress have weaker immune systems.
- Vitamin time. Start increasing your intake of vitamins like Vitamin A, C, D, and E. Don’t forget to add some Echinacea to your diet as well. Vitamins help the immune system fight off diseases.
- Wear a mask. When you are ill with the flu, wear a mask even though you are in your own home. Wash your hands often to prevent the flu bug from spreading to your loved ones.
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