Flu Protection – What You Can Do to Stay Healthy!

There is fear in the air – is there a flu pandemic? We are seeing a rise in Influenza A and the H1N1 Flu. The flu season is here, but we can take measures to protect ourselves and our families from infection. We do not need to become prisoners of our own homes, we just need to be germ smart!

• Wash your hands and wash them often! Nothing is better for getting rid of germs than soap and water. The soap molecules bond to the virus and the water molecules wash it away. Now a quick swish and lather won’t cut it for getting rid of germs and viruses. You need to wash your hands for as long as it takes you to sing the alphabet, then dry your hands on a clean towel.
• Cover your mouth and nose – when we cough or sneeze we are sending germs out into the air, possibly contaminating others if we are sick. Use a tissue or your elbow and through the tissue away immediately. Don’t store it in your pocket for future use, that will contaminate cell phones, keys, money, etc.
• Avoid touching your mouth, nose, & eyes. This is harder than it sounds. When you really pay attention you will find you touch your face quite a bit. Be more aware – the mouth, nose, & eyes are portals for germs and viruses to enter your body. So put a guard at the gate – don’t touch your face! This idea alone is a great flu protection.
• Stay home when you are sick. Everyone knows you are a hard worker, but you don’t need to be a martyr! If you are sick – stay home. Don’t contaminate your workplace so others get sick as well. If you have a fever, you need to stay home until the fever is gone with no medications for 24 hours. These guidelines apply to school age children as well. Teacher do no want sick kids in the classroom!

In addition to these guidelines, you should eat a healthy diet, manage your stress, and get plenty of rest. Try to get extra Vitamin C in your diet through the foods you eat. If you take a supplement, add a zinc supplement as well to boost the absorption of the Vitamin C.

When you are well rested, get good nutrition and manage your stress levers, you have given yourself the best flu protection you can get!