10 Tips for Staying Healthy During Flu Season

Flu season is in full swing and this year we’re fighting not only the seasonal flu but H1N1, too.

So is there anything you can do (besides getting vaccinated) to prevent the flu(s)?

While there’s no way to be 100% protected against the flu (even with the vaccine, although that certainly helps) there are several things you can do to build your immunity and give your body a fighting chance.

Tips to Stay Healthy During Flu Season

1. Get plenty of sleep. Not getting enough sleep breaks down your immunity and makes your body susceptible to germs, bacteria and viruses, including the flu.

2. Eat plenty of fruits and vegetables. Your body’s natural defenses need proper nutrition to function at optimal levels. Cut back on processed foods and replace with whole grains and 6-8 servings of fruits and vegetables a day.

3. Drink plenty of water. Staying properly hydrated not only maintains your body’s strength and vitality but flushes your system of toxins and germs.

4. Add immune boosting foods to your diet. Yogurt, black or green tea, mushrooms, garlic and fatty fish like salmon or mackerel are all reported to strengthen your body’s natural defenses.

5. Wash your hands, cover your mouth. The oldest advice in the book is some of the best when it comes to protecting yourself from the flu. Wash often.

6. Regularly disinfect your office. Wipe your keyboard, desk and phone down with disinfectant regularly to avoid the millions of germs that lurk there unknowingly.

7. Maintain your distance. Keeping at least 5 feet between yourself and a coughing or sneezing friend or co-worker will help diffuse a germy situation. And now is not the time to be sharing chapsticks, drinks or anything else with anyone.

8. Get your Vitamin D. The easiest way to ensure you’re getting your Vitamin D is to get at least 15 minutes of sunlight on your face and/or body each day. If that’s not a possibility, consider a supplement. Vitamin D is essential to immunity.

9. Get your exercise. Working out is one of the most powerful ways to strengthen and condition your body, mind… and immunity. Try to work out for at least 30 minutes 5 days a week to increase blood and nutrient flow and decrease stress hormones that inhibit immunity.

10. Socialize. Locking yourself away for the winter might decrease your chances of catching a cold or the flu but socializing is important to keep spirits up and emotions balanced – both are things that strengthen immunity.

Know the symptoms of the flu and H1N1 flu – and seek medical attention immediatly if you or someone you know shows signs.