Flu is a truly horrible thing. Contrary to what a lot of people think, it isn’t just a bad cold. It’s a lot worse. You ache, right down to your fingers, you’re shivery, feverish, and you don’t want to get out of bed. Most of us at least get a nasty cold over winter time, which can be awful, especially when you need to look after children or go to work. Families with young children tend to get a lot of bugs and viruses, as children easily pick things up, and then spread them. If you want to keep your household fighting fit this flu season, follow these tips.
Have a Healthy Lifestyle
Eating a healthy, balanced diet, and getting regular exercise, is one of the best ways to keep your immune system on top form. Lots of fresh fruit and vegetables, as well as drinking loads of water will help you feel fit, and keep your body working at its best.
Vitamins
A vitamin supplement is a great idea all year around, but especially over flu season. Even if you eat well it can be hard to get everything you need every day. Vitamin C is especially important when it comes to fighting off disease. You can get vitamins suitable for all family members, or specialized chewy ones for the kids.
Wash Your Hands
The first line of defence against colds and the flu is to wash your hands frequently. Use an antibacterial soap, and carry a hand sanitizer gel with you for when you can’t get to a sink. Avoid touching your face to avoid spreading germs. Make sure your home and workplace are well cleaned and sanitized, and stay away from anyone who is sick, where possible.
Tissues
If your children become ill, encourage them to wipe their noses with disposable tissues, or do it for them if they are too young. Wipe regularly, then throw the tissue away immediately and wash hands. Try and get your children in to this habit as it avoids leaving germs lying around on tissues and handkerchiefs.
Vaccinate
If you are in a high-risk group, such as those with chronic disease, the pregnant or the very old, you should certainly get the flu shot. But you might want to consider it even if you’re not. It’s well worth it to avoid the risk of flu. You should get it every year, as the antibodies it contains protect against the strains of the virus expected to be a problem that year; it’s not a life time vaccination.
Rest
Often when we’re busy, as those studying an online mph degree will know, we don’t get as much sleep as we should. Over flu season it’s more important than ever to take a break. Get a good night’s sleep, and if you do start to feel ill, rest straight away. If you are interested in learning more about the flu virus, check out this information from The University of Arizona who also offer master of public health degrees for those with a further interest in treating household and other illnesses.
If you or a member of your family does get ill, plenty of rest and fluids are the best things to aid a quick recovery.
*This is a collaborative post
Oh I had the flu so badly when I was at uni, it makes me shudder just thinking about it. I was in bed at my boyfriend’s house for about a week because I was too ill to even make the journey home! Great tips on avoiding it, I certainly don’t want it again!
Nat.x