It goes without saying that flu season is right around the corner! Not interested in catching the bug? We’re here to help!
Did you know that in the United States alone, anywhere from 9.2 million and 35.6 million cases of the flu are reported each year? We don’t want you to be just another number. The flu is a nasty respiratory illness caused by influenza types A and B viruses. It has caused more than 710,000 hospitalizations in one year and is the perpetrator causing anywhere from 12,000-56,000 deaths annually.
But the point of this article is not to fear-monger with striking statistics, we’ll save that for another time. We’d rather be helpful. Although we can’t guarantee you immunity, we can at least offer some tips for avoiding the flu:
- Get your flu shot
This is the number one thing you can do to protect yourself before and during flu season. It doesn’t take too much time and the needle pinch hurts less than a bee sting, if you ask us! There’s a good chance your employer or school will even host a chance for you to get your flu shot. If you’re on the fence about getting your flu shot, hop off that fence and go get poked! The flu vaccine saved 40,000 lives in the U.S. between 2005 and 2014. You could be another life saved! You could be in and out in less than 15 minutes. 15 minutes or weeks on end in pain and misery – you choose.
- Maintain a healthy immune system
We’re not talking supplements or hardcore diets here. We’re talking basic ways to defend your body against nasty viruses like the flu. Get your fruits and veggies. Get vitamin D. Eat plenty of produce and probiotics. Get sufficient sleep. Don’t smoke. Don’t binge drink. Listen to your body and make smart choices. Build up your immune system so if you come in contact with the flu, your immune system is ready to fight it off.
- Keep yourself and your space clean
Practice personal hygiene. Wash your hands thoroughly and often. Clean your phone. Wipe down your desk. Clean communal spaces. Sanitize, sanitize, sanitize. Keep yourself and your space clean to keep the germs away.
- Stay home if you’re feeling under the weather
This is pretty common sense. If you’re feeling under the weather, STAY HOME! Don’t spread your germs. Take necessary precautions. Go buy the things your mom bought you when you were sick. Get some chicken noodle soup, Sprite and some saltine crackers and curl up for a Netflix session. Isolate yourself and stay away from others to confine the flu.
- Don’t share drinks or food
This one happens far too often. People crave community. They come together by sharing just a bite or trying just a taste. Avoid this when you can. There’s a real chance that you’re not only sharing germs but also viruses. Keep your food and your drinks to yourself. Why? It’s just not worth the risk.
Many things are outside of our control. But we can certainly protect ourselves from contracting and spreading the flu. Follow these five steps to get started on the right path.
