With the flu season just around the corner for those readers in the northern hemisphere, many will be stocking up on flu medication, scarves, vitamin-c rich fruit and other well-known flu remedies, but what are some other lesser known ways that people safe guard themselves from the dread seasonal influenza?
H20
The most commonly overlooked cure-all that we all seem to overlook is the simple, free cup of water. Anywhere between eight and twelve cups in a day is what the doctors recommend, and besides keeping your immune system up, it also reduces that groggy feeling that comes along with being tired and dehydrated. Stay hydrated; you’ll feel better in general, and keep healthy too! It’s also an effective appetite suppressant, and far better for you than coffee!
Minimize Contamination
Whoever taught us to cover our mouths with our hands when we cough or sneeze was doing us a great disservice. All that really does is put the germs directly onto your hands which comes into contact with your face at least 50 times a day, and also with objects you interact with and other people, too. To stop the spread, cover your mouth with the crook of your elbow or a handkerchief.
Wash your Hands
It goes without saying that this is a hygienic practice to do regularly, but just doing it after you’ve gone to the bathroom misses the point. There are as many germs on peoples’ hands and surfaces in public places as there in your ‘nether regions’, so get into the habit of washing your hands with warm, soapy water. It also feels really fresh. Do it now! See?
Catch Those Zzz’s
It’s easy to get caught up in a cycle where you just can’t seem to find the extra hours in a day to sleep a little longer. The trick is that you don’t need to ‘find’ them, you need to make them! Try it out for just a week, and cut out one of your daily activities for the sake of an experiment. I guarantee you will feel noticeably more alert, positive and focused after a week of 7-hour sleeps.
Don’t become a Hermit!
Many of us just want to cuddle up in front of the TV with a blanket and pretend we’re hibernating through the winter. This is all well and good as we will be kept from the harsh weather outside, but don’t do it at the risk of locking yourself up with sick people! It’s still important to stay active and get fresh air even in the cold, wet months.
Jeff is a guest author for IFC, consultants helping you to select the most cost effective health insurance.