To prevent the flu, it is important to avoid contact with those preventing with flu symptoms. During flu season, it is important to avoid spending prolonged amounts of time in closed, poorly-ventilated environments. You should ensure you are update with your flu vaccine, and eat foods that can boost your immunity (like citrus fruits and broccoli, which are rich in vitamin C).
The flu is a very common, easily transmitted respiratory infection that causes to symptoms such as coughing, sneezing, runny nose, fever, body aches, headache and general malaise.
Treatment for the flu includes rest, hydration and healthy eating. In some cases, doctor may also prescribe medication to help manage high-grade fevers, or to reduce worsening of the infection.
Tips for flu prevention
Some ways to prevent the flu include:
1. Avoiding closed environments
You should generally avoid prolonged periods of closed and poorly-ventilated environments, particularly during flu season. If you work in a closed office, try opening a window or door to promote optimal air circulation to prevent the growth and spread of harmful microorganisms.
2. Avoiding contact with people with active flu symptoms
If a family member, work colleague or school peer has the flu or a cold and doesn't stop coughing and sneezing around you, they should wear a mask to prevent the spread of contaminated droplets in the air to other people. If the infected person is not wearing a mask, you can wear a mask yourself to reduce your risk of inhaling any contaminated respiratory droplets.
3. Increasing your vitamin C intake
Foods that are high in vitamin C can boost immunity and help to prevent the flu and colds. It is important to incorporate these foods into a healthy and balanced diet that is nutrient-dense and low in fat. You should aim to eat 2 servings of fruit per day and you can try to incorporate a soup or salad with each meal.
Check-out other immune system boosters that you can add to your diet to increase your immunity.
4. Getting a flu shot
The composition of the flu shot changes every year, and although it is more suitable for children, older adults and those with a pre-existing cardiac or respiratory condition, anyone can get the vaccine to protect themselves from the flu.
Also recommended: Flu Shot Side Effects (& How to Relieve Them) tuasaude.com/en/flu-shot-side-effects5. Avoiding sudden temperature changes
Fluctuations in temperature can lower immune system functioning, as the body needs to work harder in very cold or very got environment. Therefore, try to remain in an environment that is at a comfortable temperature. Rooms with air filtration systems should be well-maintained with filters swapped as needed to prevent the spread of harmful microorganisms.
6. Removing wet clothes
Similar to above, wearing wet clothes, especially in cold weather, can lower your immunity, as your body is required to dedicate energy to keeping you warm. Therefore, you should remove any clothing that becomes wet from the rain, snow or sweat, and wear clean and dry clothes when possible. You can also try to stay warm by drinking hot tea or consuming warm soups.
7. Drinking echinacea tea
Echinacea tea promotes the production of white blood cells, which are important for fighting off any harmful microorganisms. You can drink this tea daily or try to increase intake during flu season.
Read more about the benefits of echinacea and how it can be consumed.