Although you can contract the flu and other influenza viruses year-round, the Fall and Winter months tend to be the most “active” times for these viruses to strike. Over the past year and a half, we’ve been contending with the COVID-19 pandemic. Protecting ourselves from COVID has, in many ways, protected us from the flu, too.
But make no mistakes, the flu can still strike. While the flu is rarely deadly, it certainly isn’t fun. It can derail your productivity, spread to your family, and put a damper on your health and wellness plans. The best thing you can do with the flu is avoid it!
Here are just a few natural ways to ensure you stay healthy and resilient throughout flu season. You’ll find that many of these tips are in line with COVID-19 precautions as well!
7 Ways to Fight Flu Season Effectively
1) Practice Good Hygiene
Good hygiene is your best line of defense against influenza and other viruses. Wash your hands! Wash your hands after using the restroom, before and after handling food (particularly raw meat), and after touching dirty surfaces, handling money, or shaking hands. Hand sanitizer isn’t a full substitute for a good soap and water handwashing, but it can be your on-the-go solution when a sink is not available.
Additionally, avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth, especially with unwashed hands.
2) Use Tissues
At this point, most of us know not to cough or sneeze directly into our hands. Start carrying a pack of pocket-sized tissues with you wherever you go. Instead of coughing or sneezing into your hands (or even in the crook of your arm), pull out a tissue and use it instead. The same goes for wiping a runny nose. Avoid using the back of your hand and opt for a tissue instead.
3) Prioritize Cleanliness
Viruses can live on various surfaces for a lot longer than we’d like. That’s why cleaning and sanitization procedures are so important. Regularly use disinfectant cleaners on household and office surfaces – countertops, desks, tabletops, seats, etc. Remember, too, to regularly wash and disinfect clothing, towels, and bedding. (Hint: Lysol makes a laundry additive that kills germs and viruses.) It’s a good habit to get into anyway, but especially important if anyone in your household has been sick.
4) Watch Your Diet
What we eat has a huge impact on immune function. Receiving proper nutrition allows our bodies to function at peak performance in terms of energy, brain and organ function and, you guessed it, immunity. A bad diet is like jumping into a boxing ring against the reigning champ without ever throwing a real punch. You’re starting behind, hindering your body from fighting off invaders.
Don’t just focus on taking vitamins but target a holistic approach to nutrition. Aim for good sources of lean protein, fresh produce (including fruits, vegetables, and leafy greens in particular) as well as adequate hydration.
5) Keep Stress Under Control
Stress takes a toll on the body. You’ll notice the headaches, the knots and tension in your back, the restless energy and racing thoughts. Stress management is easier said than done (especially in the pandemic era) but it is necessary. Monitor yourself for signs of stress and choose healthy coping strategies. Turning to unhealthy strategies, like drinking, smoking, or overworking – can put your immune function into a tailspin. Take breaks. Use vacation time. Discover helpful outlets. And recognize signs of stress before they turn into burnout!
6) Get Moving
Studies show that a sedentary lifestyle not only increases the risk of cardiovascular disease and other complications, but it can decrease the effectiveness of your immune system, too. You’ll be more prone to inflammation, hormonal imbalances, and poor circulation, among other things. It’s okay if you’ve been inactive. You don’t have to suddenly run marathons. Start slow by taking daily walks – 20 minutes or so of light activity – to build strength and endurance.
Any exercise is better than none!
7) Rest Well
I can’t stress the importance of sleep enough. You can’t trade a good night’s rest for a high caffeine intake. It’s about more than staying awake and being productive. When we sleep, our bodies renew and repair themselves. Sleep helps cognitive function, memory-making, cardiovascular health, and mental and emotional wellbeing. Studies also show that a lack of quality sleep compromises the immune system. If you want to survive flu season, it might be as simple as skipping those all-nighters and going to bed at a decent hour!
How do you protect yourself from cold and flu? Share your top immune-boosting tips in the comments.