How to avoid getting sick this winter

'Tis the season for sneezing. Influenza, commonly referred to as the flu, hits America hard every winter. With flu comes a million tips on how to prevent it.

How do you know what tips and home remedies to take seriously then? What are truly the best ways to prevent the nasty, fever-inducing ailment?

Here, we have listed the SIX best prevention methods you can use to help keep the flu at bay both at home and abroad.

1. Get Your Flu Shot for the Season

It really is the best way you can prevent the flu.

Getting your flu shot decreases your chance of getting the flu by nearly 60%, which is no small feat. Especially if you have children or elderly family members, you'll want to make sure they get their flu shots as they are much more susceptible to the illness.

This flu shot is not going to be 100%, as mentioned, and you could get a different strain, but the odds are more in your favor if you choose to get your flu shot this winter season.

2. Clean Public and/or Communal Surfaces

If you share a workspace or your kitchen counter, clean it at least once a day with antibacterial wipes or some good, old-fashioned soap and water. From keyboards to phones to doorknobs, wipe it all down.

Even if it looks clean, certain viruses can live on surfaces for up to 48 hours!

For public spaces out of your control, simply be more cautious. For example, when leaving a public restroom, use your used paper towel to open the door to not come in contact with the handle.

3. Wash Your Hands

Wash. Your. Hands. Wherever you are, if you are in contact with others, if you are touching communal surfaces, if you or someone near you coughs and/or sneezes, wash your hands!

It may seem a little silly, almost too simple, but washing your hands will rid you of the germs you may have knowingly or unknowingly come in contact with. Use soap and water over hand sanitizer, but if an alcohol-based hand sanitizer is all you have, it will do.

Along with washing your hands, completely dry them and moisturize if you can. This will help in keeping your skin from getting dry as flaky skin allows for germs to move under the surface.

4. Avoid Touching Eyes, Nose, and Mouth

One of the most common ways that the flu is transferred is from an individual touching a contaminated surface, like a computer keyboard, and then rubbing their eyes, nose, or mouth.

This contact, from hand to face, gives the flu easy access into your body, and it's hard to fight the infection once its in.

Keep in mind to disinfect your phone as well. Your phone may be one of the dirtiest things you carry at any given time, and keeping it clean is not a bad idea, especially since it's often near your face.

5. Live a Healthy Lifestyle

Eat. Eat foods rich in nutrients and vitamins that will give your body all the necessary strength it needs to combat infection. Focus mainly on making sure you are eating enough protein, like eggs or meat, to keep your immune system healthy.

Sleep. Being well-rested will keep your body from becoming weak and susceptible to the flu. Try to get 8 hours of sleep every night to build your immune system up.

Exercise. Exercise keeps your body in shape, both inside and out. While also being a stress-reliever, exercising can be essential when trying to combat the flu, if you have the energy to hit the gym.

6. Keep Away From Sick People

Staying away from sick people should go without saying. However, if it's our spouse or child, we often get tasked with nursing them back to good health. However, to prevent the flu, stay away from those exhibiting flu symptoms as best you can.

If you find yourself within their proximity, wash your hands regularly, avoid touching your face, and do not kiss them! They'll know you still love them.

If you take all these tips to heart and are careful in your treatments, you are well on your way to having your healthiest and strongest flu season yet.

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