In addition to COVID-19, the flu season is here, and it’s no joke. This is the time of year when everyone is trying to avoid getting sick with a cold or the flu. Unfortunately, it’s not always easy to do that. There are some things you can do to help lower your chances of getting sick, though. Here are nine tips for avoiding the flu this winter:
1. Wash your hands often
This is probably the most important thing you can do to avoid getting sick. Make sure you wash your hands often, especially before you eat or after you’ve been in a public place. You shouldn’t risk it, particularly since the world is still in the middle of the coronavirus pandemic.
2. Avoid touching your face
It’s easy to spread germs if you’re constantly touching your face, so try not to. If you have to wipe away sweat or touch your face for whatever reason, make sure you wash your hands afterward. The best solution to this would be to carry around hand sanitizer so you can clean your hands if you really need to touch your face.
3. Make sure you get enough sleep
Keeping a healthy sleeping routine is crucial when avoiding a cold or the flu. It’s hard to avoid being exposed to germs if you’re constantly tired, so try to get seven or eight hours of sleep every night. It could also be wise to control your screen time, especially at night, because the blue light from your television, computer, or phone can really screw up your sleep schedule.
4. Exercise regularly
Keeping your body healthy should be a lifelong goal, and exercise is one of the best ways to do that. You don’t have to exercise excessively or obsessively, but make sure you’re getting some sort of physical activity on most days. Even simple things like taking the stairs instead of the elevator can help.
5. Boost your immune system
Your immune system is what’s going to keep you healthy, so make sure it has the tools it needs to do that. Try eating lots of fruits and vegetables or take your vitamins when you can. And remember to drink lots of fluids, like water and juice. By doing so, you’re giving your body the tools it needs to fight off germs and keep you healthy.
6. Visit the doctor regularly
Even if you’re feeling perfectly healthy, it’s a good idea to get a check-up from the doctor, so you know where you stand. Early prevention is your best weapon against a cold or the flu, so drop by the nearest urgent care clinic and get a clean bill of health. Plus, your doctor can tell you about any new treatments or medications that may be available for the season’s viruses.
7. Dress for winter weather
Dressing properly is crucial, especially if you want to protect yourself against the cold or the flu. Make sure you’re bundling up in the right way and avoid overexposure to the elements. Keep your hands warm and make sure your head is covered if there’s a chance you could be getting sick.
8. Avoid mingling with sick people
It might be hard, but you have to avoid being in close contact with people who are sick. This includes avoiding public places until you’re sure they’ve been disinfected thoroughly and avoiding contact with anyone you know who’s sick. The more isolated you are, the better. Plus, remember to avoid enclosed or congested places whenever possible.
9. Make a home remedy to fight the flu
The best thing you can do is have a home remedy that works because if you do catch the flu, you need to make sure it’s gone as quickly as possible. Try things like chicken soup or hot lemonade with honey to soothe your throat and kill any germs that may be present. Just make sure you watch how much honey you eat because it still has sugar, which isn’t good for your health.
This winter, try your best to avoid catching a cold or the flu. These tips can help you stay healthy and get through the winter unscathed. If you do catch a cold or the flu, make sure you get it treated quickly and effectively before it becomes worse.
Of course, your best solution will still be to get your flu shots, but these tips can help also keep you safe. And encourage your family or roommates to get their flu shots, too. This way, everyone can stay healthy, and you won’t have to battle these viruses alone.
