10 Simple Ways to Avoid the Flu Bug

The holidays have come and gone and, as many of us go back to work and are again surrounded by sniffling and coughing people, giving and receiving the “gift” that keeps on giving: The Flu.

Avoid the flu by following these 10 simple steps. (Photo: Deposit Photos)

While it is important to remember that ‘tis still the season for colds and flu, the good news is that if you follow these suggested preventions/precautions, the flu isn’t a give you have to receive. Here are 10 simple ways to significantly decrease your chances of getting colds and the flu.

1. Wash your hands

Think of every communal thing you touch on a daily basis – doors and door knobs, stair rails, other people, countertops, restaurant chairs… the list goes on and on. Because we are so hands-on, the chances of spreading cold germs and flu virus is very high.

Combatting this spread is simple — wash your hands frequently and make sure you are doing it correctly!

2. Clean communal surfaces

Many studies have been done to find the presence of viruses on shared surfaces in places like classrooms and airports. These studies all found breeding grounds for germs and viruses. While you might not be able to disinfect your schools and airports, you can clean your home and office areas.

The use of a simple disinfectant wipe on light switches, doorknobs, phones, computer keyboards and TV remotes can minimize exposure to germs and viruses for you, your loved ones and your coworkers.

3. Avoid touching your face, eyes and mouth

The best ways to transmit germs and viruses from surfaces and your hands is to touch your face — specifically your mouth and eyes. This direct introduction can lead to cold, flu and other ill The flu and colds are usually spread by viruses or germs on the hands. Wash your hands with soap and water or use hand sanitizer often and disinfect shared surfaces. (Photo: Rite Aid)[/caption]

4. Use hand sanitizer

For those times when you don’t have access to soap and water, grab the hand sanitizer. Hand sanitizer is a convenient and helpful tool for disinfecting your hands to prevent flu and cold viruses.

5. Get sleep

You immune system is your main line of defense against cold and flu, and sleep deprivation is a major hindrance to your immune system. Not only will getting enough sleep help your body defend itself it will also increase your energy during the day.

6. Exercise

In addition to helping you feel great, working out is beneficial for a lot of reasons, including boosting your immune system. Reducing excess weight can be key when preventing colds and the flu since many studies have shown that overweight and obese people are more susceptible to injury and illness.

7. Don’t be around sick people

If there is someone in your house or office who is coughing or sneezing, try to keep your distance. This might be difficult at home (take all other precautions), but at work try suggesting the sick person stay home. Talking to your employer about making a plan for keeping sick people out of your workspace is a great way to keep employees healthy while also increasing productivity within a healthy workforce.

In addition, don’t be that guy. If you feel sick find a way to stay home.

Be sure to cover your nose and mouth when you sneeze or cough to prevent germs from spreading. (Photo: Deposit Photos)

8. Cover your nose and mouth

Covering your nose and mouth while sneezing and coughing is a great way to prevent the flu and other serious respiratory illnesses, like respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), whooping cough and severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS), that are spread by cough, sneezing or unclean hands. Remember to wash your hands after you cover!

9. Eat healthy, stay hydrated and take probiotics

Eating a healthy diet and drinking plenty of water are two ways to support your hardworking immune system. Think fruits, vegetables, lean proteins like turkey and complex carbohydrates when planning your meals.

In addition, increase your water intake to help your body flush toxins and add probiotics via diet or supplements to help fight any “bad” bacteria with “good” bacteria (recent studies have found that probiotics might help prevent upper respiratory infections in children).

10. The flu shot

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends getting a flu shot annually. Some studies have shown that the flu vaccine can decrease the chances of healthy adults contracting the flu by as much as 40-60 percent. While the flu vaccine isn’t guaranteed to prevent the flu for everyone, some experts believe it can lessen the severity and duration of flu symptoms.

Article written by Eddie Fatakhov, M.D. Fatakhov is a board-certified physician, nutritionist and author of The Doctors’ Clinic-30 Program.