How to prevent the Flu

As the winter months slowly approach, the upcoming flu season will become a problem. With the recent scarcity of the flu vaccine, it is important for everyone to maintain healthy living habits. Here are some healthy living tips that are useful when trying to prevent the flu epidemic.

1. If you get sick, stay at home if possible to avoid spreading germs to other people.

2. When coughing or sneezing, cover your mouth and nose with a tissue.

3. Keep your hands clean; wash them often.

4. If you think you have touched something that was contaminated with germs, do not touch your eyes, nose, or mouth.

5. Do not smoke; smoking makes you more susceptible to respiratory infections in addition to many other health complications.

6. Do not drink alcohol; not only is underage drinking illegal, drinking can also lower your resistance to infection.

7. Maintain a balanced diet rich in vitamin C and zinc. Some suggested foods include citrus fruits, tomatoes, strawberries, sweet red peppers, mushrooms and liver.

8. Do not share with others items that you put in your mouth (straws, cups, etc.).

9. Clean things that are often touched by many people: door or refrigerator handles, phones, water faucets, etc. Disinfectant wipes are useful.

10. Make sure to get enough sleep. Most adolescents need between 8.5 and 9.25 hours of sleep each night.

There is no guarantee that practicing these healthy living habits will automatically make you immune to the flu, but they will certainly make you less susceptible to this virus. Keeping your body in good condition will help you fight off the flu the natural way.

For more information on staying healthy check out:
MedicineNet.com, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention web site, the Commonwealth of Massachusetts Department of Public Health website
or the National Sleep Foundation website.