{"id":921,"date":"2017-02-09T14:25:39","date_gmt":"2017-02-09T18:25:39","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.boironca.dreamhosters.com\/blog\/?p=921\/"},"modified":"2024-01-02T18:59:09","modified_gmt":"2024-01-02T18:59:09","slug":"prevent-the-flu-with-these-7-healthy-habits","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.boiron.ca\/en\/all\/others\/healthy\/prevent-the-flu-with-these-7-healthy-habits\/","title":{"rendered":"Prevent the Flu with These 7 Healthy Habits"},"content":{"rendered":"

Each year, catching the flu seems almost inevitable during the cold winter months.<\/h3>\n

As you may already know<\/a>, influenza (a.k.a the flu) is a viral respiratory infection that is passed from one person to another. Accordingly, practising good health habits like covering your mouth when you cough and washing your hands frequently can go a long way in limiting the spread of germs and preventing respiratory illnesses.<\/p>\n

The following lifestyle tips will help you stay healthy this flu season:<\/h3>\n
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  1. Limit interactions with people who are ill.\u00a0Avoid close contact with people who are sick. When you are sick, keep your distance from others to protect them from getting sick too.[1]<\/li>\n
  2. Wash your hands frequently.\u00a0Flu viruses are spread by droplets from infected people when they sneeze, blow their nose, or wipe away secretions from their nose or eyes. Protect yourself from germs by washing your hands frequently. If you don\u2019t have access to soap and water, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.[2]<\/li>\n
  3. Eat a healthy diet rich in vitamins C and E.\u00a0Foods containing these vitamins are believed to be helpful in supporting the immune system.[3] Foods rich in vitamin E include sunflower and corn oils, sunflower seeds as well as nuts like almonds and peanuts. You can get your daily dose of vitamin C from foods like oranges, strawberries, broccoli and peppers. Additionally, make an effort to reduce your intake of refined sugars<\/a> (e.g. soda, candy) because excessive sugar consumption impairs the immune response.<\/li>\n
  4. Get a good night\u2019s sleep.\u00a0Lack of sleep may profoundly inhibit your immune system. Get a full night\u2019s rest to keep your body\u2019s natural defenses at optimum efficiency. Try to be aware of what your body needs (8 hours minimum) and take short naps (15-30 minutes) if necessary.[4]<\/li>\n
  5. Stay hydrated.\u00a0Increasing your water intake will help you stay healthy and lessen the chance of you coming down with flu. When you are feeling under the weather, drinking extra fluids (warm liquids preferably) prevents dehydration, loosens mucus, and keeps your throat moist.[5]<\/li>\n
  6. Cover up when you sneeze or cough.\u00a0Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or arm when coughing or sneezing. It prevents infectious droplets to be spread in the air.[6]<\/li>\n
  7. Exercise regularly.\u00a0Not only can regular exercise lower stress<\/a>, but research indicates that exercise can stimulate the immune system. [7]<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

    And what if you\u2019re hit with flu-like symptoms anyway?<\/h3>\n