Sniffles and coughs and sore throats, oh my!
The average adult in the U.S. will get 2-4 colds a year, while approximately 10% of the U.S. population will get the flu each year. Stay healthy and sniffle-free with our tips and tricks to avoid getting sick this year.
Rub A Dub Dub
The main way to make sure that you don’t catch a cold or the flu is staying clean.
Doorknobs, desks and the air are all filled with unavoidable germs in the winter, so your best bet to avoiding sickness is to stay hygienic. Wash your hands with warm water and soap before every meal, after coming in from outside and any time you come in contact with a sick person. Carry hand sanitizer with you for those times when a sink and soap aren’t available.Get Vaccinated
If you really want to make sure you won’t catch the flu this year, consider getting vaccinated. Vaccines are created every year to protect against the three or four most common strains of the flu virus. Though they won’t protect you one hundred percent, they can definitely be helpful. Shots and flu mists are available, depending on how you’d like to get protected. People who are considered “high risk”, including those with certain medical conditions such as asthma or metabolic disorder are highly encouraged to get vaccinated.
Keep Your Hands Away From Your Face
Even if you religiously wash your hands, try to keep your paws away from your nose, mouth and eyes during cold and flu season. Germs are most easily spread this way, and by directly introducing germs to your mucus membranes you are helping speed the infection process along.
Also, be sure to use a tissue whenever sneezing or coughing, to help keep the germs in the trashcan instead of everywhere else.Stay Healthy
A strong immune system will fight off colds and flu much better than a weak one. Keep your immune system in tip top shape by exercising, eating healthy, drinking lots of water and managing your stress levels. Take a daily multivitamin, and if you’re starting to feel a little sluggish, vitamin C supplements can help give your immune system the little extra boost it needs to keep you happy and healthy all winter long.
(Feature Photo via We Heart It)