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Here are some great tips on How to Avoid the Flu from Tarzana Treatment Centers. If you need a flu vaccination, please visit one of our primary care clinics.

BAN THE BUG, DON’T SPREAD THE BUG
By Harold Flores

With the flu season creeping up on us, everyone is looking for ways to prevent contracting the flu virus. Nobody wants to be sick during the holidays, after all. We are most at risk at the peak of the flu season, which tends to be around January. Here are a few tips for you and your family on how to avoid the flu:

Tip #1: Wash your Hands

You must always practice good hygiene and wash your hands. Coming in contact with a contaminated surface, and then touching your face is the number one way to get the flu.

Tip #2: Get a Flu Shot

Many clinics and drugstores offer the shot during flu season at a reasonable price. The flu shot is covered by most insurance companies, including Kaiser, which operates a walk-in flu shot clinic at many of its locations. It’s quick and easy, and you should only not get the shot if your doctor tells you not to.

Tip #3: Exercise

…and sweat. Sweat helps the body to release toxins from deeper tissues that the virus may have infected. Therefore, going for a run or a sauna would be great ways to sweat out the virus.

Tip #4: Proper Rest

We all love to sleep, but we don’t all get enough of it. Making sure to get 8 hours of sleep will have you energized. This will in turn help your immune system to better fight off the virus.

Tip #5: Healthy Diet

A healthy diet does a lot to prevent the flu. There are many foods and snacks, such as yogurt, that contain probiotics. They help to increase your white blood cell count, which are used by your body to fight viruses. Essential “power foods” to help build white blood cells are fish, lean meats, and beans. Also, try to maintain a balance with the fruits and veggies which provide immune boosting antioxidants and omega-3. And, of course, we cannot forget about liquids. Staying hydrated will help execute many key immune functions.

Tip #6: High Humidity and Higher Temperatures

The flu virus spreads easier in low temperatures and low humidity, while high humidity kills off the virus. So a humidifier in the home is recommended. The suggestion is to keep rooms at 50% humidity and at least 69 degrees.

If you do happen to get the virus, do your part and help to avoid spreading it. Sneeze and cough into your arm or sleeve. Dispose of tissues immediately.

Kick germs to the curb!