You may have seen the signs pop up at local pharmacies about flu shots available within and to get your shot today. Flu season is upon us and many people have different opinions on whether or not flu shots are necessary or even helpful. Where ever you may stand on the line regarding flu shots, it is important to remember that your body is a magnificent creation that is a complex system capable of many great feats and in order to maintain prime functionality, you need to take care of it. Here are a few tips to help keep you healthy during the cold and flu season this year.
- Eat healthy, exercise, and get plenty of sleep. In order for your body to perform at its prime, you need to take care of it. The proper nutrition, rest, and fitness all help your body to maintain a health immune system and quick response to invading germs.
- Wash your hands. This applies more often than after using the restroom. If you have spent your day at work around others (who may not be as aware of being germ free as you are) you should wash your hands after using shared items like handles in the breakroom, touching doorknobs or light switches especially before eating. Soap and water is best (for at least 20 seconds) but if not readily available, an alcohol based sanitizer will suffice.
- Avoid touching your face. Primarily your eyes, nose, or mouth. Without even realizing it, on average a person touches their face 2,000 to 3,000 times a day (that’s 2 to 5 times a minute!). You can easily pick up a virus off of a shared object (handrail, doorknob, countertop, etc.) and then touch your face without even giving it a second thought. This is why washing your hands is so important to your health.
- Avoid contact with people who are sick. It may not be possible for everyone to stay home when they are feeling under the weather or they may not think that they are contagious. Avoid shaking hands or being near someone with signs of a cold (sniffling, sneezing, or coughing).
- If you have allergies, get them under control. Untreated allergy symptoms can actually weaken your respiratory system, as it is already inflamed, and leave it more susceptible to a viral infection.
- See your upper cervical chiropractor. In addition to seeing your regular physician, you should stop by your upper cervical doctor’s office. The goal of upper cervical care is to ensure your spine is properly aligned, allowing your central nervous system to operate at its prime. Your central nervous system controls your immune system, if one fails, so will the other.
- Cover your mouth and wash your hands afterwards. Avoid spreading your germs to others and be sure to wash your hands after you cover your mouth/nose for a cough or sneeze.
- Stay home if you are ill. If you can, limit your interactions with others while sick to reduce spreading your illness.
