Many people will become so sick this season with illnesses ranging from minor colds to the flu and sinus infections that they require a doctor’s care. Some simple tips on how to stay healthy during flu season.
Wash Your Hands
Frequent hand wash is the simplest way to avoid getting sick and possibly infecting others. The correct way to wash your hands is to get your hands wet with clean, running water, and use soap. Rub hands together to create lather. Scrub the backs of both hands, between all fingers, and under nails. Continue rubbing hands together for approximately 20 seconds. (Singing the alphabet song twice helps pass the time.) Rinse hands thoroughly under running water. Dry hands will a clean towel, or allow them to air dry. If running water and soap are not available, you can use a hand sanitizer containing at least 60% alcohol.
Keep Yourself Healthy
People who are healthy get sick less and require a doctor’s care less often. Maintaining a healthy diet, staying hydrated and exercising will help you avoid sickness. Avoiding stress and getting enough sleep also helps.
Get Vaccinated
The best way to protect you against the flu is to get a flu vaccine. They are available at many different places including doctors’ offices, clinics, retail pharmacies, and some workplaces and schools. Speak with your healthcare provider about the risks and benefits of receiving a flu vaccine.
Avoid Sick People
Avoiding close contact with sick people is an important tip for flu prevention. Older adults and young children, in particular, should avoid public places and crowds during the flu season. You should avoid sharing any personal items such as towels, pillows, and toiletries. You should also disinfect telephones, computer keyboards, and remote controls that have been used by someone who is sick.
Cut out high-fat animal protein
A Yale study found that women who ate the most animal protein had a 70 percent higher risk of developing non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma, while those who ate diets high in saturated fat increased their risk 90 percent. So switch to low-fat or nonfat dairy, have poultry or fish instead of beef or pork, and use olive oil instead of butter.
Take Immunity-Boosting Foods
Food alone can't protect against the common cold or flu, and the science isn't yet clear on which nutrients may bolster immunity to reduce your risk of getting sick. But experts agree that a diet rich in a variety of produce, whole grains, lean proteins, and low-fat dairy products―along with adequate sleep, moderate exercise, and minimal stress―contributes to a well-functioning immune system and may promote a faster recovery if you do come down with a cold or flu and sinus infections. Here are some key nutrients and tips that will help increase the likelihood that you'll fly through the winter months in good health.
Shield you from germs
The best defense against viruses is to keep them — and the people and objects they infect — at a safe remove. "Germs can lurk on most surfaces for up to 3 days. The Germ Freak's Guide to outwitting Colds and Flu.
Buy supplements
If you don't like fish try omega-3 fatty acids. Gets the same protection with a daily dose of purified fish oil capsules containing at least 1 g combined of EPA and DHA.
If you don't get enough sunlight try vitamin D. People who took 2,000 IU of vitamin D daily had 70 percent fewer colds and flu than those taking a placebo, according to a 3-year study published in Epidemiology and Infection. Even with fortified foods, most people don't get enough D, which the body produces when sunlight hits the skin. The amount used in the study exceeds the DV; some recommends not exceeding 1,000 IU a day.
If symptoms of the flu persist or worsen, it is recommended that you seek medical attention. Medical treatment is also recommended for all cases of sinus infection since the condition can be very painful and potentially dangerous if left untreated. Visit 24 hour AOK Emergency Care Houston or call (281) 542-3998 to properly diagnose and get the recommendations for proper treatment of these conditions.
Wash Your Hands
Frequent hand wash is the simplest way to avoid getting sick and possibly infecting others. The correct way to wash your hands is to get your hands wet with clean, running water, and use soap. Rub hands together to create lather. Scrub the backs of both hands, between all fingers, and under nails. Continue rubbing hands together for approximately 20 seconds. (Singing the alphabet song twice helps pass the time.) Rinse hands thoroughly under running water. Dry hands will a clean towel, or allow them to air dry. If running water and soap are not available, you can use a hand sanitizer containing at least 60% alcohol.
Keep Yourself Healthy
People who are healthy get sick less and require a doctor’s care less often. Maintaining a healthy diet, staying hydrated and exercising will help you avoid sickness. Avoiding stress and getting enough sleep also helps.
Get Vaccinated
The best way to protect you against the flu is to get a flu vaccine. They are available at many different places including doctors’ offices, clinics, retail pharmacies, and some workplaces and schools. Speak with your healthcare provider about the risks and benefits of receiving a flu vaccine.
Avoid Sick People
Avoiding close contact with sick people is an important tip for flu prevention. Older adults and young children, in particular, should avoid public places and crowds during the flu season. You should avoid sharing any personal items such as towels, pillows, and toiletries. You should also disinfect telephones, computer keyboards, and remote controls that have been used by someone who is sick.
Cut out high-fat animal protein
A Yale study found that women who ate the most animal protein had a 70 percent higher risk of developing non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma, while those who ate diets high in saturated fat increased their risk 90 percent. So switch to low-fat or nonfat dairy, have poultry or fish instead of beef or pork, and use olive oil instead of butter.
Take Immunity-Boosting Foods
Food alone can't protect against the common cold or flu, and the science isn't yet clear on which nutrients may bolster immunity to reduce your risk of getting sick. But experts agree that a diet rich in a variety of produce, whole grains, lean proteins, and low-fat dairy products―along with adequate sleep, moderate exercise, and minimal stress―contributes to a well-functioning immune system and may promote a faster recovery if you do come down with a cold or flu and sinus infections. Here are some key nutrients and tips that will help increase the likelihood that you'll fly through the winter months in good health.
Shield you from germs
The best defense against viruses is to keep them — and the people and objects they infect — at a safe remove. "Germs can lurk on most surfaces for up to 3 days. The Germ Freak's Guide to outwitting Colds and Flu.
Buy supplements
If you don't like fish try omega-3 fatty acids. Gets the same protection with a daily dose of purified fish oil capsules containing at least 1 g combined of EPA and DHA.
If you don't get enough sunlight try vitamin D. People who took 2,000 IU of vitamin D daily had 70 percent fewer colds and flu than those taking a placebo, according to a 3-year study published in Epidemiology and Infection. Even with fortified foods, most people don't get enough D, which the body produces when sunlight hits the skin. The amount used in the study exceeds the DV; some recommends not exceeding 1,000 IU a day.
If symptoms of the flu persist or worsen, it is recommended that you seek medical attention. Medical treatment is also recommended for all cases of sinus infection since the condition can be very painful and potentially dangerous if left untreated. Visit 24 hour AOK Emergency Care Houston or call (281) 542-3998 to properly diagnose and get the recommendations for proper treatment of these conditions.
