Exciting things happen as summer comes to a close! Football is on Thursday through Monday, school is back in session, the leaves start to change, the weather gets colder, and it’s finally fall! With the lovely fall season comes some serious issues, like the flu. Sure, spring is nice for the warmer weather but the allergies?
NO, thank you!
The autumn temperatures bring cooler weather and less pollen to irritate the airways but it also brings the dreaded stuffy and runny nose. What are the indications of the flu. you ask? Well, let me tell ya! Flu symptoms may include:
- High fever
- Headache
- Dry cough
- Sore throat
- Vomiting
- Nasal congestion
- Fatigue
- Body aches
- Chills
- Dehydration
In anticipation of the upcoming peak flu months of November through March, here are a few tips on how to ‘Fake 23 Blast’ those germs away just in time for kickoff!
Get The Flu Shot
One of the best ways to prevent getting sick this autumn is to get vaccinated. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that everyone over the age of 6 months get an annual flu vaccination. The flu shots protect against several different strains on the flu so you can cover a majority of your basis first hand. Talk to your doctor about which flu shot if right for you and your family before getting one.
Exercise!
It’s no secret that exercise keeps our immune system strong and keeps up focused. When we’re getting a sweat in, our white blood cells are working harder than ever. You may have heard that it’s the worst idea EVER to workout when you’re feeling cruddy. The truth is, exercise speeds up recovery from illness AND boosts your immune system. When you feel the sniffles coming on, it’s time to hit the weight rack!
Practice Good Health Habits
The next best thing, besides getting a flu shot, is practicing healthy habits. I know, it sounds easy but you’d be surprised! A single doorknob has the potential to spread a virus to 40-60% of people that come into contact with it within the first two hours of contamination. Avoiding close contact with those who are sick, using a tissue or your arm to cover up if you sneeze or cough, regularly washing hands, and regularly cleaning surfaces can help prevent the flu and flu-like symptoms.
Keep Your Hands Away From Your Face
Do you know where your hands have been?! We can wash and scrub all we want but bacteria still manages to find its way under our fingers. Try to keep your hands away from your mouth, eyes, and nose throughout the day. Germs are spread most often when someone touches something that’s been contaminated then touches their face in some way. Next time you feel the urge to itch your nose, break out the hand-sanitizer first!
Sleep Like It’s Your Job
I bet you never thought you’d hear that! Getting enough sleep is crucial to feeling our best and imperative to our immune system. Curling up with a cup of tea and taking time to de-stress could prove wonders to your health. The average amount of sleep an adult should get every night is 6-8 hours. A couple dabs of lavender oil on the wrists, behind the ears, or on the temples can help you drift off to dreamland and even a healthier you.
