Flu season is upon us, so what are the best ways you can stay healthy this season? Family physician Dr. Sharon Domb is on the frontlines everyday, and shares her top 5 tried and true approaches.
Wash Your Hands. The one approach that will have the biggest impact on your health this season is proper hand hygiene. Wash your hands thoroughly after using the washroom and then use a paper towel to turn off the faucet and exit the bathroom door. Also make sure to wash your hands well before you rub your eyes, touch your face or prepare and eat food. If there is no sink available, keep a small bottle of hand sanitizer in your purse or pocket. If you have a school-aged child, keep a bottle of sanitizer in their backpack and lunch bag to help protect their risk of getting sick.
Get Your Flu Shot. The flu vaccine contains protection against the most commonly circulating strains within the community. While it won’t protect against all strains, it offers significant protection throughout the entire flu season. Keep in mind that the flu shot is inactivated, meaning it contains no live virus and can’t make you sick. It will take about two weeks for the flu shot to take full effect, so schedule in your flu shot as early as possible.
Keep Surfaces Clean. At home, make sure to disinfect shared surfaces like doorknobs and sink handles often. When out in the community, remember that germs can live on common surfaces for hours or even days. Always wash your hands or use sanitizer before touching your face or eating. At a restaurant, that means washing your hands after you order off the menu, as dozens of people have handled that before you. Other commonly touched surfaces include door handles, debit machines and shopping carts.
Boost Your Immune System. There are several ways you can keep your immune system strong to help protect against the flu. Eat a healthy balanced diet, get enough sleep, limit your alcohol intake and stay physically active. Rather than relying on supplements or high doses of vitamin C, medical experts recommend you get your nutrients directly from healthy food sources.
Stay Home. If you are not feeling well, give yourself a chance to rest as the majority of people can recover safety at home. Also, by staying home when you are sick, you reduce the risk of infecting others in the workplace or community. Medical assistance may be needed for very young or elderly patients, if a high fever persists or symptoms are localized to specific area like the ears or lungs. And while there is no compelling medical evidence that chicken soup will reduce the duration or severity of flu symptoms, feel free to have some if it makes you feel better.
