How do I avoid the Flu Season?

Avoid These Alarming Statistics This Flu Season 

Between November and March, your chances of contracting the flu increase by as much as 80%, according to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC). In fact, anywhere from 5% to 20% of our country's population contracts the flu every year. But that’s not the worst part. More than 200,000 of us are hospitalized because of it, and roughly 36,000 people actually die from it. That means lost work time and even lost medical expenses. 

But there are some things you can do to keep yourself healthy. Be sure to share these tips with your coworkers, colleagues, and family members to help them avoid those alarming numbers and stay healthy this flu season. 

Wash your hands: The flu is a contagious respiratory illness that is caused by the influenza virus. It is most commonly transmitted in one of two ways. The first is by inhaling saliva particles left behind by a sneeze or a cough from someone who is infected. The second, more common way is via hand-to-hand (or hand-to-object) contact. That’s why it is so important to regularly wash your hands, especially during flu season. 

Keep your body hydrated by drinking plenty of water. The average adult needs to drink a minimum of eight, 8-ounce glasses a day to achieve the proper level of hydration. Doing so will help to keep your system flushed of various toxins. 

Get your exercise. Aside from the obvious reasons, aerobic exercise causes your heart to pump larger quantities of blood at a faster rate. In turn, your breathing rate increases in order to transfer oxygen from the lungs to your blood. The end result is that you sweat. This process has been shown to increase virus-killing cells within the body. 

Eat a balanced and healthy diet. Regular consumption of certain food items has actually been shown to reduce colds and flu. Yogurt and garlic are two in particular. Any vegetables or fruits that are dark green, red, or yellow in color should also be a part of your normal repertoire, as they are chock full of phytochemicals, natural plant chemicals that boost the potency of the vitamins that are in the food you ingest. 

Get a flu shot every fall. The CDC recommends this type of shot for anyone who wants to avoid the flu, but you should consult with your doctor to see if it's right for you.