Flu 10 Simple Ways to Avoid the Flu Bug By Dr. Eddie Fatakhov The holidays of 2018 have come and gone and, as many of us go back to work and are again surrounded by sniffling and coughing people, giving and receiving the ΓÇÿgiftΓÇÖ that keeps on giving: The flu. While itΓÇÖs important to remember that ΓÇÿtis still the season for colds and flu, the good news is that if you follow these suggested preventions/precautions, the flu isnΓÇÖt a give you have to receive. Here are 10 simple ways to significantly decrease your chances of getting colds and even worse – the flu in 2019. Wash your hands.┬áThink of every communal thing you touch on a daily basis – doors and door knobs, stair rails, other people, countertops, restaurant chairsΓǪ the list goes on and on. Because we are so hands-on the chances of spreading cold germs and flu virus is very high. Combatting this spread is simple – wash your hands frequently and make sure you are doing it correctly! Clean communal surfaces┬áMany studies have been done to find the presence of viruses on shared surfaces in places like classrooms and airports. These studies all found breeding grounds for germs and viruses. While you might not be able to disinfect your schools and airports you can clean your home and office areas. The use of a simple disinfectant wipe on light switches, doorknobs, phones, computer keyboards, and TV remotes can minimize exposure to germs and viruses for you, your loved ones, and your coworkers. ┬á ┬á ┬á3. Avoid touching your face, eyes and mouth.┬áThe best ways to transmit┬á ┬á ┬á ┬á ┬á ┬á ┬á ┬á germs and viruses from surfaces and your hands is to touch your face -┬á ┬á ┬á ┬á ┬á ┬á ┬á ┬áspecifically your mouth and eyes. This direct introduction can lead to cold,┬á ┬á ┬á ┬á ┬áflu, and other illness such as respiratory infection. So if you are a nailbiter,┬á ┬á ┬á ┬á ┬ásandwich eater, nose wiper, or eye rubber, either take a break from these┬á ┬á ┬á ┬á ┬á ┬áactions or increase your hand washing even more. Use Hand Sanitizer.┬áFor those times when you donΓÇÖt have access to soap and water grab the hand sanitizer. Hand sanitizer is a convenient and helpful tool for disinfecting your hands to prevent flu and cold viruses. Get Sleep.┬áYour immune system is your main line of defense against cold and flu and sleep deprivation is a major hindrance to your immune system. Not only will getting enough sleep help your body defend itself it will also increase your energy during the day. Exercise.┬áIn addition to helping you feel great working out is beneficial for a lot of reasons, including boosting your immune system. Reducing excess weight can be key when preventing colds and the flu since many studies have shown that overweight and obese people are more susceptible to injury and illness. DonΓÇÖt be around sick people.┬áIf there is someone in your house or office who is coughing or sneezing try to keep your distance. This might be difficult at home (take all other precautions) but at work try suggesting the sick person stay home. Talking to your employer about making a plan for keeping sick people out of your workspace is a great way to keep employees healthy while also increasing productivity within a healthy workforce.┬áIn addition – donΓÇÖt be that guy. If you feel sick find a way to stay home. Cover your nose and mouth.┬áCovering your nose and mouth while sneezing and coughing is a great way to prevent the flu and other serious respiratory illnesses, like respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), whooping cough, and severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS), that are spread by cough, sneezing, or unclean hands. Remember to wash your hands after you cover! ┬á ┬á ┬á ┬á ┬á 9 & 10.) Eat healthy, stay hydrated and take probiotics.┬áEating a healthy diet and drinking plenty of water are two ways to support your hardworking immune system. Think fruits, vegetables, lean proteins like turkey, and complex carbohydrates when planning your meals. In addition, increase your water intake to help your body flush toxins and add probiotics via diet or supplements to help fight any ΓÇ£badΓÇ¥ bacteria with ΓÇ£goodΓÇ¥ bacteria (recent studies have found that probiotics might help prevent upper respiratory infections in children). The flu shot┬áThe CDC recommends getting a flu shot annually. Some studies have shown that the flu vaccine can decrease the chances of healthy adults contracting the flu by as much as 40% to 60%. While the flu vaccine isnΓÇÖt guaranteed to prevent the flu for everyone some experts believe it can lessen the severity and duration of flu symptoms. SOURCES: https://www.cdc.gov/flu/protect/keyfacts.htm https://www.everydayhealth.com/probiotics/guide/ https://www.cdc.gov/flu/about/qa/vaccineeffect.htm https://www.cdc.gov/flu/professionals/vaccination/effectiveness-studies.htm https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/adult-health/in-depth/hand-washing/art-20046253 https://healthyeater.com/carb-protein-fat-rich-foodshttps://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4979858/ Eddie Fatakhov, M.D., a.k.a. Dr. Fat-off, is a Board-Certified Physician, Nutritionist, and Best-Selling Author of “The Doctors’ Clinic-30 Program. His latest book is Dr. Fat-Off Simple Life-Long Weight-Loss Solutions.