Flu is a virus which can be easily protected against. However, millions of people continue to fall ill with it each year. With the right preparation, you can avoid contracting the illness this year. Here are five ways you can prepare yourself.

 

1. Regularly Wash Your Hands

During flu season, it can be difficult to avoid people who are sick. Therefore, you should always practice good hygiene.

• Make sure to wash your hands regularly, especially before eating or touching your face.
• Use hand sanitiser sparingly if you are out and about.
• Do also be careful when touching or rubbing your eyes. Influenza can spread quickly through any orifice.
• Make sure to encourage any children to practice good hygiene during flu season, too.

2. Disinfect and Protect

To protect yourself from catching the flu, always be ready to disinfect surfaces.

• Viruses and germs can spread easily on kitchen surfaces, door handles and more.
• Carry a packet of sanitising wipes with you if you are worried about using public facilities.
• Be sure to clean utensils and other items thoroughly. Do also be careful not to lend out your possessions, particularly cutlery, or plates.
• Never share drinks during flu season, or eat from another person’s plate. You can never be sure who may be infected.
• Be cautious, but not over the top. Carry hand sanitiser and use infrequently when handling public property.

3. Eat Healthily and Exercise

The best way to avoid any illness is to enjoy a balanced diet and to get regular exercise.

• Make sure you are eating from all food groups, and that you consume your five a day, meaning, plenty of fruit and vegetables.
• Make sure you stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water.
• Regular exercise at a frequency of three to four days each week will help. This may be as mild as brisk walking.
• Your immune system will only support you if you give it enough nutrients, vitamins and minerals.
• Top up with multivitamins if you are unsure of your daily intake.

4. Get Some Rest

Not resting enough, too, can result in lower immunity to bugs and viruses.

• If you exercise regularly, always cool down and rest appropriately. Give your body time to recover and relax.
• If you struggle to get more than 6 hours of sleep per night, try to address what may be causing your routine.
• Try to get more than 6 hours of sleep each night, 8-9 hours are often recommended.
• Regular sleep, when enough, can help to prepare your body against a variety of illnesses and conditions.

5. Get a Flu Jab

Flu vaccination is your quickest and best chance of protecting against the flu.

• Flu jabs are available now both privately and on the NHS.
• If you are ‘at risk’, it is recommended you book your jab as soon as possible. Elderly people, pregnant women, young children and people with existing conditions are considered risk groups.
• If you are concerned about flu season, always ask for help from a medical professional.