It's time to talk about our least favorite season: flu season. The peak of flu season is typically December to February but often the flu is more rampant during the fall and winter and sometimes even as late as May.
How can you make sure the flu season passes you by? We've got the best ways to prepare for flu season.
1. Wash your hands.
It's a simple task that goes a long way. The flu is spread through contact and is highly contagious. You can pick up flu bacteria from surfaces you touch (especially things like your phone!) or you can catch it airborne from people sneezing, coughing, or even talking. And don't forget to practice good hand washing techniques. This article from the CDC details when you MUST wash your hands and exactly how you should wash your hands to be most effective.
2. Sanitize high-touch surfaces.
Wipe down areas that are frequently touched, like doorknobs, counters, toilets, etc. And don't just stop in the house, sanitize other things you touch like your phone, tablet, game controllers and remotes.
We've got a super easy and highly effective way to do this: our PhoneSoap UV sanitizers. Using UV-C light (this means no heat or chemicals) the PhoneSoap kills 99.99% of harmful bacteria and germs in 10 minutes or less.
3. Get vaccinated!
The flu vaccine is proven as the most effective prevention against the flu. A vaccine is easy to get (you can get one at your local grocery store's pharmacy)
4. Take your vitamins.
Vitamins are an easy way to boost your immune system. Specifically, zinc is great at helping your body ward off viruses and infections like the flu. You can get pills that are specifically zinc or you can usually find zinc in most multivitamins.
5. Stock up!
Once you get the flu, it's highly recommended that you isolate and avoid contact with others since the flu is so contagious. Because of this, it's good to get the supplies you'll need ahead of time. Things to collect:
- Tissues
- Medicines (here is a list of good over-the-counter flu medicines
- Thermometer
- A humidifier (need convincing on this one? This article perfectly explains 4 reasons why a humidifier is necessary for the flu season)
- Soups, broths, and herbal teas (great for increasing fluid intake as well as soothing dry and sore throats and congestion)
- Hand sanitizer and anti-bacterial soaps
6. Plan ahead for taking time off.
As mentioned above, it's expected you stay in your home and isolate from those around you to reduce spreading infection. Plan ahead for potentially needing to take some days off from your daily activities and obligations in case you get sick this flu season.
Following these steps may not completely erase the chance of you getting the flu, but they can greatly help reduce the possibility as well as help you live a healthier and happier life.