With the cooler weather comes a season that every parent dreads: the flu season. It sneaks up on you and makes an attack when you least expect it. Germs are easier to spread during this season, as they are more resistant in cold weather. Time spent in spaces with lots of people, such as work and school, are a breeding ground for germs, which spread through every day coughing and sneezing.
But you do not have to be a victim of this virus. Flu prevention can be tedious work and at Zipclinic we want to ensure that you and your family are prepared for this coming season. Here are 5 practical flu prevention tips for you and your family.
Tip 1: HYGIENE
One of the best ways you can prevent sickness in your family is through good hand-washing habits. Washing your hands using soap and warm water, along with 20 seconds of scrubbing, whenever you return home from work or school keeps germs from spreading.
It’s especially important to wash your hands before and after meals as fingers are more likely to transport germs to into the body, which is vital for flu prevention. Create a habit of washing hands before and after you eat, protecting yourself from possibly getting infected.
Not near a sink? Keep hand sanitizer that is at least 60 percent alcohol around for times when your day gets busy. Hand sanitizer does not eliminate germs completely, but it does a great job at eradicating most germs, and is a convenient way to clean your hands on the go.
Tip 2: DISINFECTING
Did you know that germs can live on hard surfaces for hours? Even though your counters and tables may be generally clean, they can still be a home for germs if they are not cleaned on a regular basis.
Combat these germs by disinfecting counters, tables, toys, floors and other hard surfaces that see a lot of activity.
To keep this process simple, keep disinfecting wipes around the house or a gentle, disinfecting spray. The more you do it, the more likely you are preventing the whole family from catching the flu.
Tip 3: DIET
Another way to take preventative measures during the flu season is to make sure your eating habits are being used for your own benefit. It can be tempting to snack on extra pieces of candy and apple cider donuts every day, but make sure you are also snacking on apples, oranges, or foods that are high in vitamin C.
Drinking plenty of fluids throughout the day will also help your immune system fight off viruses. A good way to help your family drink more water is to purchase fun, reusable water bottles to carry with you throughout your day.
Tip 4: REFRESH
Additionally, combat the flu by getting enough sleep. This can be tough with young kids, but make sure you are letting your body rest and recuperate and not simply run on caffeine.
If you’re constantly on the go and not letting your body rest, your immune system will have a lesser chance of fighting off any flu.
Tip 5: FLU SHOT
We want to help our patients during a season that can be busy, and the best way to take preventative measures is to get a flu shot. All our locations offer flu vaccines at an affordable rate, so you can make sure your family stays healthy!
ZipClinic Urgent Care provides walk-in, extended hours’ service for most minor medical conditions in Denver, Aurora and Westminster, Colorado; Bozeman and Belgrade, Montana; and Bowling Green, Kentucky. Most insurance plans are accepted and no appointment is ever needed.
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