5 Tips to Avoiding the Flu this Season

By Dr. Carrie Jones Expert HERWriter

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Everywhere you turn someone is coughing, hacking, blowing their nose, and sneezing in your general direction. You try to take cover, but the germs spray all over and you feel yourself going down. Here are 5 tips to help avoid the flu or recover quickly.

1)First and foremost – wash your hands and wipe down the things you use most. When was the last time you cleaned your cell phone or keyboard? How about your phone at work or at home? Do you wash your hands after grocery shopping and handling the shopping cart? You may want to re-think your answer in flu-season!

2)Avoid sugar and sugary drinks. Sugar brings your immune system down and provides fuel for bad bacteria looking to grow out-of-control.

3)Limit your dairy products – this includes milk, cheese, ice cream, whipped cream, creamer, etc. Dairy causes your phlegm to become thicker which then sticks in your throat, sinuses, and lungs making it difficult to expel.

4)Get enough sleep! When you aren’t sleeping well, your body doesn’t get the opportunity to go through its repair process overnight. Feeling tired and run down makes you more susceptible to colds and flu’s.

5)If you do get sick – then stay hydrated and lay low. This is your time to rest and heal your body so you don’t become sick again 3 weeks later.

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We value and respect our HERWriters' experiences, but everyone is different. Many of our writers are speaking from personal experience, and what's worked for them may not work for you. Their articles are not a substitute for medical advice, although we hope you can gain knowledge from their insight.