Seasonal influenza can be detected at any point of the year in the U.S., according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, but it generally lasts from October through May. Thankfully, peak flu months generally only last between December and February, which means we only have a few weeks left to worry about the insurmountable spread of germs. Soon, you'll spend less time feeling anxious about catching a cold from a family member after being cooped up inside all winter and more time going outside to enjoy the fresh, springtime air.
If you want to ensure your safety and say goodbye to flu season without a worry in the world of catching a cold or developing an illness, keep these last-minute tips in mind:
Wash Your Hands Frequently
You don't realize how many germs you come in contact with on a regular basis, even when you're just setting your hand down on a kitchen surface or touching a doorknob for a few seconds. That's what makes washing your hands regularly a critical action at all times, but especially during flu season. Use a generous amount of soap and water to lather up the front and back of your hands, under your nails and in between your fingers for at least 20 seconds, as recommended by the CDC.
Remember to wash your hands before, during and after preparing food, as well as after eating, using the restroom, caring for someone who's sick, touching the garbage, changing a diaper, handling an animal and blowing your nose, sneezing or coughing. Use your own discretion in all other scenarios.
Remember to wash your hands frequently throughout the day.Clean Your Home Regularly
The kitchen and bathroom counters, faucets, handles, your children's toys, light switches, doorknobs, hard surfaces – all of these items and areas are home to hundreds of bacteria and viruses, especially during flu season. To ensure you're eliminating the majority of the germs that lead to the spread of illness, make sure you're cleaning your home on a regular basis. Pay special attention to the kitchen sink, as germs tend to feed off the crusty food particles left over from last night's dinner. Also, be especially mindful of the bathroom. Use safe disinfectant solutions that'll clean the toilet, tub, sink and bathroom floors effortlessly so you can say goodbye to harmful bacteria without worrying about side effects of using harsh chemicals.
Use this same disinfectant throughout the rest of your home and remember to vacuum and dust frequently as well.
Be Mindful of Your Public Surroundings
It's not always easy defending against germs in public, as you can't quite control how mindful strangers are when it comes to spreading their germs. There's always a chance that someone who currently has the flu just used the grocery cart that you decided to grab on your way into the super market. Likewise, there's no telling how many people touched the elevator buttons in your office without washing their hands all day.
Because you can't just hope that your neighbors are as efficient and cautious as you when it comes to eliminating germs and fighting viruses, sometimes you have to go the extra mile in public. Consider carrying a small bottle of antibacterial liquid, such as SilverBiotics in your purse to use after you touch surfaces at the grocery store, at work and in other public places. Or, just remember to go to the restroom and wash your hands frequently while you're out and about. These are small and simple steps you can take during the flu season stretch to ensure you don't catch something as the season comes to a close.
Keep Your Immune System in Top Shape
Washing your hands and keeping surfaces clean can reduce your risk for developing the flu, but why not prepare your immune system in advance? Prioritizing a nutrient-rich diet and supplementing with essential vitamins and minerals can improve your immunity and lessen your chance of catching the cold or flu. Hallelujah Diet BarleyMax, Professional Strength Probiotics and Fiber Cleanse are a few of our best-selling products that are loaded with vitamins, minerals, amino acids, antioxidants and live enzymes to support a thriving immune system.
Following plant-based eating habits and complementing your healthy regimen with our recommended Hallelujah Diet supplements can keep your immune system working at its best and ensure your overall health and well-being through the end of flu season and beyond. For more information on taking care of your immunity and defenses, subscribe to our daily blogs! Let us help you live your longest and most fulfilling life.
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