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7 Tips on Maintaining a Healthy Immune System

Avoiding the Flu

How to Avoid the Flu Bug

With the flu season fast approaching its peak, your best defense is getting a flu shot. However, flu shots are not fail-proof. Besides, not everyone gets one. Is there anything else you can do to help minimize your odds of catching the flu bug this winter?

Here is advice, offered by medical professionals, for boosting your immunity to the dreaded virus:

Do Get the Shot - As noted earlier, a flu shot is the best defense against the flu, particularly for children, adults over 50, people suffering from a chronic illness an autoimmune deficiency. A flu shot also is highly recommended for people who work in crowded areas or come into contact with many people each day.

Do Wash Hands - If there were only three ways to boost your immunity to the flu and other illnesses they would be listed in the following order: 1. Wash your hands, 2. Wash your hands, and 3. Wash your hands! We're not your mother, but frequent and thorough hand washing is essential. Most soap brands are equally effective in killing germs (anti-bacterial brands have not been proven to be more effective than plain brands). Scrubbing and rinsing your hands for at least 30 seconds is recommended. If possible, wash with warm or hot water.

Do Take Vitamins - Vitamins, particularly E, A, C and B-complex, and minerals are essential weapons in the fight against illness, including the flu bug. When taken, vitamins and minerals will boost your body's immunity powers. Need more motivation: studies have found that people with reduced levels of vitamin E are particularly susceptible to the flu bug.

Do Use Tissues - Two words: use tissues! The flu virus is easily passed between an infected person and a non-infected person by touching or shaking a hand that has been used to wipe a runny nose or shelter a sneeze. Disposable tissues are recommended. Carrying and using sanitary wipes also is recommended. Using these wipes on your hands as well as on other surfaces, such as public phones, door-handles or keyboards, can reduce your chances of getting an infection.

Do Sleep and Exercise - Sleeping less than seven hours per night for extended periods has been shown to increase body fatigue, a condition that makes you more susceptible to the flu bug. Also, at least 30 minutes of exercise each day can boost your body's immunity. Walking during a work break can dramatically improve your health.

Don't touch your face! - The average person touches his or her face at least 15 times each hour. Rubbing your nose or eyes with unclean hands significantly increases the chance of infecting yourself with the virus.

Don't Smoke or Drink - Smoking paralyzes the cells lining your nose and airways (hair-like cells called cilia) that help stop incoming viruses before they have a chance to infect. Other studies have shown that chronic alcohol users are more susceptible to infection by virus. Regular use of alcohol, even if moderate, can erode your immunity.

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