The fall and winter months bring with them short days and long holiday to-do lists, but they also signal the start of the dreaded six-month flu season. The flu is an airborne illness that affects close to 20% of Americans every year. Even if you missed the virus last year, remember that strains mutate, so you should take the same precautions to stay well this season. Brush up on your Flu IQ with these preventative tips.
Pay attention to symptoms
No one loves a flu hero. Stay home if you begin to feel those alarming flu-like symptoms: a 100-plus-degree fever, chills, a runny nose or a sore throat. Trust us, your co-workers will thank you.
Wash your hands
The easiest way to spread germs is by touching contaminated door handles, phones, keyboards, and pretty much anything else our grubby hands graze. Keep hand sanitizer nearby in case of emergencies.
Get some rest
Even if you aren’t feeling ill, it’s smart to catch some extra Zs this time of year. While there’s no magic number of hours to hit each night, many experts agree that most adults need at least seven hours.
Drink fluids
We’ve all heard this token, but if you’re sick, your body needs water to flush out toxins, so remember to keep plenty of water close by.
Take your vitamins
Vitamin C and zinc are great flu fighters. They work best when taken early on, so listen to your body and double up this time of year.
