Seasonal flu accounts for a high proportion of sicknesses each year, and can be contracted by people of all ages and from all walks of life. Taking steps to reduce your risk of contracting seasonal influenza can help you to avoid serious health problems, prevent you from losing work and leisure days and safeguard your body against similar infections in the future, as well as protecting the people closest to you.
Even if you consider yourself a hygienic person, there may still be ways to reduce your risk of picking up infections, especially when visiting public places. Though none of these ways is a guarantee, they could be worth a try if you're serious about wanting to avoid the flu. Wearing gloves can offer effective protection when touching surfaces that may have previously been touched by flu sufferers, and you should make a point of washing your hands with soap any time you pass a sink. This can help remove any germs that may be present there which could potentially transfer to your food or face. You may also want to avoid putting your hands to your face as much as possible, including not rubbing your eyes or scratching your nose, as this can increase the likelihood of flu transmission. If you shake someone's hand, perhaps wash yours soon after.
It's important to think and act responsibly if you believe you or people around you may have the flu, including your children and close friends. If you feel under the weather, it may be better to spend the day resting, rather than risk your more vulnerable body being exposed to influenza strains when it has less chance of putting up a fight. Going to sleep earlier and for longer has been proven to improve people's resistance to sickness, due to their being less tired. Covering your nose when you sneeze or wearing a face mask when in public can also help you avoid spreading germs to other people.
The food you eat can also play a part in determining your seasonal flu susceptibility, especially when it comes to eating more fresh fruit and vegetables to support your immune system. Exercise can be important for enhancing immune functions too, though strenuous physical exertion should be avoided if you already feel sick.
One of the most effective ways to improve your resistance to contracting flu is to keep up with annual seasonal flu vaccinations, which are usually recommended by clinics before the winter season begins in earnest, when flu strains such as H1N1 (swine flu) are more likely to return.
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