How to Avoid the Flu: 8 Ways to Keep Your Immune System Healthy This Cold & Flu Season by Purdue University

Family Health
4 years ago

How to Avoid the Flu: 8 Ways to Keep Your Immune System Healthy This Cold & Flu Season

Getting a good night’s sleep and maintaining a healthy lifestyle are two ways to battle the flu bug, as its presence increases across the nation. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is reporting high activity of influenza and influenza-like illnesses across the country. In its latest report, the CDC estimates that during this season in the United States, 9.7 million cases of flu have been diagnosed, 32 children and 4,800 adults have died due to influenza.

Having a healthy immune system could help you fight off the flu virus and other bugs if you are exposed, said Libby Richards, an associate professor of nursing who specializes in public health in Purdue University’s School of Nursing. “There are many things about immunity that are beyond our control but there are some things we can do to help maintain a strong immune system so we can take care of ourselves,” Richards said.

Some tips to keep your immune system strong include:

  • Getting a proper amount of sleep each night.
  • Maintaining a healthy weight.
  • Dating plenty of fruits and vegetables.
  • Drinking plenty of fluids.
  • Meeting physical activity guidelines.
  • Not smoking.
  • Limiting alcohol consumption.
  • Limiting stress.

“Seven to nine hours of sleep is recommended when you are feeling sick, as well as when you are healthy,” Richards said. “In addition to getting adequate sleep when ill, it is also important to rest during the day and try to avoid overexertion.”

“If you like to exercise at the gym, be safe and responsible during this cold and flu season. If you have a productive cough, do everyone a favor and avoid the gym. Staying home is a perfect way to not spread germs,” Richards said. “If you have mild cold symptoms and you feel you have the energy to exercise, go for it as exercise might help you feel better, but consider reducing the duration or intensity of your exercise. If you are having fatigue, body aches, stomach issues, you should stay home and rest as exercise could increase your chance of an injury.”

It can be challenging to keep germs contained in one’s house if there are children. “Kids touch everything, which is one big way germs are spread. Kids also tend not to understand or value what ‘personal space’ is and can be in each other’s faces all the time,” Richards said. “Parents, teachers and caregivers can demonstrate proper handwashing and cough hygiene all year long – not just during flu season.”

Richards encourages using sanitizing wipes often to clean things that kids commonly touch, such as remote controls, phones, tablets, toys, doorknobs and faucets.

“As much as we love to show affection with kisses, it’s possible to spread the flu one to three days prior to the start of symptoms,” Richards said.

The content on 30Seconds.com is for informational and entertainment purposes only, and should not be considered medical advice. The information on this site should not be used to diagnose or treat a health problem or disease, and is not a substitute for professional care. Always consult your personal healthcare provider. The opinions or views expressed on 30Seconds.com do not necessarily represent those of 30Seconds or any of its employees, corporate partners or affiliates.

Take 30 seconds and join the 30Seconds community. Inspire and be inspired.

Related Products on Amazon We Think You May Like:

30Second Mobile, Inc. is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites.

Flu Is on the Rise Nationally: How to Start Your New Year Off Safely

Flu Fighters: 15 Doctor-Recommended Ways to Fight the Flu Using a Holistic Approach

How to Get Rid of Colds & Flu Faster: 5 Natural Cold & Flu Remedies to Try

How to Keep the Flu Away: 5 Tips From a Doctor to Help You Survive Flu Season!

Elisa Schmitz
Sleep is so key. I also take vitamin C during flu season (and always get a flu shot)!

join discussion

Please login to comment.

recommended tips

Gluten-free Diets: 3 Things You Need to Know Before Going Gluten-Free

Food Allergies & Coronavirus: A Registered Dietitian's Guide to Food Insecurity During the COVID-19 Pandemic

Skip the Potato Chips: How to Prep So You Grab Healthier Snacks!

The Health Benefits of Cinnamon: Why You Need to Sprinkle This Spice on Everything