As many as 45 Million Americans are affected by the flu each year. This equates to approximately 5-9 % of the population. NPTI Florida will suggest a few things you can do to reduce the likelihood of becoming sick. The flu is a viral infection of the respiratory tract that can cause fever, chills, body aches, headaches and a cough. It can last 5 to 7 days, but the symptoms can linger for 2 to 3 weeks. NPTI Florida suggests you minimize your risk of getting the flu this season. Frequent handwashing and getting a flu vaccination can help, but we also suggest a few other tips heading into winter.
NPTI Owner Pat Sherman suggests that the first line of defense is do not encounter the flu! Stay away from people who are sick. If you own a personal training studio or fitness center, make a strong policy that sick people are to stay home and not work out when they are sick. In a gym the flu can be spread by touching an object with the virus on it. Flu germs live on surfaces for about 8 hours.
- Get plenty of sleep-It’s been proven that insufficient sleep can adversely affect the immune system and increase your chances of developing a respiratory tract infection. Most need 7-8 hours of restful sleep nightly.
- Flush out your nasal passage-Use a neti pot at night to cleanse your nasal passage. This will wash away any viral particles that may have taken root during the day, preventing them from entering your respiratory system. Make sure you use saline solution or salted water.
- Drink Bone Broth-Broth can give your immune system the boost it needs to keep you healthy. It contains minerals, such as calcium, Magnesium and phosphorus, that your body needs to fight viruses and infections as well as anti-inflammatory agents that can hinder the growth of infection.
- Add probiotics to your diet- Individual who consume probiotics are less likely to get sick than those who don’t. Probiotics strengthen the guy so your body can ward off infections. Found in fermented foods such as yogurt, kefir, kombucha and sauerkraut. It’s always best to receive it from healthy foods yet you can also consider taking a supplement daily.
- Get plenty of exercise- exercise can help dispel bacteria from your respiratory system, reducing your chances of getting a cold or the flu virus. Physical activity also sparks positive changes in the immune system by helping the white blood cells circulate faster.
- Washing your hands frequently under warm water is important. Make it a practice to wash your hands with soap and water for at least 30 seconds upon entering and leaving a new environment, before eating, and after usingthe restroom.
Getting sick is not necessarily inevitable. There are plenty of measures you can take to strengthen your immune system and stay healthy throughout the flu season. Stay safe and Healthy this flu season.
