You are in the midst of the flu season, which is spreading in many parts of the country. Many of your friends have been infected. And you are afraid that you’re next to be hit. Actually, you can prevent getting infected by the influenza virus by simply following these tips and advices. They are meant to boost the immune system the body. With a strong and healthy body and well-being, this makes it harder for the flu virus to invade it and render it sick.
Here are tips that allow you to enjoy a strong and working immune system, protecting your body from infection and diseases, including flu:
Get 6 to 8 hours of sleep
Getting enough sleep does work in keeping your body’s immune system in perfect condition. Those who don’t enjoy a sufficient number of hours of sleep tend to suffer from a variety of infections and illnesses. Likewise, they are not able to respond properly to various vaccines, including the
one that is intended for flu. Health and infection disease experts advise that people get some 6 to 8 hours of restful, high-quality sleep every day.
Consume vegetables, fruits, and whole grains
These food types are rich in the necessary vitamins and minerals such as Vitamins A, C, and E, as well as a whole range of antioxidants. While it is suggested to try and eat different types of fruits and vegetables, there is no specific fruit or vegetable that has the quality of being able to bestow strong immunity. The key to choosing fruits and vegetables is their color – go for the colourful ones. These are the ones that boast of bountiful amounts of vitamins, nutrients, and antioxidants like lutein and lycopene.
Go for moderate drinking
If you drink, by all means, drink moderately – otherwise, it will greatly affect your immune system. A research study revealed that an individual who consumes at least 5 drinks in a single session have a suppressed immune system for a number of hours to a maximum of one day afterwards. Other lab studies showed that those who are chronic drinkers are prone to developing weak immune systems over time. People who are known abusers of alcohol are much more vulnerable to influenza, pneumonia, and hepatitis C.
Give up smoking
If you don’t want a weak immune system that can make your body susceptible to infections such as influenza, avoid smoking – at all costs. The nicotine, a substance present in common cigarettes and also in electronic cigarettes – lessens the function of immune cells known as macrophages. Various hydrocarbon ingredients found in smoke can cause major damage in various immune cells, which include macrophages and lymphocytes.
Perform regular exercise
Twenty to thirty minutes of moderate exercises three times a week can do wonders to one’s immune system. It has been proven that individuals who perform regular, moderate workout exercises are less likely to be prone to various infections such as colds and flu. However, it is advised not to do excessive exercise as it can also suppress one’s immune system, albeit temporarily.
Go for organic foods
Many promote the regular consumption of organic foods because they are perceived to be all-natural, without the potentially poisonous substances such as chemicals that can negatively affect the immune system, weakening it further to prevent it from protecting the body.
While many argue that artificial pesticides, fertilizers, and other chemicals have no direct effect on one’s immune system, it has been known that they cause the body to be prone to common infections and illnesses. For instance, farm workers who have been exposed to these chemicals for a long time were able to acquire various neurological diseases like the Parkinson’s.
Proponents of organic food use suggest that it’s better to consume organically grown fruits and vegetables for a working immune system. Consequently, people become less prone to various illnesses and infections such as colds and influenza.
Take advantage of Flu shots
One effective way of protecting yourself from the influenza virus is via flu shots. Ideally, you can have your shots in the months of October or November since the flu season begins in early December. Get the shot early enough in order to give the vaccine enough time to take effect, which is roughly 2 weeks.
Apart from the suggestions above, a flu shot is required to defend your body from the virus, keeping it healthy and strong. When it’s time to go and get your shot, choose a trusted pharmacy that gives quality flu vaccination services such as Walmart or Costco.
If it’s too early for the flu season or even if it is already over, there is no reason for you not to take a flu shot, if you haven’t. There is a great chance that you can get infected from the virus, especially if you are someone who is always outside exposed in the streets, at the office, or other public places. For full protection against the influenza virus, it is best to be vaccinated with the flu shot.
