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How To Protect Yourself From Influenza | Flu Prevention

by | Last updated: Apr 5, 2022 | Autoimmunity | 0 comments

Though coronavirus remains a major concern for most people, it’s important to remember that we need to still take precautions against the flu (influenza) as well.

At the end of 2019, a brand new flu bug started to affect us. Of course, we all know it now as the coronavirus. But because it started in China in a highly crowded area, it quickly spread. And because of our global travel, the virus was able to move from continent to continent. 

Of course, this happened right in the middle of flu season.

First, you need to be aware that the flu virus can incubate anywhere from two to fourteen days. By now, we’re very familiar with this idea, because the coronavirus functions the same way. 

We’re exposed to the flu in the same way we’re exposed to COVID-19. By coming in contact with the virus in the form of air-born spit particles (usually by way of sneezing), we can be exposed to the flu. Lots of people can be exposed to the flu, but not everybody gets the virus. Some people have a much stronger immune system than others. Of course, there are plenty of things you can do to boost your immune system.

A diet that has a variety of colorful fruits and vegetables will help you stay healthy, as well as adequate protein and hydration consumption can boost your immune system. I’m a big fan of elderberry syrup or capsules as a way to help to boost your immune system, especially during flu season. Also, zinc lozenges and nasal spray have been shown to help shorten the effect of the flu virus.

One of the biggest ways that you can protect yourself is by washing your hands to protect yourself from influenza.

A lot of the particle matter from the flu can be picked up by your hands, which you unknowingly spread your face. Even if someone doesn’t sneeze around you, but they sneezed somewhere in the area, and the virus landed on a hard surface you’ve touched, you’re going to end up catching the virus. So be sure you wash your hands.

Here’s a question that has been very popular over the past year. Should we be using hand sanitizers or actual soap and water? Studies have shown that hand washing is the most effective at killing germs. At least thirty seconds of vigorous scrubbing of your hands under water can actually kill the virus. However, the alcohol in hand sanitizer is not enough to kill the virus. 

There are some different essential oils that actually have really interesting effects on these viruses. One is called thieves oil, which is a combination of a few essential oils, originally developed back in the dark ages to combat the plague. And it does seem to do a very good job at killing a variety of germs, including the influenza virus.

The virus is more likely to sit on hard surfaces like metals, plastics, and glass.

So, can you protect yourself by wearing a mask? You probably can, but if you didn’t wash your hands and you pull that mask off, touch your nose or mouth, you’re going to infect yourself. More than anything, it’s key to wash your hands. 

If you think you might be getting sick, or you’ve been exposed to the flu, you want to stay away from the very young, the very old, and anybody with a compromised immune system. While you may get sick and experience uncomfortable symptoms, flu viruses can be deadly to a newborn, the elderly, or someone who is at high risk of catching diseases. 

Remember, just like with COVID-19, you can be contagious with the flu right before your fever hits.

So, if you’re not feeling well, don’t go to work, school, or out in public. This is the only way to stop the spread. 

Flu season can be a scary time with all these new bugs that continue to form. The flu viruses have been around for way longer than we humans have.  They will keep mutating, so we must protect ourselves by practicing excellent hand washing techniques and immune-boosting habits.

If you do end up coming down with a virus, ask yourself whether or not you’re doing everything you can to stay healthy and protect yourself from influenza.

Are you getting enough sleep? Eating well enough?. Are you trying to boost your immune system? Washing your hands regularly? Getting sick is a good opportunity to take account of all the ways that you can protect yourself and others by practicing healthy, responsible habits. 

About the Author - Deborah Maragopoulos FNP

Known as the Hormone Queen®️, I’ve made it my mission to help everyone – no matter their age – balance their hormones, and live the energy and joy their DNA and true destiny desires. See more about me my story here…

     

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