According to the Public Health Agency of Canada, the flu affects 10-25% of Canadians every year. While the majority who become sick will recover, the flu results in an average of 20,000 hospitalizations and 2,000 to 8,000 deaths in Canada each year. In the United States, approximately 5% to 20% of residents get the flu and more than 200,000 are hospitalized for flu-related complications reports the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Doing what you can to avoid getting the flu is to your benefit.
Flu Shot
The Public Health Agency of Canada declared that getting the flu shot, combined with routine hand washing, is the most effective way to protect yourself and loved ones from the flu virus. Canada's National Advisory Committee on Immunization recommends that all Canadians over six months of age get the flu shot. Of course, whether or not to get vaccines is a personal decision individuals must make for themselves.
Wash Your Hands
Why does everyone keep preaching about the importance of washing your hands in order to avoid getting sick? Because touching something that's been exposed to the flu virus and then touching your hands to your mouth, eyes, or nose gives the virus easy access into your body. But it is vital to wash properly; use regular soap (no fancy cleansers or antibacterial soap is needed), warm water, and scrub your hands all over for 20 seconds.
The Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety web site has some great tips on how to wash your hands the most effective way.
Hand Sanitizers
Carry a bottle of hand sanitizer at all times to use whenever you can't wash your hands. Use it often when you are out in public, touching surfaces. Check the label to make sure it is at least 60% alcohol for maximum effectiveness.
Other Ways to Ensure You Stay Flu-free
Other ways to stay "flu-free" include the following:
- The flu virus can live on hard surfaces for hours so make sure you regularly clean your home with a germ-killing cleanser. The places to focus on include bathrooms, the kitchen, bedrooms, hard surfaces such as tables and knobs, and the phone.
- Keep your distance from people you see hacking and sneezing. Every time they blow air from of their bodies, they are shooting out the flu virus and you do not want to be in the path.
- Cover your mouth when you cough or sneeze, preferably with a tissue you can then toss out. Teach your children to do the same.
- Get lots of sleep. Logging plenty of sleep hours helps boost your immune system. When you are tired and run down, your body doesn't have the strength to fight off bugs.
- Taking a vitamin D supplement when you aren't getting enough sunlight may help as vitamin D helps regulate your immune system. Or eat foods such as fish, eggs, margarine, butter, cod liver oil and drink milk to get the vitamin naturally.
- Getting extra vitamin C and/or taking echinacea has helped some people avoid the flu. There is no concrete scientific proof that either of these will help but some people claim including them in their flu-fighting arsenal keeps them safe during flu season.
- Take a multivitamin.
- Use a reusable water bottle when in public instead of water fountains. Encourage school aged children to do the same.
- Don't share drinking cups or eating utensils.
- Take a daily shower.
- Stay healthy and exercise regularly. Being fit helps your body fight off infections. Exercise also boosts your immune system which helps in your attempt to avoid the flu.
- Reduce your stress. I know that is asking a lot these days but stress takes a huge toll on your immune system and not in a good way; chronic stress weakens the immune system. Find a way that works for you to reduce the effects of stress in your life.
Eat an Immune Boosting Diet
There is no food that is proven to keep you from catching the flu but eating foods that will improve your immune system may help. Some immune boosting foods include:
- yogurt
- green tea
- black tea
- flax oil and flaxseeds
- beans
- legumes
- honey
- fatty fish
- lean beef, turkey, and lamb
- chicken soup
- mushrooms
- pumpkin seeds
- sunflower seeds
- whole grains; oats and barley
- herbs and spices, preferably fresh
- garlic
- fruits and veggies, the whole colour spectrum
- water with lemon
Additional Source:
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. "CDC Says “Take 3” Actions To Fight The Flu" (accessed October 4, 2010)
Disclaimer: The information contained in this article is for educational purposes only and should not be used for diagnosis or to guide treatment without the opinion of a health professional. Any reader who is concerned about his or her health should contact a doctor for advice.
Toby Welch - Toby is a full-time freelance writer who specializes in magazine articles, online writing, e-books, and manuscript editing.
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