You can significantly reduce your risk of catching a viral infection this season by simply following a few precautionary tips:
Eat right, get plenty of rest and exercise regularly. While there is no proven connection between lifestyle choices and increased risk of acquiring the cold or flu, practicing healthy habits will help you increase your defenses against diseases in general. Your immune system will be able to withstand infection much better when it is not fighting multiple problems at once.
Reduce your stress. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention have found that there is a direct correlation between stress and susceptibility to viral respiratory infections. Reducing stress will help your immune system fight infections and disease.
Stay away from people who are sick. Individuals who have been infected by the flu or a cold are most contagious during the one to four days the virus incubates inside the body and the first few days of feeling ill. Always be aware of those who are sick or are showing symptoms of illness.
Wash your hands before touching your mouth, nose or eyes. The cold and flu viruses can live outside the body for up to three hours. Should you come in contact with any surface or object that has been infected by mucous droplets, you are at risk for acquiring the infection. Washing your hands will help eliminate the risk of the virus entering your respiratory system.
Get a flu shot!
Getting a flu shot is 70 to 90 percent effective in preventing infection from the influenza virus. You need to get your shot yearly because of the changing nature of the virus and the vaccine. You should get your shot prior to the start of flu season, which typically runs from October to March. It's not too early to start thinking about getting one. Most clinics will offer a vaccine for anywhere from $5.00 to $20.00. A real bargain considering how much the cost in actually treating the cold and flu can be.
Partial credit goes to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention.
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