It’s that time of year – peak flu season! If you’ve had the flu before, you probably know this, but it’s not an easy thing to kick. Couch time and chicken soup can only help so much – in fact, according to a survey by The Clorox Company, only about 10 percent of Americans seem clear that eating chicken soup or drinking tea and other warm beverages does not help flu symptoms go away more quickly.
And I’m afraid to report that we Georgia Peaches are in the red zone – the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recently reported that the state of Georgia is experiencing flu outbreaks. As common as they flu may be, there are many misconceptions out there about how this virus is passed around.
“Nearly one-third of Americans believe cold weather can lead to flu,” says Heather MckEnzie, Senior Director of Clinical Education at the Visiting Nurse Associations of America (VNAA). “If only it were that simple! The flu is actually transmitted from person to person – and is contagious both before and after symptoms start to develop. However, there are some simple steps people can take to help protect themselves against the flu.”
Heather recommends the following tips to help keep the flu at bay:
- It’s not too late. Get the flu vaccine. Getting vaccinated is the first step to help prevent the flu.
- Do the elbow cough. Cough into elbows, not hands, where they are more likely to spread bacteria and viruses through touch.
- The 20 second rule. Wash your hands often with soap and water for 20 seconds, especially after you cough or sneeze. Alcohol-based hand rubs are also effective.
- Germ hot spots. Use disinfecting wipes on frequently touched surfaces, like doorknobs, light switches and faucets.
- Eat right, exercise and get plenty of sleep.
If you haven’t done so, be sure to take prevention steps for yourself and your family by following this advice before the flu gets to you!
I have the hardest time doing that elbow cough. During this time of year I use that spray by Clorox that smells like bleach. It works great for killing any bacteria.
Another way to avoid getting the flu is to diffuse ravensara essential oil in the air of your home: it will purify the air by killing the bacteria. Ravensara has antiviral properties and is an immunostimulant.