Flu season isn’t just a winter thing — and spring might actually be one of the most dangerous times to let your guard down. As people swap coats for crop tops and get too confident about skipping the hand sanitizer, viruses are still lingering, so here’s how to avoid getting sick this spring.
- Get Vaccinated
Always at the top of the list of how not to get sick is to get your flu shot! The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that everyone 6 months and older receive an annual flu vaccine. The vaccine helps your body develop immunity to the flu virus strains that are most likely to circulate during the flu season
- Wash Your Hands
We know you’ve heard it a million times, but it works. You should always be washing your hands frequently, and using hand sanitizer. Washing your hands helps prevent germs and bacteria from lingering on your skin and getting you sick. Also, avoid touching your eyes or mouth with unclean hands as it can cause sickness.
- Eat a Healthy Diet
Perfecting a nutrient and vitamin dense diet is essential to preventing sickness. Make sure you are focusing on fruits, vegetables and lean protein to support your immune system instead of highly processed foods.
- Stay Hydrated
Staying hydrated is really important, especially as the weather becomes hotter. The average recommended daily water for men is about 15.5 cups and for women about 11.5 cups.
- Get Enough Sleep
Your immune system does its best work while you rest. Getting enough quality sleep each night helps your body recover and fight off illness. Most adults need 7 to 9 hours a night — don’t skimp! Make sure you’re also turning off electronics 30-60 minutes before bedtime so you can fall asleep faster and stay asleep longer!
- Stay Home if You Get Sick
If all else fails and you still get sick, it’s time to stay home and rest. It might be tempting to push through a cough or runny nose, especially with finals, work, or social plans around the corner. But staying home when you’re not feeling well protects others and gives your body the downtime it needs to recover faster.
