Nobody wants to get the flu and have to endure the pain and discomfort of its symptoms. So, out of fear, every time the ‘flu season’ comes around, many people do not need to be persuaded to get a seasonal flu shot. Of course, there is no guarantee that getting a flu shot will prevent the symptoms, but you always hope for the best and feel safer after getting the vaccine.
Now despite the fact that I tend to be squeamish about getting any kind of needle, I still prefer to take alternative preventive measures as a defense against the flu, rather than take the risk of getting a vaccine with possible side effects that I would rather not even think about, so dangerous are they!
1. Dress Warm
Dressing warm is obvious and makes sense, especially in colder climates. Shivering and tension from cold decreases circulation in your body and reduces your chances of keeping away cold and flu viruses. So dress for the weather — gloves, scarf, a warm coat or jacket, one that is wind proof, and keep your legs and feet warm, even if that means wearing extra socks and long johns!
2. Avoid Stress
Everyone knows, or should know, that stress causes a host of problems, including heart disease and ulcers — there are plenty of statistics that prove it. Stress in any form should be avoided at all times but especially when there is a higher risk of catching colds and flu viruses, such as during cold, winter months. Forms of stress include emotional, financial, physical and mental. Physical stress includes excessive drinking, smoking and exhaustive exercise. A form of physical stress that is not given enough attention is the stress of pollution — air pollution, chemicals in foods and cosmetics. If you must venture into highly polluted environments, wear a mask.
3. Prevent Contact
Making direct contact with a virus is something you don’t want to do. Here are some suggestions:
a) Wash your hands frequently, especially after using the bathroom, coughing or sneezing, or touching surfaces that may have been contaminated by other people.
b) After using a public bathroom, wash your hands and use a paper towel on door handles instead of your bare hands. The person or persons before you may have contaminated the door handles.
c) Do not touch surfaces in public areas with your bare hands, such as handle bars in public transportation vehicles. Use gloves.
d) Wear a mask in high density areas, medical clinics, hospitals and other public places where there is a high risk of contacting viruses.
e) Remember, out of respect for others, to cover your mouth and nose when you cough or sneeze. Use a tissue or, if you do not have one, your sleeve. Wash your hands and dispose of the tissue soon after.
In the home, disinfect air, clothes and bedding using a natural, essential oil and vodka based spray. Here is one formula: to a 4 oz spray bottle, fill half and half with distilled water and vodka, and add a natural fragrance and deodorant, eg 10 drops each of sandalwood and lavender essential oils. Shake the bottle well before using.
4. Maintain a Good Diet
Maintain a balanced, healthy diet. This could mean anything from a vegetarian diet to a ‘meat ‘n potatoes’ diet. The important thing here is common sense and not deprive your body of vital energy by eating too little, especially during the colder months of the year.
As far as what constitutes a good diet, what to eat and what to avoid, there are as many opinions on this as there are foods available! So I’m only going to suggest one of each.
a) to consume — Garlic — an ancient remedy to ward off bugs and evil spirits — I know it can keep away people, it just might work to keep away viruses! If you don’t like Caesar salad or roasted garlic on your pizza, you can always take odorless garlic pills.
b) to avoid — Sugar — eaten in moderation is not a problem, but excessive amounts of sugar in your diet has been shown to lower immunity.
5. Relax
Do not underestimate the value of relaxation. Most of us are so busy that many consider spending time just relaxing as a waste of time, yet it is one of the most important and effective things you can do to offset the stress that continuous busy-ness tends to create. And I’m not talking here about relaxing while watching TV or having a nap, but setting aside at least 30 minutes a day to consciously relax the whole body, especially the neck area. Stop doing, clear your mind of all thoughts, while sitting, lying down or going for a short walk around the block. Or, if you are so inclined, try meditating.
6. Take Food Supplements
If your diet consists mostly of foods that are lacking in nutritional value, with little or no vitamin and mineral content, I suggest taking supplements such as vitamin C, multi-vitamins, mineral drinks, herbal teas etc. There is no shortage of these in health food stores.
7. Avoid Physical Exhaustion
Being in a state of exhaustion invites being smitten with flu viruses. Avoid fatigue, get enough sleep and take care when exercising. If you do strenuous workouts at the gym, do a lot of work around your house or apartment, rake leaves, shovel snow etc. make sure you take frequent breaks and never push yourself to the limit. Never go out while you are physically exhausted!
Take the above measures seriously and you will be less susceptible to cold and flu viruses.
Tags: Air Pollution, Cold Winter, Colds And Flu, Flu Symptoms, Flu Viruses, Legs And Feet, Physical Stress, Preventive Measures
Posted in flu
