Fighting Flu

What To Do On A Weekly Basis To Prevent Flu:

1. Express Yourself: A constructive fight with your spouse can actually increase immunity. Couples who have arguments have surges in blood pressure, heart rate, and immune related white blood cells, all of which were similar to the benefits seen with moderate exercise. But you still have to play nice, couples who frequently use sarcasm, insults and put-downs have fewer virus-fighting natural killer cells, have higher levels of stress hormones, and take up to 40% longer to recover from injuries than those who manage to stay positive during their quarrels. The worst thing what you can do is to keep your feelings bottled up. People with a type D personality, those who keep their opinions and emotions hidden, have killer T cells that are less active than those found in more expressive peers.
2. Set Goal: Challenging situations can work to your advantage. When we are facing adversity, we become hyper-alert, and our bodies guard themselves against enemies, whether that is a predator or a virus. So even though unresolved stress can make you sick by suppressing immunity, raising blood pressure, and increasing your risk of heart disease, the ups and downs of everyday life, such as working toward a deadline or a promotion, will actually provide a health boost. The best prescription is to set your sights on a reachable target. At the beginning of each week, give yourself at least one challenge at your job that you will aim to accomplish by the end of the week.
3. Sign Up For A Rubdown: Massage therapy has been shown to improve immune function and energy levels in cancer patients. Massage lowers cortisol levels by up to 53%. This can help people who are simply dealing with the daily pressures of life. A weekly kneading at a spa, whether it is a professional massage or simply a back rub from your partner, can also increase serotonin and dopamine, mood boosters that may help protect your immunity as well.

What To Do On A Monthly Basis To Prevent Flu:

1. Book Your Shot: An influenza vaccination offers 70 % to 90% protection against infection and can decrease the severity and side effects if you do get sick. So it is better to get vaccinated. The shot is very safe, with certain specific exceptions. This shot is highly recommended for adults above 50 and children below the age of 6. The best time for this shot is October or November, a few weeks before the flu season starts. Some people who get the shot sometimes get the flu but it is a milder case and it would be less severe and you will reduce your risk for complications such as pneumonia.
2. Stock Up On Pens B: Cold and flu germs are easily passed through hand-to-hand contact. So avoid touching public objects, such as the communal pen at the bank, that will cut your risk. Having your own supply of dime-a-dozen plastic ballpoints might just keep you from picking up a virus. Make sure to leave the house with a pen in your pocket or in your purse. Take it wherever you go and use it instead of using the doctor’s, the delivery guy’s, or the restaurant waiter’s.
3. Buy Plenty Of Hand Sanitizer: Those who carry hand sanitizers with them have 59% fewer cases of stomach bugs than non users. That is because when used correctly, squirt out enough get so your hands still feel damp after rubbing together for 10 to 15 seconds – these products nearly eliminate germs. A bottle stashed in your purse (maybe one in your husband’s briefcase or your child’s bag0 is an excellent alternative to washing if you have just shaken a bunch of hands and can’t get to a sink. Buy one which does not require water and have at least 60% alcohol.
4. Join A Club: The more friends you have the more healthier you will be. People who have larger social networks produced more flu-fighting antibodies than those who hung out in smaller groups. People who reported feeling lonely produced fewer antibodies. Start a book group or cultivate hobbies and meet new people.
5. See Your Dentist: It is possible that low-grade infections, such as chronic gum disease, can make you more susceptible to the flu. Visit your dentist before flu season and have your mouth checked.