5 Ways to Survive Cold and Flu Season - Article Health

Surprising risk factors
Whether you decide to get a flu shot this year or not, it's important to take steps to prevent yourself from getting the seasonal flu.

Worrying too much
Panicking about getting sick can make you just that—sick. It's easy to get carried away, however, it's important to look at things in perspective.

Hugging, kissing, and shaking hands
What's so dangerous about a simple handshake? Close contact with infected individuals is one of the easiest ways to pick up a virus. That doesn't mean you should be antisocial all flu season long, but you should be aware of possible transmission opportunities. If you are in a situation where physical hellos or good-byes are necessary, try not to touch your mouth or eyes afterward until you can wash your hands.

Smoking
Smoking cigarettes weakens the tiny disease-fighting hairs tucked inside nasal passages and the lungs, which trap and dispose of germs. This can leave your body more susceptible to attack.

Hitting the gym
Some behaviors that in moderate amounts keep you healthy can actually weaken your immune system when taken to the extreme. For example, overexercising can leave your body struggling to cope with added physical stress—especially if you're not sleeping, hydrating, and fueling your body adequately. Unfortunately, the gym is also a great place to pick up viruses, from the sweaty treadmill to the benches in the locker room; plus, germs likely even catch a ride home on your gym bag.

Drinking alcohol
You may want to reconsider that night on the town during the height of flu season: You could wake up the next day with something much worse than a hangover. A study in BMC Immunology found that mice who consume large quantities of alcohol in a short period of time are left with weakened immune systems and might have a harder time fighting off infections for at least 24 hours.

Relying solely on antibacterial hand gel
First, check the ingredients in your hand sanitizer: It should contain 60% to 95% alcohol, ethanol, or isopropanol, to work best. (If alcohol-based sanitizers are not available to you or not allowed in your workplace, alcohol-free products may also be helpful, the CDC says.)



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