How to avoid the flu this season

Tis the season—not the festive season, unfortunately, but the flu season, when those nasty little bugs like to spread themselves around. As the temperatures cool, the days get shorter, and we spend more time in close quarters indoors with other people, our chances of coming down with a flu virus increase.

So what can we do to lessen our likelihood of getting sick? Here are some top tips:

Wash your hands frequently with soap and warm water for at least 20 seconds, especially after coughing or sneezing. Don’t underestimate how much this can help. Use alcohol-based hand sanitisers when soap and water are not available, especially when in public places

Get your zinc levels checked, and supplement if you’re lower than you should be. Zinc plays an important role in maintaining immunity levels.

If you catch the flu, Chinese medicine practitioners often recommend a warming tea like ginger and also have plenty of specific remedies depending on your symptoms, and how they relate holistically to your particular system.

Ayurvedic practitioners also have bespoke remedies for individuals – but often recommend herbs like ginger, liquorice, turmeric and peppermint.

If someone in your house has the flu, clean and disinfect frequently-touched surfaces, such as doorknobs, light switches, and countertops, to reduce the risk of transmission

Avoid close contact with sick people, and stay home if you are feeling unwell to prevent spreading the flu. It can be tempting to soldier on and show up at work, but no one will thank you for sharing your lurgy.

While it’s not a ticket to a flu-free winter, living a healthy lifestyle will definitely help. Exercising, eating lots of veggies, getting good sleep, and reducing stress all help to keep you strong when bugs are circulating. If you’re tired, stressed, and eating a ton of processed food with low nutritional value, your rundown system is an easy target for influenza.

And of course, regular chiropractic adjustments are incredibly helpful in keeping your whole system in check, including your immunity.