Flu Season

Prevent the spread of the flu by washing your hands often, and avoid touching your mouth,eyes and nose.

The flu season is the time of year when the flu virus is most common. Flu season usually begins when cold weather appears. (flufacts.com)  In the United States the flu usually comes during the fall through spring months. In a typical year it is said that between 5 to 20 percent of the population get the seasonal flu. The average flu-related deaths in the United States are about 23,600 people, (flufacts.com). The flu, also known as influenza is a contagious respiratory infection that enters the body through the mouth, nose or eyes. Each flu season a different virus is spread and affects people differently depending on their body's ability to fight off infection. The most at-risk people are school-aged children and older adults. The best way to prevent the spread of the flu is to wash your hands often, avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth due to the spread of germs that way. Doctors suggest to get a seasonal flu vaccine every year to help prevent the flu from spreading.


Some Tips to Staying Healthy:

* Eat your vegetables. A well-nourished immune system is better able to fight off infections. It's got to be fueled with natural vitamins and antioxidants found in healthy foods. Eat dark-green, red, and yellow vegetables and fruits. They're packed with numerous antioxidants, plus vitamins A, C, E, and beta-carotene.

* Exercise regularly. Every time you walk or run, you're boosting your body's immunity, the natural defense against viruses. A daily 30-minute walk -- or three 10-minute walks -- is the minimum you need. Doing more provides greater health benefits.

* Get plenty of sleep. Most adults need about 7 to 8 hours sleep. Teens need more -- about 9 hours daily. Growing kids need from 10 to 12 hours of sleep.


 * Reduce stress. Some stress is good, but know when to relax. Too much stress impairs the immune system.