How to Stay Healthy During Flu Season

As I write this post today, I’m sitting in my bed miserable, coughing, and sneezing while recovering from a terrible case of the flu. How in the world am I qualified to help you figure out how to stay healthy during flu season? Well, I NEVER get sick. I haven’t been like this in YEARS, this year has been an anomaly for me. I’ve started a new job, and I’ve been neglecting all the things that I usually do to stay healthy. So, on this list, I’ll share with you all my tried and true tricks to stay healthy during flu season.

Get the Flu Shot

I always get the flu shot, and with my busy schedule this year, I neglected it. So there you have it. Get the flu shot. You have to get the flu shot.

I don’t care if it might not work. If you don’t want the flu, get the flu shot. The easiest and most sure-fire way to avoid the flu

Manage Stress

Manage Stress-High levels of prolonged stress are proven to damage your immune system.

Try some of these techniques to manage stress and stay healthy during flu season. 

Get Sunshine

I (usually) take long walks outside. This is a double-edged sword. First, it provides you with much-needed exercise, and second, it gives you Vitamin D that we get from the sun.

Without enough Vitamin D, our bodies have an increased susceptibility for infection. So, time outdoors in the sun is a great way to stay healthy during flu season. 

If you simply can’t get vitamin D from the sun, you can take a supplement. My husband, who works nights, takes this Vitamin D supplement. It helps with energy and seems to keep him super healthy.

Vitamin C

Vitamin C is another critical nutrient for our immune system. Since I’ve gone keto, I’ve had a hard time getting enough Vitamin C in my diet.

I’ve started giving my whole family this supplement, and even though I brought the flu into my home, none of my family has caught it. 

It’s a huge pill, but doesn’t have an awful taste or hurt your stomach at all.

 As an added bonus, in a short time, I’ve noticed my skin is dramatically brighter and complexion much better. 

Hydrate

Sixty-Four ounces of water a day is the recommended amount. I like to think that more is better when it comes to hydration.

If you are having a hard time figuring out if you’re getting enough water, there are many water tracking apps available. Staying hydrated helps the body function at optimal levels all around. 

Wash your Hands!

Most illnesses come to our bodies by way of our hands. Please make sure you are washing your hands regularly. If that isn’t possible, use hand sanitizer. 

I know that in most work settings, it isn’t always possible to leave and wash your hands, but alcohol-based hand sanitizer works in a pinch. 

About a week before I caught the flu, I ran out of hand sanitizer in my classroom and didn’t replace it. Coincidence, I think not. 

Sanitize Surfaces

The flu virus can live on porous surfaces, like clothes, for 8 to twelve hours and nonporous surfaces, like counters, for 24 hours. So, it is important to sanitize your countertops.

I’m a fan of these Lysol wipes because they are so easy and convenient. Honestly, when your sick, you need it easy and convenient.

If you have a better method of sanitizing please comment below and let me know.

I hope you can use all these tips and tricks to help you stay healthy this flu season. Comment below and share with me your best stay healthy tips.

Also, don’t forget to subscribe below for my cleaning schedule, which will help you keep your house tidy for that inevitable moment when someone gets sick.

Don’t forget that one of the best ways to stay healthy is to consistently eat a healthy diet. Get my favorite go-to healthy dinners for busy nights by filling out the form below.