Since the holidays are conducive to the transmission of the flu, here are some simple ways to stimulate your natural defenses and adopt preventive hygiene measures.
Hands off
To prevent the transmission of the virus this holiday season (and at all times!), try not to share items that you wear on your mouth (cup, water bottle, utensils, lipstick, etc.). Also avoid kisses and hugs with anyone who might have the flu or to whom it would be dangerous to transmit it. The virus may already be in the air!
We cough in the elbow
We cough into our elbow and not protecting ourselves with our hand. Thus, we contaminate less all around when we shake hands or touch everyday objects.
Wash your hands
Washing your hands is a habit we shouldn't even talk about, it should be taken for granted. To do this well, the Quebec Ministry of He alth has published a guide on the ideal way to wash your hands.
Get into the habit of carrying aroundwipes and antibacterial soap for quick hand washing when you are away from home. However, the Canadian Medical Association (CMA) has already issued some considerations to the use of these products, because it believes that they make bacteria more resistant to antibiotics.
In short, nothing beats traditional hand washing to prevent the transmission of the virus.
When to wash your hands?
- after being in a public place or outdoors;
- before preparing or eating food;
- after coughing, sneezing or blowing your nose;
- after touching animals;
- after going to the bathroom;
- after changing a diaper;
- before and after visiting sick people;
- before and after putting on your contact lenses.
A plate against the flu
The vitamins contained in fruits and vegetables are allies in fighting viruses. But it is the general diet that is decisive for the he alth of our system.
Check out this article to learn more: Boost the immune system.
Boost your immune system
A good immune system is essential to ward off or fight off the flu virus. And the efficiency of your system is multifactorial. Indeed, several variables come to alter our natural defenses. Some herbal teas and productsnatural resources make it possible to overcome some of our shortcomings. Clef des champs herbal teas such as Résist-thé and Grippe-thé, or a elderberry herbal tea are ways to protect ourselves, while helping to keep us well hydrated. Of course, this is not a magic bullet and even following everything to the letter, there is no indication that you will be spared.
Vitamin D
The author of the book Preventing and curing the flu, biochemist Thierry Souccar, believes that a deficiency in vitamin D weakens the immune system. He even suggests in his book to take high concentrations of this vitamin. Without saying that it's a surefire way to prevent the flu 100%, it's still something to consider.
Say yes to zinc
This trace element would stimulate the production of white blood cells and then reduce the ability of reproduction of nasty viruses. An ally of choice!
Drink lots of water
Being well hydrated allows, among other things, to eliminate toxins, regulate body temperature and ensure the transport of good nutrients. In addition, when we drink enough, we are less tired and in fact, being less stressed, we sleep better. Other factors that influence our ability to fight infections.
Exercise! Move
The practice of a sport or moderate physical activity daily would stimulateour immune system. In addition, moving keeps us alert, tones our body and relaxes us! After playing sports, we are less tired and we sleep better. We would be crazy to do without it.
No smoking
Researchers associated with McMaster University in Hamilton, Ontario, believe that smoking makes the immune system weaker against a bacteria that makes the disease more malignant.
Sleep enough
Ideal for recovery and to ensure we have energy, a good night's sleep also makes us less vulnerable to illness. researchers from Laval University in Quebec have proven that insomnia weakens our immune defenses. So, we treat ourselves to a nap despite the busy holiday schedule and go to bed early whenever possible.
Reduce our alcohol consumption
Easier said than done around the holidays, but alcohol reduces the effectiveness of white blood cells, those little warriors that fight infection and hunt viruses, making you more susceptible to disease. Also, alcohol often causes dehydration, a state to be avoided, because it also weakens our resistance.
Better manage your stress
Stress and strong emotions disrupt the cells of our immune system by preventing them, among other things, from locating and identifying agentspathogens. Stress therefore depletes our good reserves. Finding ways to relax every day helps ensure good mental and physical he alth.
Take care of your intestinal flora
The good he alth of our intestinal flora is sought after in order to have a strong immune system at the peak of its capacities. If you have to take antibiotics, your intestinal flora will be wiped out, because the drug destroys all bacteria, even the good ones. To ensure good quality gut flora, increase your intake of yogurt and supplements (like Bio-K) that contain probiotics.
Do a family follow-up
Fill in a family he alth book in which you will note minor illnesses, episodes of fever, colds or flu in the family so that you can follow up more closely if necessary. Also write down what medicine you administered. You will have all the data in hand if you have to go see the doctor and will no longer hesitate when faced with his questions. Strangely, details (degrees of fever, date of onset, medications taken, etc.) are quickly forgotten and this could be important.
