According to Secretary Enrique Ona of the Department of Health (DOH), flu season here in the country is from July to December. It is also the season for monsoon rains, typhoons and cool breeze…the season that coincides with flu.
Flu vaccination is the best way to protect your family from the flu but there are other ways you can take to keep your family healthy this flu season.
when you cough or sneeze to trap the germs.
Have Vitamin C everyday. Vitamin C is one of the most important nutritional elements to include in your regular diet. Research shows that Vitamin C helps in fighting free radicals by protecting the cells and keeping them healthy. It is also a popular remedy for common colds. Though your body is not able to produce Vitamin C on its own, you can have it everyday by including Vitamin C-rich fruits and vegetables in your diet or by taking Vitamin C supplements from your trusted brand.
Observe the etiquette of coughing and sneezing. Coughs and sneezes spread diseases such as colds, flu, severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) and whooping cough. Cover your mouth and nose with a handkerchief or tissue when you cough or sneeze to trap the germs. Throw the used tissue in the trash bin then wash your hands to avoid contaminating things and spreading germs to others.
Wash your hands often with soap and water. Regular hand-washing reduces the passing of germs that cause not just respiratory diseases but gastrointestinal illness as well. If soap and water are not available, use alcohol or hand sanitizer to clean your hands.
Try to avoid close contact with sick people. If you can’t avoid coming into close contact with sick people, use face mask (preferably N95). Research shows that when a family member is sick, other family members wearing mask cut their risk of getting infected by 60% to 80%.
Practice good health habits. Have regular, moderate exercise and enough sleep, eat healthy, drink plenty of fluids and practice safety and cleanliness around your home.
Image Credit:
David Castillo Dominici – FreeDigitalPhotos.Net