When flu season hits, health-conscious people want to take charge of their own environments. They don't want to treat the flu when it arrives, so they take steps to prevent the flu from infecting them in the first place. Infection with the flu virus is not inevitable. In fact, there are preventive measures you can take right at home to decrease your risk of getting the flu.
Wash Your Hands
Washing your hands may not seem like a home remedy for any condition, but when it comes to preventing the flu, it is one of the most important steps you can take. The Office of Health, Safety and Security explains that viruses and bacteria accumulate on your hands throughout the day, and every time you touch your eyes, nose or mouth, you risk infecting yourself with those germs. Keeping your hands clean is considered one of the best methods of flu prevention. To effectively clean your hands of flu virus germs, wash them under warm, running water with soap, rubbing them together for at least 15 seconds. Be sure to clean under your nails and between your fingers. After rinsing, you should use a towel to turn off the faucet; otherwise you may recontaminate yourself with germs.
Take Vitamin D
Vitamin D is known for its ability to help the body absorb calcium, but its benefits go far beyond that. Vitamin D stimulates specialized killer cells and antimicrobial properties in the body. According to a report in the December 2006 issue of "Epidemiology and Infection," these peptides live in the lining of the respiratory tract and help prevent infections in the lungs. The primary source of vitamin D is exposure to sunlight, and this exposure--and therefore vitamin D production--is limited during winter months, which is also peak flu season. To make up for the lack of the sun's vitamin D production and prevent the flu, John Cannell, M.D., executive director of the Vitamin D Council, recommends a dosage of 5,000 IU per day for adults, and 1,000 IU per day for children.
Get A Back Rub
Find a willing partner and give, and get, a back rub. There are acupressure points in the back. When these points are massaged or stimulated, they can help strengthen the immune system and stimulate the internal organs, improving the body's overall health. According to a report in the January 2002 issue of "The Medical Clinics of North America," massage therapy also enhances sleep patterns and relieves stress, both of which contribute to a healthy immune system, which can help fight off the flu virus.
References
- Office of Health, Safety and Security: Hand Washing - Key to Flu Prevention
- "Epidemiology and Infection"; Epidemic Influenza and Vitamin D; J.J. Cannell, et.al.; December 2006
- Vitamin D Council: H1N1 Flu and Vitamin D
- "Medical Clinics of North America"; Massage Therapy; T. Field; January 2002
- Acupressure: Immune System Boosting
