Catching the flu can be miserable. When more than one member of the family catches the flu at the same time, it seems to last forever. You could still catch the flu even if you get the flu shot, because the shot is not 100 percent effective in preventing all types of the virus. You can keep your family healthy this flu season by following time-honored advice to prevent catching the flu.
Step 1
Wash your hands frequently. Your mother was right: Hand-washing with soap and warm running water will help you prevent the flu naturally. Lather your hands with antibacterial soap, rub them together for at least 20 seconds and then rinse thoroughly. If running water is not available, use hand sanitizer.
Step 2
Boost your immune system with extra vitamin C supplements as soon as flu season rolls around. Take at least 500mg spread out in several doses throughout the day, and if you feel the flu coming on take at least another 500mg until the symptoms pass. Men should take 11mg of zinc per day, and women should take 8mg per day to keep zinc levels up to par.
Step 3
Eat at least 1 cup of yogurt every day, preferably avoiding the yogurts spiked with extra sugar. Greek yogurt contains the greatest variety of active cultures, but any kind of yogurt with active cultures will do. Get an added bonus by eating your yogurt with a serving of blueberries. Your gastrointestinal system is the center of disease fighting in your body, and yogurt boosts the number of good bacteria in your intestines and helps your immune system fight off viruses more easily.
Step 4
Take a sauna twice a week. While researchers don't know exactly how a sauna helps fight off colds and flu, inhaling the hot, steamy air is good for the system and may kill viruses on the skin and in the nasal passages.
Things You'll Need
- Antibacterial soap
- Hand sanitizer
- Vitamin C supplements
- Zinc supplements
- Yogurt
- Sauna
