The seasonal flu accounts for millions of people falling ill in the last decade alone. Unfortunately, most strains are also fairly contagious. To keep you and your family members well-protected against flu viruses, here are a few effective health care strategies to implement.

5 Strategies for Reducing Your Family’s Flu Risk

1. Avoid Known Sick People

Flu viruses are believed to be passed through moisture droplets formed when a person sneezes or coughs, and can spread up to six feet. If someone you know has been feeling under the weather, keep your distance from them. During flu season, encourage your children not to share food or drinks at school.

2. Wash Your Hands

One of the simplest and most effective tips health care professionals recommend is hand-washing. Throughout your day, you come into contact with many shared surfaces where germs can live, such as doorknobs or grocery store checkout counters. Avoid touching your face with unclean hands. Washing your hands before eating or after coming home from running errands is a powerful strategy for eliminating any germs you might have picked up while you were out. 

3. Stay Active

Help your family have a fighting chance against viruses by encouraging physical fitness. Regular exercise could help keep the lungs bacteria-free. Physical activity also stimulates the production of antibodies that help fight disease.

4. Eat Healthfully

Make sure your family is eating well. Serve a rich blend of lean protein, vegetables, whole grains, fruits, and healthy fats to ensure everyone is maintaining a well-balanced diet. Healthy eating helps provide the body with a full range of nutrients needed to support a strong immune system.

5. Get Your Flu Vaccine

Be sure every member of your family sees a health care specialist to receive an annual flu shot. Each flu season is different, and the CDC advises that everyone over the age of six months should receive their seasonal vaccine to protect against illness. While it doesn’t guarantee 100% immunity, the vaccine could help reduce the intensity of the virus if it is contracted.

If you’re looking for an annual influenza vaccine, turn to the providers at Hillside Family Medicine. They have been serving patients throughout Anchorage, AK, for more than two decades, and offer a wide range of care options, including pediatrics, women’s and men’s health, and occupational medicine. Find out more about their services online, or call (907) 344-0200 to schedule an appointment.