With winter ushering in the plummeting temperatures that provide a stable environment for viruses, you may be susceptible to the seasonal flu. While visiting a physician for a flu vaccine can help fight off illness, there are additional steps you can take to protect yourself. Avoid getting stuck in bed with a runny nose and a fever by following these guidelines this season. 

Do:

Wash your hands frequently.

The flu commonly spreads through respiratory droplets that are dispersed when coughing, sneezing, or talking. These droplets can be picked up on surfaces and transferred to your body when you touch your face. Washing your hands regularly with warm soap and water will help remove and prevent the spread of those flu germs.

Get plenty of rest. 

While you may have heard that you can sweat out the sickness, this isn’t actually true. Too much exercise when you have the flu can leave you feeling even more drained and dehydrated. Get plenty of rest to help the immune system fight off the virus and drink plenty of fluids to keep the rest of your bodily systems functioning optimally.

Don’t:

Overload on cold remedies.

It may be tempting to overload your body with different over-the-counter cold and flu medications, but this can cause more symptoms to develop. The main ingredient in cold medication is phenylephrine, which can cause you to feel jittery or unstable, have rapid heartbeats, and lose sleep. Always talk to a physician before trying a new medication to determine if it will be beneficial.

Go out in public.

When you start showing symptoms of the flu, it’s important to stay inside until you receive a proper diagnosis from a physician. If it’s the flu, it can be easily spread to coworkers and any individuals who come into contact with you. Once the fever is gone for 24 hours, you can resume regular activities.

If you want additional tips on boosting your immune system this flu season, consult the team at Chewelah Associated Physicians in Stevens County, WA. Providing superior health care to the entire family, these physicians provide the services you need, from vaccinations to minor surgeries. To learn more about their services, visit them online or call (509) 935-8711.