It’s that time of year again. The weather cools down, the leaves start to fall, and more and more people are absent from work and school. That’s right–cold and flu season is upon us. But there’s no need to panic! Read on to discover five easy tips that will help you and your family prepare for whatever this cold and flu season may throw your way.
Get a Flu Vaccine
Nobody likes getting a shot, but the easiest and most effective way to protect yourself and your family from the flu is to get the flu vaccine. Health insurance plans are required to cover flu vaccines, so check with your insurance provider to see where you can get flu shots at no cost for your whole family. A flu vaccine is the best way to reduce your risk of getting the flu and may lessen the severity of your symptoms if you contract the flu anyway. In addition to guarding yourself against the flu, getting a flu vaccine also protects those people around you who may not be able to get a vaccine due to allergies or other health conditions. If you or your kids are not big fans of needles, the flu vaccine is also available as a nasal spray so that you can get all of the benefits without the injection.
Wash Your Hands
It may seem simple, but washing your hands is one of the easiest and most effective ways to protect yourself from getting sick. It takes only 20 seconds to significantly reduce your chances of contracting a cold or the flu, so all adults and kids should brush up on their handwashing technique. According to the CDC, the best way to keep your hands clean is to wet your hands with warm or cold water, lather soap all over your hands, scrub for at least 20 seconds, rinse your hands under running water, and then thoroughly dry your hands with a clean towel. An alcohol-based hand sanitizer is acceptable if you’re on-the-go, but traditional hand-scrubbing for 20 seconds with soap and water is the best way to get rid of cold- and flu-causing germs.
Stock Your Medicine Cabinet
Stock your medicine cabinet with the necessities during cold and flu season–cold medicine. From decongestants and antihistamines to cough suppressants and pain relievers, keeping your medicine cabinet fully stocked can help you and your family survive an illness with as little discomfort as possible. Pro tip? Check all expiration dates on medications in your home, and restock everything that’s out of date.
Prep Your Pantry
From foods high in vitamin C to classic chicken noodle soup and other comfort foods, a well-planned pantry can help you get back on your feet after a sickness. In addition to tasty and healthy foods, you will also want to stock up on your favorite drinks because staying hydrated before, during, and after an illness is essential to restoring your health.
Save Some Sick Days
Flu symptoms can develop in just a few hours, so saving up some sick days for work or school is a safe bet, just in case you come down with an unexpected illness. Even if you’re feeling only a little under the weather, taking a sick day protects your coworkers and others around you from having to fight off a cold as well.
At All American Healthcare, we care about every aspect of your health. Whether you are getting ready to tackle cold and flu season or are fighting chronic pain, the caring and experienced staff at All American Healthcare is here to help you live a healthier life. We offer a variety of services to help you live pain-free, including chiropractic adjustments, massage therapy, sciatica pain relief, and more. We offer free consultations for most programs, and our services are covered under most health insurance plans. Visit us today!
