This flu epidemic is VERY scary this year! If I am being honest I am not the first one to run and get a flu shot. I find that often times when I do, I tend to get upper respiratory infections and catch some sort of flu-like sickness anyway. If you do decide to get the flu shot, speak with your healthcare professional about your options. Some shots have preservatives in them whereas others do not and if you fall into the special population category of children, senior citizen or pregnant woman then it may be worth your while as the flu outbreak this year is unlike one we haven’t seen in a long time.
As I am constantly traveling and have multiple work trips scheduled I wanted to take a minute to share with you a post on my top tips to help shield you from getting sick this winter:
Carry Wipes and Hand Sanitizer Everywhere: I love this all natural one in lavender from EO Essential Oils. EO also has sanitizing wipes. I bring clorox wipes on the plane as well and wipe down absolutely anything and everything I might even think about touching.
Stick to a Daily Ginger Shot: You can buy ginger shots almost anywhere, but they are super easy to make. You can either juice ginger, lemon, garlic and and add cayenne or turmeric or blend them together with a bit of water and strain for a daily immune booster. Yes, they burn, but they also boost your immune system and due to their anti-viral, anti-bacterial nature they help kick infection to the curb.
Always Wash Your Hands: Hand sanitizer is great when you are on-the-go, but make sure to always wash your hands after you have been out and about or use the bathroom. Take the time to do it and decrease your risk of infection.
Keep Your Hands off Your Face: Germs are easily transmitted from your hands to mucus membranes of the face. Make sure to keep your hands and others away from your mouth, eyes and nose.
Neosporin: Whenever you are going to be in close quarters with many people place a bit of Neosporin in your nostrils and optionally on your mouth. It stops the germs from entering and your nasal passage and decreases your risk of getting sick.
Nasal Rinse: I only started using regular nasal rinses this year and I feel like they help tremendously. My husband suffered from pretty severe allergic rhinitis and after I travel I would often feel my sinuses become inflamed and have trouble with post-nasal drip. Using a sinus saline rinse is a great way to
Daily Herbal Tonic: My good friend created Red Door Industries and I swear by her Elderberry Syrup. Just a spoonful a day helps to keep sickness at bay. I also love my cold and flu elixir! It is so comforting and delicious.
Increase your intake of whole foods: I know winter just makes you want pasta, pizza and casseroles, but it is important to continue to eat healthy. Up your intake of whole foods; especially leafy greens, garlic, sweet potato, turmeric root, chicken soup and foods hight in Omega-3 fatty acids like wild caught salmon.
Do Not Get Too Close: Try to avoid close encounters. Stay at least a foot away from people to avoid coming in contact with their germs. PDA is OK just be aware of your surroundings.
Do Not Go Into Work Sick: Be a dear and stay home when you are sick and encourage others to do so as well! If possible, find a way to work from home, but it is not worth getting your entire office sick.
Increase Your Water Intake: Water keeps your body running in tip top shape. Becoming dehydrated can lead to your immune system crashing. So if you get sick…stay hydrated. To prevent getting sick…stay hydrated. A good rule of thumb is to drink half of your weight in ounces daily.
Exercise: Regular exercise is one of the best ways to boost your immune system and ward off sickness. Your body should be considered a temple. Move it and stay well!
We have a few more months of this crazy cold weather! Make sure to take every precaution you can to help stay healthy!
