The entire nation is running from "it." And, yet, according to the CDC, the current flu season is the worst on record since 2009. (www.cdc.gov) The current flu season has been marked by widespread outbreaks impacting 47 states. And as of January 5th, the number of flu cases nationwide has reached 28,747; compared to last year's total of 1,180 cases.
If you want to take all necessary precautions and not just depend on the flu shot, here are some doctor recommended ways to treat and prevent the flu.
Ways To Prevent The Flu:
- Immune Boosting Nutrients- The Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics recommends using tried and true nutrients: vitamins. Vitamins A, C and E all boost your immune system's ability to fight infection.
- Exercise- Exercise can improve flu vaccine potency. In a recent study, vaccine antibodies were twice as potent in the study group that exercised versus the group that did not.
- Avoid Public Transportation- If you have to use public transportation, seek out the least populated options. "The droplets of an infected person's sneeze, runny nose and cough can carry infection that can be transmitted to others," says Dr. Khalilah Babino, immediate care physician at Loyola University Health Systems in Chicago.
- Wash Your Hands- Wash your hands frequently and use hand sanitizer. Also, consider verbal greetings instead of handshakes and hugs.
- Wear A Surgical Mask- Protective masks are very helpful in prevention of flu transmission. "Protecting your face with a mask is particularly recommended for caregivers who are around people who are ill," says Babino.
Here in Las Vegas, the numbers reported have been low. "We've been lucky so far," says Brian Labus, a senior epidemiologist with the Southern Nevada Health District. (www.southernnevadahealthdistrict.org) "We've had a typical start to our flu season, but a lot depends on how people interact."
For information on flu vaccine clinics, contact 702-759-1000.
"Living Well...one healthy step at a time"
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