With the myriad details and stressors that come along with planning any wedding, large or small, the last thing any bride wants to worry about in the days leading up to her wedding is the chance of picking up a nasty flu bug. Since the odds increase for brides planning winter weddings at the height of the flu season, following these guidelines can provide additional protection and peace of mind:
Get a flu shot: There are many myths about the flu vaccine actually causing folks to come down with the flu, but there’s no truth to it. Each year, the vaccine protects against the three most common types of flu bug, and can also help minimize symptoms of additional strains of the virus. CNN offers additional information here. If you’re living in a state like Ohio or Pennsylvania, where there are already reports of vast increases in flu cases this year, it’s even more important to get this protection. Bonus : Most health insurance companies cover the vaccine.
Wash your hands frequently: A quick rinse under the water won’t cut it. In order to truly rid your hands of pesky flu germs, you should use an antibacterial soap and scrub thoroughly for at least 20 seconds. (This is roughly the time it takes to hum ‘Happy Birthday.’) Don’t forget the back of your hands and between your fingers, where germs can often hide. Check out this handy how-to from the hand-washing experts at the Centers for Disease Control.
Don’t touch your eyes: Our eyes are an easy entry point into the body for flu germs on a mission. It’s best to touch them only when necessary. For brides wearing contacts or who suffer from itchy allergy eyes, utilizing rewetting drops and eye drops can lessen eye irritation and cut down on the urge to rub them.
Get more sleep: This can be difficult for brides who are stressed, working out last-minute ceremony details, or spending every waking hour finishing up those DIY centerpieces. However, getting more sleep in the two weeks leading up to the big day can provide brides with increased protection against the flu virus. Being overtired means that the immune system isn’t functioning at full capacity, and germs that might easily be fought off can work their way into the system and wreak havoc. WebMD features lots of interesting information on how the simple act of sleeping more can keep us healthier during flu season and beyond.
Exercise: Not only will regular work-outs keep a bride looking svelte for the big day, research shows that people who make exercise a habit get sick only half as often as those who don’t exercise. This research shared by iVillage really gives new meaning to the idea of survival of the fittest.
Brides work hard to prepare every detail to make their wedding perfect, but an unexpected flu virus can erase many months of hard work. By observing these precautions, brides can take charge of their health and have one less worry as they approach the big day.
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