5 tips on How to Stay Healthy during the Flu Season

By Kenya Rampersant
Health Education Coordinator

(Dec. 6, 2013) -- Wash your hands frequently!

It is important to frequently wash your hands to help prevent the spread of the flu virus. Be sure to wash your hands in warm or cold water, lathering your hands with soap; scrubbing the back of your hands, in-between your fingers and under your nails. Wash your hands for 20 seconds in order to properly ensure your hands have been washed. Humming the Happy Birthday song from beginning to end twice can properly ensure that you have washed your hands for 20 seconds.

Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth.

Viruses enter your immune system through the moist mucous membranes of your eyes, nose and mouth. When frequently touching your face, you are giving germs easy access into those entryways. Avoid hand to face contact as much as possible to help protect you from the flu.

Disinfect commonly used objects

Viruses are easily spread after a person has touched an object that is contaminated with the virus. In order to protect yourself from catching and spreading the flu virus, take a minute or two to disinfect your commonly used objects such as a cellphone, laptop/ tablets and steering wheel. For college students who live in close proximity to other people such as a dorm, take a moment to disinfect commonly touched surfaces such as door and toilet handles, sinks and shared appliances such as microwaves and refrigerators.

Obtain Proper Nutrition

Getting the proper nutrition is essential for your overall health and well-being. Eat plenty of colorful fruits and vegetables which have higher antioxidants that will strengthen your immune system to help protect from the flu virus.

Get plenty of sleep

We often underestimate the importance of sleep, but when it comes to staying healthy during the flu season, getting the proper amount of 7-8 hours of sleep a night will keep your immune system in tip-top shape!