Influenza is a viral infection of the respiratory system. It is highly contagious and it can lead to other health problems, such as pneumonia. Flu afflicts hundreds of thousands of people each year and takes as many as 40,000 lives.
Flu is not to be considered a minor illness. A person who has the flu virus suffers from cold symptoms, fever, chills, muscle aches, headache and fatigue. Anyone is at risk of catching the flu bug, but the ones at higher risk are the elderly and those who have problems with their heart or lungs.
You can prevent flu infection by improving
your own body’s immune system. Here are five ways to get your body into flu-fighting shape:
1. Exercise and eat right
A strong and able body is a healthy body. Incorporate exercise into your daily routine. It can be as simple as doing 30 minutes of brisk walking in the morning or in the afternoon. Combine exercise with a healthy diet to better improve your immune system.
2. Get enough selenium
Having a good amount of selenium in your system helps your body fend off viral infections such as flu. Selenium is found in grains, such as wheat and rice, and in meat. If you don’t eat a balanced diet, or suffer from lung or heart disease, you may want to talk with your doctor about selenium supplements.
3. Take
Echinacea
Echinacea is said to be effective in preventing flu infection. At the onset of a cold, drink Echinacea tea and continue to do so for a week, but not for more than two weeks. Ask a health practitioner about taking Echinacea extracts or whole herb Echinacea supplements.
4. Wash your hands
Washing your hands with plain soap effectively gets rid of most bacteria. Keeping your hands clean can also help avoid contracting the virus. Be sure to wash and soap up the palm of your hands and in between the fingers.
5. Get rid of mold
As cold is a symptom of flu, it would be wise to stay away from anything that can concern it. Mold and mildew can irritate your respiratory system, making you more vulnerable to cold. Get rid of mold and mildew by keeping the damp areas in your house clean, sanitized and dry.
Remember that influenza attacks a weak immune system. The best defense, therefore, is to get your body in a stable and healthy condition. Keep the above tips in mind to prevent flu infection.
Reference: The Merck Manual Home Edition (medical book)