Stay Safe During Flu Season

A doctor is going over the flu season with a patient

It’s that time of year again, the days are getting shorter, the weather is cooling off and people are starting to get sick. We work in close quarters, interacting with students and co-workers, and add to that stores and public places, we are bound to be exposed to several bugs. What is our best protection? Building our immune system is our first line of defense! How do we do this? Below are a few ideas that we can actively work to implement and maintain all year round, but especially moving into flu season.

Eat fruits and vegetables

Eating fresh produce can help boost the immune system!  Fresh fruits are a good source of nutrients, including vitamin C and E. Avoid food that contains added sugars, animal products, or any type of processed snacks. Junk foods create more acidity in your body, which can weaken the immune system.

Natural Virus Fighting Supplements

Vitamins and supplements are touted to boost the immune system and keep it working at its optimal. We are firm believers in obtaining as many of our vitamin and minerals as possible from natural food sources, but sometimes you may need an additional boost. Gut health is critically important, especially during times of stress, including flu season. Taking a high-quality probiotic can support a healthy gut. Supplementing with zinc and getting plenty of vitamin D (naturally, if you can) can be helpful as well.

Limit Sugar and Alcohol Consumption

Eating or drinking too much sugar can suppress your immune system. Limit your sweets and alcohol to ensure healthier gut biomes.

Good Hygiene and Cleanliness

This may seem obvious, but it’s good to be reminded. We need to ensure we are washing our hands often, not touching our face, and sneezing or coughing into our arm. During flu season, we want to be extra cautious about cleaning our desks, house, or areas that are frequently visited so it is free of germs.

Stay Active

It may be hard to get sunshine in the cooler months, however going outside and soaking up the vitamin D can help our body fight a virus. In addition to that, moving around and getting our blood flowing can prevent inflation and mucus build up in the body. Learn more about how you can stay active in the cooler months from one of our previous blogs.

Valley Schools cares about our member’s health and wellbeing. We know it’s harder to take care of ourselves during cooler months and the holiday season, but it’s important that we take extra precautions to stay healthy. Contact us today at Valley Schools to learn more.