Flu season is about to approach which makes its rounds during the winter season. Because of being indoors more in the colder season and indulging more in foods, alcohol, and sweets, we become more vulnerable to getting sick or encountering viruses like the flu. Holiday time also tends to bring on more stress because of lost loved ones and running around for gifts and to parties or get togethers.
We can try to prevent infection or reduce the likelihood of getting sick. Here are a few helpful tips:
· get a flu shot
· stay out of crowds
· keep away from those who are sick
· wear a mask when in crowded places
· vinegar kills germs on surfaces, so does rubbing alcohol; 2 tablespoons of vinegar to 16 oz. of water
· wash hands often
· use your dryer at high temps for bed sheets, pillowcases, and blankets. For coats, toys, and stuffed animals wipe them down with a washcloth dipped in soapy solution to clean and follow up with a damp cloth using only water or rub them down with equal parts of alcohol and water, then rinse with water or wipe down with just water. (I don’t prefer or suggest putting coats in the dryer at high temps without washing because of the synthetic materials they could be made from or have coats dry cleaned if not washable; make sure if you wash them that they can go into the dryer). Daily wipe down coats, especially children’s coats coming home from school. Make sure that the clothes they wore for school that day are removed when they come in the door to be washed. Their hands and faces should be washed too, and fresh clothes put on.
· exercise combats stress, like walking or other forms of activity
· get outside whether warm or cold weather
· take your vitamins, particularly Vitamin A (5,000 units), Vitamin C (100-250 mg) and zinc (8 mg for females and 14 mg for males; upper limit is 40 mg), but don’t overdo. High doses can cause side effects and it’s best to get your nutrients from foods; if you use a one-a-day vitamin, that will usually have daily requirements; read labels before buying vitamins and check amounts
· eat a well-balanced diet – 6-8 servings of fruits and vegetables recommended; generally ¼ to ½ cup of vegetables or 1 cup of raw leafy vegetables like lettuce; or 1 medium piece of fruit – these sizes count as one serving - https://www.heart.org/en/healthy-living/healthy-eating/add-color/fruits-and-vegetables-serving-sizes
· sugar laden foods and drinks suppress the immune system; when sick, eliminate these and refined carbs
· take steamy showers – breathing steam in the shower or from boiled water in a cup kills germs
· use a humidifier
· drink plenty of water – you can add herbal teas or lemon water too
· get enough sleep
· gargle with a cup of warm water and a teaspoon of lemon juice or vinegar if you’ve been out and about or with others
Please remember to stay home when you are sick if you have symptoms of a cold, or other symptoms that are not making you feel well.
If you are having a get together or party, please make sure your guests are not sick or have symptoms, and it’s okay to ask them to test themselves for COVID before getting together. Better to be safe than sorry. I know where this has happened and everyone at the party ended up with the virus. So, let’s be careful and smart about keeping yourself safe, your friends, and family too.
Thanks for reading. All best in love and health, Giulietta
Thanks for the tips! Steamy water and vinegar are our natural friends! I cannot emphasize enough their importance.