Strengthen the immune system. Prepare for flu season.

Flu season is here… and in a typical year, flu season occurs from fall to early spring.

According to the CDC, the flu affects between 3-11% of the US Population annually. The length and severity of the flu epidemic may vary year to year so please be prepared to be surrounded by sneezing and coughing for the next few months, wear a mask if preferred, and to seek testing as soon as any symptoms appear.

Flu symptoms have a major overlap with symptoms of COVID-19 (yep…  it’s still out there), so the flu vaccine has become more important than ever.  The symptoms that come with the flu are coughing, fever, headaches, muscle or body aches, sore throat, runny or stuffed-up nose, vomiting/diarrhea and fatigue.  These could keep you bedridden for a week, or even more.  The 2 best ways to protect yourself against the flu are: consistently strengthening your immune system and the annual flu vaccine.[/vc_column_text]

Strengthening your immune system is important for overall health, but particularly useful during flu season.

1. Eat a Balanced Nutrition: Consume a variety of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats. Aim to consume foods of most of the colors of the rainbow throughout the day to ensure adequate intake of vitamins and minerals.
2. Move Regularly: Engage in moderate, regular physical activity, such as walking, jogging, or cycling. Exercise helps to promote good circulation, which allows immune cells to move through the body more efficiently.
3. Prioritize Sleep: Aim for 7-9 hours of quality sleep per night. It is crucial to produce immune cells and the overall function of the immune system.
4. Manage Stress: Practice stress-reducing techniques such as meditation, deep breathing, yoga, or mindfulness. Chronic stress can weaken the immune system, so finding ways to manage stress is important for overall health.

The 2 best ways to protect yourself against the flu are: consistently strengthening your immune system and the annual flu vaccine.

How does the flu vaccine work?

The flu virus undergoes annual changes, making it challenging to prevent and why it’s so easily spread. Federal health experts predict prevalent flu strains before each season, guiding vaccine manufacturers to produce the appropriate vaccinations.

The flu shot stimulates the immune system to produce antibodies that combat specific virus strains, taking about two weeks to fully develop. While not entirely foolproof, flu shots are the most effective means of protection against the virus and its complications.

Could you be at risk of getting the flu?

Individuals at higher risk for the flu and its complications, according to the CDC, include pregnant women, those over 65, individuals with chronic medical conditions, such as endocrine or metabolic disorders like diabetes, people with a BMI of 40 or higher, and those in nursing homes.

A seasonal flu shot in early fall is crucial for protection, especially during the coexistence of COVID-19. While not a guarantee against the flu, studies suggest that the vaccine can reduce the severity of the illness if contracted.