The nationwide shortage in flu vaccine has forced many Americans to find a new strategy to avoid the flu. Each year an estimated 10-20% of us will get the flu. The result is that about 114,000 of us will need hospitalization and 36,000 will die of their illness. The fact that you may not be able to get immunized this year does not mean you are defenseless.

Here are some basic, but very valuable things you can do to avoid getting the flu:

WASH YOUR HANDS

Washing your hands is important. Remember influenza is a contagious disease that enters the body thru the nose, mouth and eyes. Your hands are the most likely way the virus will be transmitted to those areas of your body. Washing your hands frequently, especially before and after you prepare food, before you eat, and whenever you are around someone who is sick, will significantly decrease the likelihood of spreading the virus.

GET ENOUGH REST

It is very important that you get enough rest during flu season. There is scientific evidence that your susceptibility to disease increases when you are not getting enough rest. During flu season, it is important you get eight hours of sleep each night.

QUIT SMOKING

Yet another good reason to kick the habit. Smokers have much higher rates of flu than non-smokers. Even worse, is the fact that smokers have more serious cases of the flu than non-smokers.

EAT FOODS that are HEALTHY and VITAMIN RICH

A diet that is rich in fresh fruits and vegetables will provide the body many of the essential nutrients to maintain good health.

MOM WAS RIGHT - KEEP YOUR IMMUNE SYSTEM STRONG – TAKE YOUR VITAMINS!

The immune system is the body’s defense against disease. Each day the body is exposed to a variety of bacteria and viruses. A healthy immune system is able to protect us against these pathogens in the vast majority of cases. During flu season this is even more important. A combination of good nutrition, exercise, and adequate rest are all components of a strong immune system. Since few of us eat the seven to ten servings of fresh fruits and vegetables each day required, flu season is an excellent time to take a nutritional supplement to insure the body gets the key antioxidants needed to maintain the strongest immune system possible. The body uses zinc and selenium to synthesize key antioxidants of its own. These minerals must come from our diet. The body also needs adequate supplies of the antioxidant vitamins, lycopene, polyphenols, and lutein. Clinician’s Choice™ Super Antioxidant Plus contains a complete formula of nutrients ideal for making sure our body gets what it needs during flu season.

Go Back