How to Survive a Cold or the Flu

So how are you going to survive the flu if you get it this season? In most years, the flu comes and goes without out too much attention. However, this year is different. The H1N1 swine flu is very dangerous and it spreads faster than the usual seasonal flu, which is also going around. This year presents more of a threat than previous years. Not to mention the usual colds going around.

When the weather gets colder outside, people tend to spend more time inside. Because more people are spending time indoors, it's much more likely more people will catch a cold or flu virus. Vaccination for H1N1 swine flu and TamiFlu may prevent you from getting sick, but sometimes it's just inevitable. You may get sick. So how do you protect yourself against the onslaught of flu and cold viruses that seem to be everywhere? There are some thing you can do to significantly lower your risk of catching a cold or flu this year.

Protect Yourself by Eating the Right Food.
There are strong links between certain ingredients found in food and the immune system. Eating too much sugar can weaken the body's ability to fight off bacteria and viruses. Garlic can increase resistance to infection and stress and increase your body's immune system. Conjugated linoleic acid is found in cheese and other dairy products and may boost your immune response to viruses. Live active culture yogurt has Lactobacillus reuteri, a probiotic with immune boosting benefits. Foods that contain high amounts of vitamin C may also help with your body's immune system.

Protect Yourself by Keeping Germs Away.
As you have heard many. many times - the best way to keep from getting the cold and flu is to wash your hands continually. And make certain the folks around you wash their hands. It's even OK to keep a small bottle of 60% alcohol hand sanitizer in your pocket. Also, you need to keep the surfaces around you - in your home and/or office - germ free. Most germs can live up to 3 days on surfaces. Wipe down your phone, computer keyboard, desk and table tops, counters, and all surfaces. When you go to the gym, be sure to wipe down all equipment, free weights, and exercise mats before using them. Don't share toothpaste tubes, towels, wash rags, etc. Keep a 5-6 foot zone between you and anyone coughing or sneezing.

Take Your Vitamins.
Along with your regular vitamins, take supplements like Omega-3 fatty acids pills that contain at least 1 gram of EPA and DHA. In climates where sunlight is limited, or if you work indoors most of the time, be sure to take a supplement with at least 2000 IU of vitamin D. If you feel a cold coming on you can try a product called "Cold-fX", available online at www.cold-fx.ca/. Products that contain zinc have also been proven to reduce the severity of colds if taken early.

Get Plenty of Exercise and Sleep.
These are your best defense against getting sick because sleep and exercise are powerful immunity boosters. Exercise 20-30 minutes everyday and get at least 7 hours of sleep each and every night. Well rested folks are much less likely to get sick.

If all else fails and you feel like you're getting sick with a cold or the flu, go see your doctor and ask for Tamiflu or Relenza antiviral medications. If taken within 48 hours of getting sick, these medicines can shorten the overall duration of the flu by several days. If you get sick, stay home until you are free of fever for at least 24 hours. You don't want to infect others.