3 Tips on Avoiding the Flu

With the recent temperature ups and downs we have been fighting throughout southern Illinois, remaining healthy has become quite the challenge.  Though we now consider the 30-degree days to be “spring-like,” it is still not warm enough to be taking off that winter coat, despite our bodies are telling us otherwise.  So, in order to stop sickness in its tracks, here are three helpful hints to stay healthy until warmer weather hits.

1.         Keep those winter coats out:  The weather may feel warmer, but it still isn’t summer. Breaking out spring jackets may feel more comfortable, but in reality, it’s going to lead to illness and most likely a cold.  So although the weather patterns may be annoying, and wearing a winter coat might feel too warm, wearing it is still necessary.  To avoid feeling too warm, you could wear a t-shirt or something lighter underneath, just as long as you’re staying covered up.

2.         Hand sanitizer is your new best friend: Because the weather is so unpredictable, colds and the flu are spreading like wildfire. The best way to protect against this is to keep your hands clean.  Carrying hand sanitizer is the most convenient way to do this, as you can use it after any contact with germ-ridden areas– door handles being the most common– especially going to a University where hundreds of students are touching the same door knob throughout the day, most of which are probably sick themselves.

3.            Keep your immune system strong: Many people take vitamin C tablets daily, but those of us that don’t have them handy, oranges or orange juice are great alternatives.  On top of this, healthy eating and regular workouts are other ways to keep the body healthy.  Even just walking on the treadmill for thirty minutes, or walking to class instead of taking the bus on the warmer days, are great ways to keep your body healthy.

Although we may not use each of these tips everyday, trying to integrate them into your normal routine will definitely be beneficial in the long run.  As they say, better safe than sorry.