It’s officially fall, but it’s already feeling like winter. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that we all start getting ready for the flu season. In some ways, I think it was a lot easier when everything was shut down. I didn’t have to worry about the seasonal flu, colds, infections, and all the other nastiness. I love seeing people and interacting with friends and family. But all that fun and connectedness have their own share of coughing-and-sneezing headaches.
What Is The Flu?
I know we’ve known about the flu for years, probably our whole lives. But, with all the other bugs flying around, I think a refresher is in order. Influenza, or the flu, is a contagious respiratory illness caused by the influenza virus.
Most years, my family gets the flu at least once, but we usually have fairly minor symptoms. We get a fever, cough, and sore throat. And we also get that exhaustion that just makes us want to sleep the day away. Every few years, my kids bring home the flu that comes with the nasty vomiting. BLECH.
How Do I Get The Flu?
Honestly, I probably get the flu after my kids get the flu. They’re around so many other kids at school that it’s the perfect space for them all to catch it or spread it.
But it’s just as easy to get the flu in an office environment, at the grocery store, or anywhere else where I might come in contact with other people. According to the CDC, “Most experts believe that flu viruses spread mainly by tiny droplets made when people with flu cough, sneeze or talk.”
Will I Get Sick?
If I didn’t have kids, the likelihood of me getting sick would probably be fairly low during flu season. Studies show that children and those over the age of 65 are more likely to get the flu. But, because I have two kids, and those kids are also in school, I will be exposed to the flu. It’s not a matter of if, but when. Most years, an average of some 39 million people get sick with the flu.
Since I know that my kids will be bringing the flu home with them, we’ve already talked about ways to prepare ourselves. They’re not fans of the flu either, so we’re all on the same page. I hope these tips will help you and your family too!
Be Healthy – Live Healthy
It’s something we hear every day, but it’s more important this time of year. A healthy diet, regular exercise, plenty of sleep, and managing stress are all part of being healthy. Besides, now is the perfect time to go out and see the leaves that are changing down by the river. The days are cooler, so it’s also fun to walk around the neighborhood or take a hike on the nearby trails.
There are lots of ways to maintain a healthy lifestyle with fruit, vegetables, calcium-rich foods, and lean meats. To support your immune system, you can also consider supplements. Here’s one popular option.
Source Naturals Wellness Formula
Bio-Aligned Vitamins & Herbal Defense for Immune System Support 
The Source Naturals Wellness formula is designed to support your immune system, as well as your stress response. While it’s not a substitute for a healthy diet and lifestyle, it’s a great way to make sure that you’re getting all the vitamins and minerals, as well as antioxidants and herbal extracts.
Wash Hands
This is another one of those things that you’re probably sick of hearing. Washing hands is not only good for you, but it’s also good for everyone else (our kids included). Since it’s not always easy to have a sink and soap close at hand, we carry hand sanitizer with us. It just seems easier to practice a bit more prevention this year.
Dial Complete Antibacterial
Foaming Hand Wash
We tend to buy Dial’s antibacterial foam soap, and then refill the bottle when it starts to get low. It’s a great option because it doesn’t tend to dry our hands as much as some of the other soap options. The Spring Water and Fresh Pear scents are also not annoyingly floral, like some of the other scents we’ve tried.
SHOP – $19.48 (4 pack)
PURELL Advanced Hand Sanitizer
We often use the foam Purell hand sanitizer at home, but it’s not so easy to take with us while we’re on the go. Fortunately, there are great solutions. These handy travel-size Purell containers are great to attach to backpacks, keychains, purses, gym bags, or even to slide in a pocket for easy access no matter where we are.
SHOP – $14.90 (8 pack)
Kleenex Facial Tissues
Tissues come in handy all the time, but I do love this more durable version. It’s perfect for attaching it to backpacks and bags, or just keeping it in the car in case of those unexpected emergencies, whether that be of the sneezing or coughing variety or just a spill. This Kleenex tissue pack is also resealable, so I don’t have to worry about having clean tissues for cold and flu, allergies, or any other mishap we face.
Clean And Disinfect
Flu viruses are contagious, and I know that the school is doing what they can to prevent the spread around school, but we also are continually vigilant about making sure that we disinfect everything as well. It’s not just about cleaning, though. The CDC recommends using EPA-registered products to clean and disinfect all surface areas. They also recommend leaving the solution on any surface for 3-5 minutes for maximum effectiveness.
PureGreen24 Safe, Green, and All-Natural Disinfectant
PureGreen24 has the lowest EPA toxicity rating. It’s also odorless and non-irritating for skin, while being safe for use on toys, around pets, and for sports equipment (always an important consideration). It’s also rated as effective against the flu virus and it’s ready to use, without any mixing required. It contains no harsh chemicals, it disinfects without bleaching agents, and it’s safe and effective for 24-hour protection.
SHOP – $37.95 (2 pack)
How are you preparing for the flu season? We’d love to hear your tips. Please leave your comments below.
For More Health-Related Articles, Read These:
With Timed Water Bottles And Infusers, Make Water Your New Best Friend
You’re Sleeping Enough, But You’re Still Tired? This Might Be Why
