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Don’t let this happen to you. Source: Shutterstock
It’s officially flu season, and it’s everywhere. Like 47 states everywhere. Even Meryl Streep caught it. There are so many forms of the flu, it’s hard to avoid getting sick in some capacity.
And it turns out that the flu shot is only “moderately effective.” This year, the CDC has given it a 60% effectiveness rating in flu-prevention. I know I’m supposed to tell you to get the flu shot, but every time I’ve gotten it, I end up getting the flu anyway. And I don’t like needles, so there’s that.
I do, however, have some tips on how you can prevent the flu and stay healthy a midst all that sneezing and coughing.
Get plenty of sleep
Your immune system doesn't do so hot when it's not well-rested. Sleep is actually one of the best tools in fighting the flu so make sure you're getting between 6-8 hours a night.
Excercise
I know, it's cold and you don't feel like working out. I don't either, but improving your fitness helps out your immune system. Do some crunches while you're watching TV or take a quick walk around your neighborhood with a friend.
Hydrate, hydrate, hydrate
Seriously, drink ALL the water. If you're bored with the taste, squeeze some lemon or lime in there. Drinking water rids your body of toxins and regulates your temperature, which means you're fighting off flu bacteria and avoiding a fever.
But don't share drinks
You don't know who's mouth has been where. Even your BFF. If you share drinks, you're way more likely to end up with the flu or something else. Like mono. Or herpes.
Making out
Make sure whoever you're playing tonsil hockey with is in good health. If they've just gotten over a cold, you might want to wait a minute. And don't go shoving your tongue down everyone's throat. I like to stick with one dude during flu season.
Wash your hands
Duh. This is so easy, but people don't do it. You spread sooooo many germs through your hands so wash them whenever you can.
When in doubt, use hand sanitizer
I always have hand sanitizer handy (hehe) because if I can't wash my hands, then I can sanitize. I know it smells like gasoline, but you might want it around when that kid who borrowed your highlighter gives it back after rubbing his flu-infected nose.
Have you gotten the flu shot this year? If not, are you going to? How do you stay healthy during flu season? Tell me in the comments!
Yikes! Check out what drinking can do to your face.
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