Flu or Influenza is a relatively common disease that affects children and older adults or people with low immunity more frequently. Lungs, throat and nose are commonly affected regions of the body. Recent studies made by Pro-Papers stress that some type of flu affects around 20% of Americans every year. When it comes to Central Africa, the proportion is much bigger. Flu is responsible for about 50000 deaths around the world annually. It is easily spread through direct contact or through air. Hence, students are always at high risk as they are at constant connect to the outside world. However, there are various measures that can be taken to reduce the risk of being prone to such diseases.
Tip 1: Vaccination
Students need to be aware of the types of flu dominant in their area and get proper vaccinations as it is always said that Prevention is better than cure. Various doses are available based on your age, body mass index, chronic disorders or any other medical complications. These vaccinations are normally given annually. So go to the nearest clinic and get the prescribed flu shot right away!
Tip 2: Maintain proper hygiene all around
Whether it is self- hygiene or cleanliness in the public places, it should be given high priority. There are various points that can be followed to maintain proper hygiene.
- Washing hands regularly: Alcohol based sanitizers are more effective at killing germs. Students come in contact with a lot of people daily and hence washing hands can be an easy but useful habit to curb any chances of flu- like symptoms. Students who work on computer keyboards should take special care to wash hands before eating.
- Keeping the immediate surroundings clean: Make sure that the college/school campus is clean and tidy. Regular mopping of the floor and table/chair can go a long way in helping reduce the spread of virus to other students.
Tip 3: Know what to eat
- Lots of it.
Drink water as it helps in maintaining proper hydration level. It helps in the proper functioning of even other body organs.
- Citrus fruits.
Fruits like oranges, lemon and grapes contain Vitamin C that helps in preventing flu and common cold.
Curcumin is an anti-inflammatory compound that gives turmeric the distinct color. This also helps in improving the immunity and helps repair muscles.
- Green tea.
Green tea is rich in amino acids and contains antioxidant that enhances immunity by killing the influenza virus.
When feeling sick during essay writing, ginger can really help to boost up the immunity due to its anti- inflammatory properties.
A diet rich in fruits, green vegetables and low- fat dairy can provide minerals, Vitamin C, zinc and iron that help in maintaining healthy blood cells. Iron helps to carry oxygen to the cells. Special importance should be given to Vitamin C as it helps in reducing the risk of getting a flu and blocks the symptoms of sickness. Eggs and white meat are protein- packed and contain Vitamin D that strengthens immunity. Garlic can also help in the case.
Tip 4: A healthy body can go a long way!
It is said that you can’t take good health for granted. So take some tiny steps to fix your health issues and it begins with a fit body.
Exercise: Work out regularly. A healthy body is well capable of fighting off those influenza- causing virus. It’s not necessary to hit the gym. A morning run or an evening walk can do the trick.
A healthy mind leads to a healthy body
Yoga helps to condition the lungs and remove toxic compounds from the body. It helps to increase the breathing capacity and fight off flu and cold like symptoms. It helps to pump oxygenated blood to the body organs and promotes better sleep patterns.
Good sleep: A good day’s sleep can make one feel refreshed and fight off the symptoms. The best thing one can do when feeling sick is to rest. Body recovers the fastest when it is at complete rest as the number of antibodies produced inside the human body increases. It helps in the repair of muscles as well.
Tip 5: Improve your basic habits.
Quit smoking: Smoking reduces the immunity drastically. It weakens the lungs and induces toxic substances into the body. Studies suggest that smokers are more prone to decline in health during flu epidemics due to compromised immune system.
Cover your nose while sneezing: This is a basic etiquette that should be practiced right from childhood. Flu or influenza spreads quickly through air hence a sick person should be responsible enough to carry his own tissues always.
Stay home when sick: This is necessary in order to prevent further spreading of flu.
Maintain a healthy BMI: A healthy Body Mass Index points to a healthy body. An obese or a person suffering from malnutrition are more prone to germs and virus.
Know the symptoms: Sore throat, high fever, running nose and headaches are some of the common symptoms in most the cases.
Common cold, flu and fever are some of the most common types of ailments and hence people tend to take it lightly. It is normally advised to take it easy but still one should be aware of the steps to be taken in order to recover quickly.