Do you know the best ways to help prevent the flu? This year, help safeguard your family against illnesses with some preseason training for common cold and flu season.
A healthy immune system is the best protection against common cold and flu season. Keep your family's natural defences strong with these simple tactics:
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Avoid stress. Studies show that stress hampers your ability to stay healthy, especially during common cold and flu season, so anything you can do to combat stress helps fight germs. Try taking a mini meditation break during the day—simply close your eyes and focus on breathing in and out for a few minutes.
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Stick with a bedtime. When you consistently log seven to eight hours of sound sleep a night, your body has the chance to repair cells and maintain your immune system.
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Eat right and exercise. Nutritious foods, such as a healthy variety of fruits and vegetables as part of a balanced diet, give your body the nutrients it needs. Also, physical activity may help. A common recommendation is to shoot for 30 minutes of moderate activity at least three times a week.
Fight Germs
When you keep germs away during common cold and flu season, you can lower your risk of getting sick. Try these simple habits to help avoid stuffy noses and sore throats:
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Wash your hands. And talk to your children about why it’s important to wash theirs. A typical hand washing—before a meal, after going to the bathroom, or anytime you cough, sneeze, or blow your nose—should last 20 seconds. It’s roughly the amount of time it takes to sing “Happy Birthday” twice in your head.
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Bring backup. alcohol-based hand sanitisers can help keep hands clean when soap and water are not available. Keep a small bottle of hand sanitiser in your purse—you will have a way to help keep your hands free of germs even when you’re on the go.
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Clean your desk. It’s a hot spot for germs at the office. Invest in some alcohol-based disinfectant wipes and clean your desk, keyboard, mouse, and phone frequently.
Source: Health NSW (2023) Influenza information for families and young children.
