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Mob Boss
January 11th, 2013, 06:06 PM
Since there's been a bad outbreak of influenza this year (it's even got an early start in comparison to last year's flu season), and it seems to be fairly easy to prevent -- if you know the best prevention techniques -- I thought I'd start a Flu Prevention thread full of tips. And any extra tips or information will be greatly appreciated. Note: I'm not a doctor, simply giving tips to try and help keep all you weirdos out there healthy!

1. Wash Your Filthy Hands! - Well, they might not be filthy per se, but during this season germs are lurking on nearly every surface. Seeing as most flu viruses are a result of direct contact with a sickling, make sure to wash them frequently, including your face. I think this is the time Germ-x becomes my bez fren, so make it yours as well.

2. Aerobic Exercise -- Doing a good 30 minutes of aerobic exercises will help get your heart pumpin', your blood flowin', your breath goin', which in turns transfer the oxygen from your lungs into your blood. These kinds of exercises help increase the Arnold-Schwarzenegger-like cells that annihilate viruses. And we all want The Terminator on our team so....watch an old Richard Simmons tape and get to moving!

3. Ixna On The Ugarsa -- If you don't speak pig-Latin, and I'm not sure why anyone wouldn't because it's the kewlest, I said no more sugar. Sugars are hard on your immune system and since there's no cure if you get the flu (only preventative measures and symptom relievers), your immune system is what will have to go to battle for you. Save that Twinkie for another time. You'll be okay without it, I promise.

4. Get Shot! -- In the arm with a needle. Though the shot isn't a 100% guarantee you won't get the McNasty that is the flu virus, it's pretty darn close. Most pharmacies have a flu-shot day, or your GP should be another place to get one. Sometimes you even get a cute sticker, which should be enough persuasion to go get one.

5. Vitamin D3 -- Vitamin D3 has been proven to boost the immune system, which is always helpful during this time of year. So get out in the sunshine as often as possible, or if that isn't possible, the supplement can still help if you have it in your pill cabinet.

If you guys know of anything else to add or have more tips, I'd love for you to add them.

PinkFloyd
January 11th, 2013, 06:13 PM
Yeah with Minnesota being #1 for Influenza, I'm really cautious. over 1,000 people have been hospitalized, and 50 have DIED. My facts might be a little bit off, but still... People are dying!

Stronger
January 11th, 2013, 06:16 PM
As long as the stomach flu stays away, I'll be okay.

Mob Boss
January 11th, 2013, 07:02 PM
Yeah with Minnesota being #1 for Influenza, I'm really cautious. over 1,000 people have been hospitalized, and 50 have DIED. My facts might be a little bit off, but still... People are dying!

That's good you're being cautious and I heard Minnesota was one of the most severe of the 47 (I'm not sure if that's still the toll) states that have widespread flu. You shouldn't be extremely worried though, generally, the flu(when it's severe and/or progressed to pnuemonia) is typically only fatal in the elderly, those with a pre-existing condition, or compromised immune system. Just keep yourself as healthy as possible until this dies down.

Sonic Boom
January 14th, 2013, 01:44 PM
Sure, one must maintain sufficient vitamins and minerals to ensure effective immune system function. You have to remember it's a system though. it does not rely solely on some vitamins and lifestyle choices.

Focusing on taking one vitamin does not significantly improve the immune system function at all (unless you have a deficiency in that vitamin of course). This goes for all vitamins and minerals. Any deficiency would of course be detrimental, but if you have sufficient levels already- it won't make much of a difference. In fact, you may overdose- which can harm your immune system :eek: Zinc is essential for your immune system, right? But if you pop zinc tablets every day, it can worsen your immunity. :eek::eek::eek:

There has been surprisingly little/poor research on this though due to it's complexity and dynamic nature.

So yeah, just follow a healthy lifestyle and diet as Illicticus said and you should be good to go!

Here's my source -Harvard health publications (http://www.health.harvard.edu/flu-resource-center/how-to-boost-your-immune-system.htm) (Harvard Medical School)

Lost in the Echo
January 14th, 2013, 03:09 PM
These are great tips! Thanks! :D
How are you so smart? ;)

Jess
January 14th, 2013, 10:50 PM
Useful guide. I always get my flu shot whenever the opportunity arises. Have been for the past few years. I'm not afraid to. My two brothers are lol >_> I rarely get sick anymore. If I do, it's usually a cold.

Steve Jobs
January 20th, 2013, 05:30 AM
You should probably include the more obvious like sleep, water and stress too :P and staying away from those who are down with the flu.

Telkanis
January 25th, 2013, 05:00 PM
didnt want to get the flu shot but parents made me. guess im glad i did now.