‘Tis the Season…flu season that is

“To avoid fall fevers, eat moderately, drink sparingly, lie not down on the damp earth, nor overheat yourself; but keep your temper, and change your clothes as the weather changes.”

-The 1852 Old Farmer’s Almanac

‘Tis the season, the flu season that is…as the holiday season comes to a close, cold and flu season is just getting started. According to the Center for Disease Control (CDC), 2018 promises to be one of the worst flu seasons in recent years. The numbers indicate that we have already met and will surpass the peak of the 2014-2015 season.

What can you do to lower your risk of getting both the common cold and the flu?

Ask your doctor about getting a flu shot
Don’t share washcloths or towels
Use disposable towels or tissues instead of cloth handkerchiefs
Avoid frequently touched places like door handles and faucets
Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when you sneeze or cough. If you don’t have a tissue, cough into your upper sleeve
Don’t shake hands or touch surfaces and then bring your fingers to your nose, mouth or eyes
Don’t share food or drinks
Wash your hands often, especially after returning from public places/spaces
Drink plenty of liquids, especially water
Get plenty of sleep
Cut back on sugars and alcoholic drinks
Eat lots of fruits with high vitamin C content and vegetables and grains to cleanse your system
Get lots of rest
Stay home if you are sick to keep from spreading the illness