November 2022: How to boost your immune system and fight seasonal flu
The best way to prevent seasonal flu is to boost your immune system. With seasonal flu responsible for around 80,000 GP visits each year, taking steps to boost your immune system is increasingly important, especially as we age. Seasonal flu can be very debilitating, especially for older people and those with compromised immune systems. So in this article, we're going to reveal the most effective ways to prevent and fight the flu and when to seek medical attention.
Best Immune Booster Techniques
There are many different ways to boost your immune system, but some techniques are more effective than others. One of the most important things you can do is ensure that you get adequate sleep each night. This allows your body to rest and recover, giving it the energy and resources, it needs to fight off illnesses.
Paying close attention to when and how often you wash your hands is another important element to minimise your risk of coming into contact with the virus and, in particular seasonal flu. It's easier to catch during the colder months of the year as we spend more time indoors and visiting loved ones. That's why washing your hands often and carrying hand sanitiser should form a key part of your seasonal flu defence.
How To Boost Your Immune System Naturally
Other important techniques to boost your immune system include eating a healthy, balanced diet and making time for regular exercise. Exercise is best taken outdoors, where you can get plenty of fresh air and sunlight. Remember, a lack of vitamin D can negatively impact your immune system, so make sure you get plenty of sun exposure each day. Additionally, probiotics are beneficial because they help balance the gut flora in your body and support healthy digestion.
These activities help to strengthen your body and support your immune system, making it better equipped to fight off seasonal flu and other illnesses. Additionally, maintaining a positive outlook can also be beneficial, as stress and anxiety can weaken the immune system in the long run.
How To Combat Seasonal Flu
If you are concerned that you might be getting sick, there are many natural treatments and remedies that can help. Some of the most effective options include drinking plenty of fluids to stay hydrated, taking over-the-counter medications such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen to reduce discomfort, and using essential oils like eucalyptus or peppermint to help clear congestion and soothe a sore throat.
Another way to fight seasonal flu is by drinking fresh orange juice to top up your vitamin C levels, as well as eating homemade chicken broth with plenty of garlic. Chicken is a key source of protein and magnesium, and garlic is a natural antibiotic. You can also soothe a sore throat by gargling with salt water and drinking tea with honey.
Many people also swear by a ‘hot toddy’ to keep colds and flu at bay. The combination of whisky, to relax the mind and body, honey which is antibacterial and lemon, an antiseptic, can help to speed up your recovery, or so they say!
Ginger is another effective natural remedy that can help to reduce fever, nausea, and vomiting symptoms associated with the flu. Additionally, ensuring good sleep hygiene by getting plenty of rest and taking frequent breaks from work when necessary is important in helping your body recover during flu season.
Prevent Seasonal Flu
Alternatively, you can also take more proactive measures to fight seasonal flu, such as having a flu jab, which can also help to prevent infection. And should you become unwell, the symptoms should be far more manageable with a faster recovery period than if you were fighting flu without the injection.
However, if you are experiencing more severe symptoms, such as high fever, persistent body aches, or pronounced fatigue, it is important to seek medical attention right away. Your doctor can prescribe antiviral medications that can help you recover faster and minimise the severity of your illness.
Overall, the key to fighting seasonal flu is to take proactive steps to support your immune system and seek timely medical care if needed. By following these tips, you can stay healthy and enjoy this flu season!