While it’s not possible to predict how severe the upcoming season will be, it’s important to start taking steps NOW to protect yourself and your loved from getting the flu. Although complete immunity can’t be guaranteed, below is a list of 10 tips that might just protect you from getting sick this flu season:

  1. Get a flu shot
    Getting a flu shot is the single best thing that you can do each flu season to protect yourself from severe illness. Flu vaccines trigger antibodies to develop in the body, usually within 2 weeks of having the shot. The antibodies provide protection against the strains of flu infection contained in the vaccine. Although the flu shot may have side effects in some people, it cannot cause flu illness.
  2. Keep the windows closed
    Although cracking a window next to your sneezing office neighbor might give you peace of mind — since theoretically, it would help circulate out infected air — chances are it won’t do much to protect you. FWIW, the flu virus’s outer coating hardens in cold, which helps it remain viable while passing between people, according to researchers of a 2008 study published in Nature Chemical Biology.
  3. Maintain your immune system
    The immune system protects your body from infection. When it is in tiptop shape and functioning properly, the immune system launches an attack on threats — such as flu viruses.
    You can benefit your whole body, including your immune system, by implementing healthy living strategies, such as: (1) consuming a fruit- and vegetable-rich diet, (2) exercising frequently, (3) aiming for a healthy BMI, (4) sleeping for 7–9 hours each night and (5) reducing stress.
  4.  Give sick sleeping partners their own pillow, and have them sleep on their own side
    Like other communal surfaces, blankets and pillows, particularly in shared beds, can host the flu virus for about 24 hours. Although it’s best to avoid sharing a bed with an infected partner — particularly when he or she is coughing or sneezing — you can avoid infection by keeping to yourself once in bed, and changing the linens if your partner steals your pillow. In the same vein, if flu-infected roommates take up residence on the couch, have them use their own pillows and blankets, or avoid snuggling up in the same spot for 24 hours.
  5. REST
    Yes, the flu can make you sick, but guess what? Stress can, too: People who report psychological stress are less likely to develop protective antibodies in response to the flu vaccine, according to a 2009 review of 13 existing studies, which was published in Brain, Behavior, and Immunity. “It’s important not to become completely obsessed and compulsive,” Dr. Adalja says. “During a flu season like this, when the virus is spreading among humans in every type of environment and community, you’re going to be exposed to it — even if you live in an overly sterile environment.”
  6. Clean your home
    Flu germs and viruses love to lurk on items you touch every day. Some hot spots for germs are: kitchen sponges, dishcloths, cutting boards, home desks, floors, sinks and toilets. Clean and disinfect these hot spots regularly. You can microwave your kitchen sponge for one minute on a high setting to zap germs. Better yet, throw it out.
    If someone in your household has the flu, take special care when washing their things. Wash dishes and silverware thoroughly by hand or in the dishwasher. You don’t have to do a sick person’s laundry separately, but try to avoid scooping up an armload of items and holding them close before washing them. Use laundry soap and dry on a hot setting. Always wash your hands immediately after handling dirty laundry
  7. Quit smoking
    Quitting smoking could be a useful preventative measure against flu — not only for you but also for your children, family, or anyone else who lives with you. People who smoke have a more exaggerated response to viruses, including the flu. Flu virus symptoms that are often mild in those who do not smoke could have a severe effect on people who do. For example, smokers are more likely to die than non-smokers during flu epidemics.
  8. Clean communal surfaces at least once a day
    The flu virus can remain viable without a host for about 24 hours, according to Dr. Adalja. “In general, all household surfaces are going to be contaminated with the flu virus if you’re living with someone who has the flu,” he says, adding that about 25 percent of people who become infected experience no symptoms but can still be contagious. It’s why you should wipe down commonly-touched surfaces — think phone chargers, fridge handles, and light switches — at least once a day using any standard household cleaner, regardless of whether anyone in your household is sick.
  9. Limit contact with family members who are ill
    If someone in your family does get the flu, take these steps to prevent the flu from spreading: (1) keep the sick person at home, (2) limit close contact between the sick person and other family members as much as you can while they’re contagious…. In general, this is up to a week after they show symptoms and (3) change sleeping arrangements, if possible. You should also avoid sharing the following items from the sick person: washcloths, towels, dishes, toys and utensils
  10. Practice good health habits
    As well as getting vaccinated, good health habits also act as a line of defense against the flu. Flu is extremely contagious, able to spread from one person to another standing within 6 feet via droplets produced when coughing, sneezing, or talking or by touching contaminated surfaces.

Following a few simple steps can minimize the spread of flu viruses:

  • If you have flu-like symptoms, stay home from school or work for at least 24 hours after your fever has disappeared
  • Use a tissue to cover your nose and mouth when sneezing and coughing… Dispose of the tissue immediately after use
  • Regularly wash your hands with soap and water or an alcohol-based hand rub
  • Try not to touch your eyes, nose, or mouth without first washing your hands to ensure they are germ-free
  • Avoid close contact with those who are sick or other people if you are sick
  • Clean and disinfect surfaces that people come into contact with at work, school, or home

Research conducted by the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor indicated that hand hygiene and wearing surgical masks reduced the spread of flu-like symptoms by up to 75 percent in university residence halls.

By Amanda Keller, LCSW-R, Capital EAP Clinical Director