Now is the time of the year when we start to layer up on warmer jackets and clothes for the winter and cold season.  There are many things to look forward to the winter, such as skiing, snowboarding, hot chocolate and warm blankets, but there is one thing that many people do not look forward to and that is the flu.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention government website, “In the United States, on average 5% to 20% of the population gets the flu and more than 200,000 people are hospitalized from seasonal flu-related complications. Flu seasons are unpredictable and can be severe. Over a period of 30 years, between 1976 and 2006, estimates of flu-associated deaths in the United States range from a low of about 3,000 to a high of about 49,000 people.”  There are some ways to prevent the flu this season; however, the most important is maintaining a healthy immune system.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention also suggest that the first step of prevention is to wash hands with soap and water before and after eating because this is the best way to keep the bad germs away.  Eating a lot of vitamin C, such as oranges, tomatoes, and broccoli can boost your immune system while drinking plenty of water, or herbal teas for your water intake daily.  Stress can trigger the flu because it can weaken the immune system if you are not able to manage it correctly.  Not getting enough sleep during the night can increase your risk of getting the virus because each individual should be getting at least 7 to 8 hours of sleep if not more to maintain a healthy immune system.  Exercise is also very important to keep up your body defenses against the flu virus. All of the above suggestions should be kept in mind as the winter and flu season are underway.