10 Habits That Increase Your Flu Risk
Now that flu season is here, it's important
to do all that you can to make sure that you're not one of its unlucky
victims. That's why it's important to make sure that you take all the
necessary precautions, and avoid any common mistakes that could lead to
you getting the flu, such as the ten you'll find below.
1. Not taking a sick day when you need one
If you’ve gotten into the habit of refusing to take a sick day off when
you need one, it could place a lot of unnecessary stress on your immune
system. When you’re feeling unwell, exerting yourself in the same way
that you would on any other day is a sure-fire way to weaken your immune
system and unable to fight viruses like the flu, leading to more sick
days being required in the future.
2. You don't eat enough (or any) carbs
According to Elizabeth Gardner, Ph.D., an associate professor in Food
Science and Human Nutrition, “Originally we thought the calorie
restriction would help improve their immune systems, but we found the
opposite was true,” and that “more calories during flu season helped
ward off the virus or if it didn’t, it at least resulted in fewer
symptoms and a speedier recovery.”
3. You have untreated depression
According to the American Psychological Association, depression and
anxiety, when left undiagnosed and untreated, raise cortisol levels in
the body, which is the stress hormone in the brain. This will weaken
your immunity, thereby preventing it from fighting commons colds and
viruses as well as it should.
4. You touch your face frequently
According to a study published in Clinical Infectious Diseases, as a
rule of thumb, you should always keep your filthy hands far away from
your face and mouth. This is because such habits can easily lead to you
getting the flu.
5. You don't consume enough echinacea
Consuming echinacea will increase your white blood cell count, which in
turn will boost your immunity and overall health. So, particularly
during flu season, stock up on herbal teas that contain plenty of good
echinacea.
6. You're untidy
Keeping clutter all over your home is one thing, but not disinfecting
the surfaces of your home may place you at risk. We'd recommend making
it a habit to keep your home as tidy as can be, if not for appearances,
then at least for your health.
7. You spend too long indoors
Vitamin D should be an essential part of your life. Whether you’re
heading outdoors to receive it in a natural way or popping a pill.
According to a study published in the Journal of Investigative Medicine,
Vitamin D plays a vital role in the promotion of a strong immune
system.
8. You let stress take over
Allowing stress entirely take over your body and become a piece of your
day-to-day existence will prove to be very damaging to your immunity in
the long-run. “High-stress levels also can cause depression and anxiety,
again leading to higher levels of inflammation. In the long-term,
sustained, high levels of inflammation point to an overworked,
over-tired immune system that can’t properly protect you,” according to
the Cleveland Clinic.
9. You don't take probiotics
If you don't take your daily dose of probiotics, then you could be in a
world of trouble come flu season. In fact, according to a recent study,
consuming probiotics could also even help in the treatment of illnesses
such as the flu, by creating substances that assist in the development
of the intestinal mucosal defense mechanism.
10. You’re not getting enough sleep
If you discover that there are many stress factors in your life that can
contribute to a weak immunity, then getting a good night’s sleep can
counteract a few of these problems. However, if you learn that you have
difficulty achieving the recommended seven hours of sleep each night,
then you might be harming your body’s defenses against the flu even
more.