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Although cold and flu season has arrived, there are many preventative measures you can take to keep yourself and those around you healthy, as well as minimize the effects of seasonal flu and H1N1 flu (Swine Flu) if you or someone you know becomes ill.
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Get Your Flu Shot
The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) recommends a yearly seasonal flu vaccine as the first and most important step in protecting against seasonal influenza. However, the good health habits and practices described below can be helpful as well.
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Wash Your Hands Often
Wash your hands frequently with soap and warm water for at least 20 seconds -- that’s roughly the time it takes to sing “Happy Birthday” twice. Remember, when soap and water are not available, an alcohol-based hand sanitizer works great.
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Cough Or Sneeze Into Your Elbow
If you don’t have a tissue, cough or sneeze into the bend of your elbow to prevent the spread of germs.
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Disinfect Common Surfaces
Germs can live for hours, and in some cases weeks, on common surfaces. Use a disinfectant regularly to wipe and clean doorknobs, phones, remote controls, toys, computer keyboards, and any other items that are shared at home or at the office.
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Practice Good Health Habits
Encourage your family to eat right and exercise. Diets rich in fruits and vegetables provide a rich source of immune boosting nutrients. Exercising, whether you’re walking or playing outdoor games, builds up immune cells in the body and can help you feel more energetic and healthier while increasing your immunity to certain illnesses.
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Drink Plenty Of Fluids
Hydrate your body by drinking 8-10 glasses of water a day to help flush out the system, and to keep your throat moist. Drinking 8-10 glasses of water to feel healthier is no myth!
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Rest And Relax
Get as much rest as possible, and try to sleep at least 8 to 9 hours per night to rejuvenate your body. In addition, try using relaxation techniques that are at your disposal, such as massage, yoga, and meditation.
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Get Fresh Air
A regular dose of fresh air is important, especially in cold weather when central heating dries you out and makes your body more vulnerable to cold and flu viruses. Also, during cold weather more people stay indoors, which means more germs are circulating in crowded, dry rooms.
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Stock Up On The Essentials
Despite taking all these steps, you still may get sick this winter. Be prepared by stocking up on HALLS® cough drops, tissues, soup, hand sanitizer, vitamins and fever reducer while you’re still healthy.
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