Are you facing a significant deadline at work or eagerly anticipating your long-awaited dream vacation? Regardless of what lies ahead in your schedule, it’s evident that you cannot afford to let a cold or flu hinder your progress.

Therefore, take proactive steps. While getting a flu shot is essential, there are additional measures you can adopt. Consider following this comprehensive eight-step strategy to maintain your health and stay active.

Step 1: Maintain Hand Hygiene

The transmission of cold and flu viruses is no mystery. When someone with an illness sneezes into their hand and subsequently touches objects like telephones or keyboards, the germs linger, ready to infect others. Thus, frequent handwashing is imperative. In situations where access to a sink is limited, utilize hand sanitizers containing alcohol.

Step 2: Avoid Using Hands to Cover Sneezes and Coughs

Contribute to the prevention of germ transmission within your social circle by refraining from using your hands to stifle sneezes and coughs. Since viruses adhere to bare hands, opt for tissues and promptly dispose of them. If a tissue is unavailable, resort to coughing or sneezing into the inside of your elbow.

Step 3: Refrain from Touching Your Face

The entry points for cold and flu viruses into your body are your eyes, nose, and mouth. Educate your children about the importance of avoiding face-touching habits, and lead by example.

Step 4: Engage in Regular Aerobic Exercise

Participating in aerobic exercises, which elevate your heart rate, is beneficial. These activities aid in enhancing your body’s natural virus-fighting cells.

Step 5: Incorporate Foods Rich in Phytochemicals into Your Diet

Phytochemicals, found in plant-based foods, enhance the potency of vitamins. Rather than relying solely on supplements, consume a variety of dark green, red, and yellow fruits and vegetables.

Step 6: Abstain from Smoking

Individuals who smoke heavily are prone to experiencing more severe and frequent colds. Moreover, exposure to smoke compromises the immune system, the body’s defense mechanism against germs.

Step 7: Reduce Alcohol Consumption

Excessive alcohol consumption diminishes the effectiveness of the immune system, rendering you more susceptible to infections and complications. Additionally, alcohol consumption contributes to dehydration.

Step 8: Prioritize Relaxation

Your immune system benefits from stress reduction. Engage in relaxation techniques, such as visualizing calming images for 30 minutes daily over several months, to alleviate stress and support your body’s defense system.

Source-Medindia