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How to keep flu free

With flu season just around the corner, here’s what you need to know to keep the flu away.

05 March 2018
By Megan Miller

Book your flu vaccine now

The flu affects up to 15 percent of the world population and up to 20 percent of South Africans every year, according to the World Health Organisation. And with new types of virus strains developing every winter, it’s vital to protect yourself by building up your winter immunity. Here’s how.

Get vaccinated

It’s not a miracle cure – no vaccine is 100 percent effective. But most experts agree that it’s one of the best things you can do to protect yourself. “The flu vaccine is a potent barrier against the three most common strains from the previous year still circulating. It can’t cause flu and should be on all families’ shopping lists right now,” says Clicks Pharmacist Waheed Abdurahman. Some studies have even proven that the flu shot can provide up to 70 to 90 percent protection in healthy people.

When to take it? It takes the immune system about six to eight weeks to respond. Therefore, the best time to get the flu vaccine is mid-March to end May, before the flu season starts. Book your vaccination at your nearest Clicks pharmacy today.

Live healthily: Try these immune-boosting tips:

Press the snooze button

Studies support the notion that sleep is just as important for maintaining good health as diet and exercise. When you sleep, your body helps repair and rebuild cells more efficiently, so this will help strengthen your immune system to fight sickness and disease.

Eat a flu-fighting diet

Eat the least amount of processed foods possible. The worse your diet, the worse your body’s ability to repair and recover.

Use this nifty immune-boosting food list to ensure a winter-healthy shopping basket:

  • Protein: oily fish, lean beef, free-range chicken, Brazil nuts
  • Fruit: apples, strawberries, cranberries, tomatoes, pineapple
  • Vegetables: broccoli, mushrooms, carrots, avocado
  • Dairy: yoghurt
  • Other: oats, honey, cayenne, legumes

Practice good hand hygiene

According to a recent US study, masks and hand hygiene could cut the spread of flu-like symptoms up to 75 percent and reduce flu by up to 43 percent. Wash/disinfect your hands before eating and after coming into contact with people who are sick.

Work up a sweat

Moderate exercise – 30 minutes, three or four times a week – is a great strategy for preventing colds and flu. If you do get sick, keep your contagions away from the gym, and don't work out at all if you have a fever.

Get to the root

Herbs like Echinacea, ginseng and garlic are excellent immune boosters:

1. Echinacea increases your body's power to fight off colds and flu. It’s most effective when used just as those nasty cold and flu symptoms start taking hold.

How to use it: Take it as a herbal supplement, concentrated drops in water or you can buy Echinacea teas.

2. Ginseng improves general immunity against infections and also supports the body during stressful times.

How to use it: You can purchase 500mg ginseng capsules or cut up pieces of root into your soup.

3. Garlic has been described as a “miracle” medicine because it contains more than 20 anti-viral, anti-fungal and antibacterial substances — and serves as a wonderful natural antibiotic.

How to use it: Use garlic generously in cooking, crushing the cloves to release the pungent phytochemicals. Chew on fresh parsley to help neutralise “garlic breath.”

According to wellness expert Dr Darren Green, a holistic approach to building a strong immunity is key. “There is progressive evidence that prevention remains key and that your daily habits – rather than mid-winter medical interventions – aid longevity and balanced health.

“Remember also that flu is not fatal, rather people succumb to complications of flu such as pneumonia, meningo-encephalitis, and severe septic reactions following serious infections,” says Dr Green.

The flu vaccine is most beneficial taken in advance by the very young, very old and immunocompromised patient (diabetics, HIV infection, organ transplant patients, as well as patients on chronic immunosuppressive drugs such as chemotherapy and steroids. “Lifestyle factors like poor nutrition choices, lack of quality sleep, inactivity and smoking all assist in crippling your natural defences and steal your quality of life down the line,” he concludes.

Find our medical expert, Dr Darren Green online.

How Clicks Clinics can help you during the flu season

Book an appointment for a flu vaccination at your nearest Clicks Clinic by calling 0860 254 257 or visiting Clicks Clinics online.

IMAGE CREDIT: Getty Images

Read More: Flu Super Section