Seven Ways To Avoid The Flu

1. Eat Garlic

Garlic is proven to be a potent anti-viral, anti-bacterial and anti-fungal that will ward off the flu virus and common cold. Garlic is a great addition to most meals, but isn’t always practical if you’re planning to go out in public after you’ve eaten! To get the same benefit without offending your friends – try cutting a clove of garlic into smaller pieces and swallowing them with water.

2. Drink Water

The health benefits from drinking plenty of water are endless and avoiding the flu is no exception. A well-hydrated body works more efficiently than a poorly-hydrated one – which can greatly improve you immune system and the chance you’ll avoid the flu.

3. Wash Your Hands & Face

The flu is most commonly contracted through the nose, mouth and eyes – usually by touching these areas with dirty hands. At work, most of us touch equipment that is shared by others so washing your hands regularly and avoiding hand contact with your nose, mouth and eyes will greatly reduce your chances of contracting the virus. As an extra precaution, regularly wash your face with soap and water to stay bacteria-free.

4. Drink Tea

A study by Harvard University found that people who drank five cups of black tea a day for two weeks had 10 times higher levels of the cold and virus fighting chemical ‘interferon’ than those who did not drink tea. So go and stick the kettle on while you read the last three tips…

5. Exercise

Taking regular exercise, whether it’s a brisk walk during your lunch hour or a full work out at the gym will keep your body fighting-fit. Try and incorporate exercise in your every day life by walking more and vowing not to take anymore lifts!

6. Sleep

It’s a cliché, but it’s true. Making sure you get enough rest at night is proven to greatly increase the effectiveness of your immune system – making it easier to avoid the flu. The recommended sleeping time for an average adult is 8 hours, increase this to 10 hours for a powerful health boost.

7. Wrap Up

When out in the fresher months, be sure to wrap up with warm jackets or cardigans. When your body is cold, it is weaker and more susceptible to attack from foreign bacteria so wrapping up warm when you’re out and about will certainly increase your chances of avoiding the flu.