The air gets a little crisper, the days get a little shorter and that familiar feeling starts to set in. For so many of us, the approach of flu season feels like we’re just waiting for the first sign of a cough or sore throat. It can feel like getting sick is just a part of the calendar. But what if this year could be different? You have more power than you think to protect your well-being and stay feeling your best. Small, simple habits can build a powerful defense for your health.
Get Your Annual Flu Shot
Your annual influenza vaccine is so, so important. The shot introduces your immune system to the structure of this year’s flu virus. This gives your body a chance to prepare its response ahead of time. It builds up the right kind of protection, so if you do encounter the actual flu virus later, your body is ready to fight back hard and fast.
Getting the vaccine is one of the most effective single steps you can take. While it can’t offer 100 percent protection, people who get the flu shot and still get sick often have a much milder case. That difference could mean a few days of mild symptoms versus a serious illness with high fever that keeps you in bed for longer.
This simple injection is a good idea for most people, and it’s especially helpful for young children, older adults and people with certain health conditions or who are pregnant. The influenza vaccine helps protect you and the people around you by reducing the spread of the virus.
Master the Art of Hand Washing
You’ve heard it a million times, but it’s a classic for a reason. Proper hand washing is more effective than hand sanitizer in the fight against germs. The trick is doing it correctly. Use warm water and plenty of soap, and scrub for at least 20 seconds. A great way to time it? Sing the « Happy Birthday » song to yourself twice. And don’t forget to take your jewellery off and scrub the backs of your hands, between your fingers and under your nails.
So how does it work? A virus, like the one that causes the flu, is held together by a mixture of oil and grease on our hands, which water alone cannot remove. The soap you use breaks down that combination of virus and oil. The running water then washes it all away. Hand washing physically removes those pesky germs you pick up from doorknobs, keyboards and phones before they have a chance to make you sick.
Keep Your Hands Away from Your Face
This one sounds so simple, yet it can be one of the toughest habits to break. We touch our faces constantly without even thinking about it. The problem is that our hands are our main point of contact with the world, and they pick up germs from every surface they touch. The flu virus gets into your body through your eyes, nose and mouth. When you touch a contaminated surface and then rub your eye or touch your mouth, you’re giving the virus a direct entry point. Being more mindful of this connection can make a big difference. It’s a small change that seriously disrupts the virus’ game plan.
Build Your Immune System from the Inside Out
Your body has a natural defense system, and you can help it stay strong. Getting enough sleep is a huge part of the puzzle. When you sleep, your body goes into repair mode, producing proteins that are vital for fighting infection and inflammation. Not getting enough quality sleep can weaken your immunity.
What you eat and how you move also play a big role. Filling your plate with colorful fruits and vegetables gives your body the vitamins and antioxidants it needs to keep your immune system running at its peak. A little bit of daily exercise (even just a brisk walk) for as little as 20 minutes gets your circulation going, which helps your immune cells move through your body more efficiently to find and fight off invaders.
Create a Healthy Home Environment
During flu season, your home can be your sanctuary. Keep high-touch surfaces clean, like light switches, remote controls and doorknobs. A simple household cleaner is often all you need to wipe away germs that may have been brought into the house.
If someone in your home does get sick, try to contain the germs. The flu virus spreads through tiny droplets that fly out when someone with the flu coughs or sneezes. Always cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or your elbow, and encourage your family members to do the same. This small act of kindness can prevent those virus-filled droplets from landing on surfaces or being breathed in by others.
Your Health Is Our Focus at Sadler Health Center
At Sadler, we’re a community health center that puts you at the forefront with primary and preventive health services. We believe that good health starts with feeling supported and informed.
If you want more insight on healthy habits to help you and your family avoid illness this flu season, we’re here to talk. We also provide dedicated pediatric care for your little ones when they are dealing with a fever, cough or anything else that comes their way. Your family’s well-being is what matters most to us.
Get Your Flu Vaccine
Protecting your health starts here. If you’re already a Sadler Health Center patient, scheduling your flu shot is easy. Not a patient yet? We’d love to welcome you!
- New patients: Click here to become a patient and schedule your flu vaccine.
- Existing patients: Use our online scheduling tool, call 717-218-6670 or text 717-912-8953 to set up your appointment.
Stay healthy this season – getting your flu vaccine is a simple step toward protecting yourself and those around you.