It’s inevitable, each year as kids return to school while parents and teachers alike brace themselves for the onslaught of germs brought home from their school-aged children that then spread to all members of the family. Anything from asthma flare-ups and colds are par for the course during the “Fall Spike”.
Get the facts, not the flu. Flu season is on its way to Nova Scotia and spending a few minutes to get vaccinated could save you 14 days of misery!
I am once again this year partnering with Atlantic Superstore as a member of the #SuperstoreFluCrew to bring you health and nutrition tips to hopefully help you and your family make it through flu season without falling victim to its unpleasantness.
Flu symptoms can include headaches, sore throat, body and muscle aches and possibly vomiting and diarrhea and can start one to four days after being exposed to the virus, and typically last seven to 10 days but can last up to two of three weeks!
In today’s’ post I want to share with you a number of things you can do now (and year-round) to help ensure your family stays as healthy as possible. These include:
Eating Well
This might seem to be a no-brainer, but when times get busy, many of us reach for those fast, less nutritious foods to help us get meals on the table fast so we can rush out the door to football practice, Brownies, or whatever that evening’s activity might be. Paradoxically, during this time of year where we often feel the busiest, it’s also the most important time to make sure we are getting the healthy nutrients our bodies need to keep our immune systems strong and healthy.
Looking for healthier options for fast meals? Check out my post on meal planning made easy with Blue Menu, for some healthier options for meals right from the freezer section!
Wash Your Hands
Washing your hands frequently throughout the day is one of the most effective ways to stop germs in their tracks. Make sure you are using soap (not just water) and are thoroughly cleaning your hands for approximately 30 seconds (if you sing “Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star” in your head twice, that’s about 30 seconds). And while hand sanitizer is great in a pinch, you’re best bet is plain soapy water.
Know When To Stay Home
Make sure you know how to recognize when a fever is too high, and to stay home if your temperature passes 100 degrees. Remember, you should be fever free for a full 24 hours before considering going back to work or sending kids to school. You are better off keeping them home an extra day to be cautious rather than sending them back too early.
And for all my fitness friends, must of the same can be said for working out. If you have a head cold, exercising is usually ok, but if it’s in your chest, you have a fever or other symptoms of a flu or other virus – stay home! You don’t want to run yourself down, or risk needlessly passing it to others. For more information on when it’s ok to exercise when you are sick check out this post!
Get The Flu Shot
There are still many naysayers when it comes to getting the flu shot, but it has proven to be one of the most effective tools for staying healthy during cold and flu season. And it’s not just you, you should be worried about. Those with compromised immune systems and those who are unable to get the flu shot are at a higher risk of hospitalization and even death if they contract the flu. It’s not just you, you are protecting, it’s your grandmother, your neighbor, and your friend. No matter where you stand on proper etiquette, getting a flu shot should be part of the plan!
[Tweet “Get your #free flu shot at Atlantic Superstore & stay #fluless! #SuperstoreFluCrew”]
Get Your Flu Shot While You Shop!
Head to Atlantic Superstore to visit your in-store pharmacist for your free flu shot for all Nova Scotia residents (non-Nova Scotian residents can get the flu shot in-store for only $12). No appointment is needed, and vaccines are in-stores now. The sooner you get the vaccine the sooner your body will be ready to fight off the flu virus! While there, book an appointment or drop by the dietitian’s booth for a chat or quick-tips from the in-store registered dietitian for more information on foods that help support good overall and immune health.
Disclosure: This is a sponsored post for Atlantic Superstore, all opinions expressed are entirely my own.