As a family doctor on the frontlines, Dr. Sharon
Domb does this all day long. The biggest thing that I do
is handwashing and that transfers over from work to home.
Even if you washed your hands five minutes ago,
Dr. Domb says do it again before you touch your face or
eat anything. So you're touching a lot of other surfaces that
could be contiminated in the meantime. That includes eating out.
Wash your hands after handling the menu, a surface that is often ripe with germs.
Dr. Domb says some organisms can live on surfaces
for days. Her next tip? Get the flu shot early.
It's an inactivated or dead vaccine and you can't get sick from it.
So I really encourage people to get the flu shot. Remember that it will take about two
weeks for the flu shot to take full effect. Tip three?
Keep your immune system strong. Eating a well balanced diet, making sure you're getting
the four food groups, getting enough sleep, exercising
regularly, none of that is going to hurt, it's all going to help in terms of
your immune system and ability to fight things. So what about taking lots of
vitamin C? Unless you have dietary restrictions,
the only supplement Dr. Domb recommends for most people is vitamin D.
Aim for one thousand international units per day throughout the
fall and winter months. If you do
get the flu, she says to stay home to avoid spreading it.
If you've got a fever and malaise and tired and just generally
stuffed up and cough, most of that will resolve usually in
seven to ten days. Very young or old patients, those with other
health conditions, or people experiencing localized symptoms
like in their ear or lungs may need to seek medical help.
And of course, don't forget the chicken soup. While Dr. Domb says there's no
compelling evidence it will fight or prevent the flu, it sure can
help you feel better. With Sunnyview, I'm Monica Matys.