According to the Center for Disease Control Foundation, the flu leads to an estimated 200,000 hospitalizations per year and equates to approximately $87 billion in economic burden and about $16.3 billion in lost work earnings. Not to mention the sheer frustration of having the flu. Laying on the floor wishing to be literally anyone else for the next three days while you desperately sip on chicken broth is virtually the last thing anyone wants to do.

With a few simple actions, you can lower your risk of getting the flu and stay fresh as a daisy for the upcoming Winter fun!

1. One Hour for a Flu Shot

Flu shots are increasingly affordable with many workplaces offering reimbursement programs for flu shots. If money is tight, your local pharmacy may offer discounted shots and some clinics even offer free shots, depending on your circumstances. Do a bit of research to find the most affordable option for you.

Modern Myth

We’ve all heard the rumor that flu shots can give you the flu. This is completely untrue and here’s why: flu vaccines contain completely inactive virus meaning that anything that can cause active infection has been killed. Don’t let the gossip get you confused; flu shots are important preventative measures that can save you a lot of pain and help vulnerable individuals such as children and the elderly stay safe.

2. Wipe Down for Wellness

Remember those cleaning commercials that would show germs on your kitchen surfaces before the cleaner and then after? Gross, yet true. Periodically cleansing the surfaces you touch daily can help prevent the spread of germs and help keep flu from moving across your home or workplace. Remember to cleanse your door handles, daily tools, keyboards, etc. A handy tip is to keep a set of cleansing wipes in major areas of your day such as your car, desk, kitchen and more.Then all you have to do is grab one and wipe your surfaces real quick. Done!

Cellular Sickness

Cell phones bring us great joy with cat videos, cute baby videos and cooking tutorials galore. They also feature a disturbing amount of bacteria and germs, especially when covered by cases that have nooks and crannies to hold stores of gunk. Take a moment to wipe down your phone with an antibacterial and save yourself from one more potential flu cause.

3. It’s A-Ok to Politely Turn Down Contact

Anyone who works or spends time around groups of people will know how quickly sickness can spread when shaking hands, hugging, passing items to each other, etc. Don’t be afraid to politely let people know that you don’t want to potentially get anyone sick. People will respect how much you care and appreciate being saved from the sniffles and sick.

The Mandel Effect

Did you know that mega-comedian Howie Mandel is a germaphobe? And for good reason. Imagine meeting hundreds of people per day and the spread of germs from making contact with all of them. While we’re total huggers, we can’t help but appreciate that Howie encourages people to do things like touch elbows or touch knuckles when saying hello. Take a page from Howie’s book and find new, fun ways to say hello without helping germs spread.

4. New Single Dose Anti-Virals

Baloxavir marboxil (Xofluza®) is a new influenza single-dose antiviral approved October 24, 2018 by the Food and Drug Administration to help alleviate the symptoms of the flu once you’ve got it. “When treatment is started within 48 hours of becoming sick with flu symptoms, antiviral drugs can lessen symptoms and shorten the time patients feel sick,” said Debra Birnkrant, M.D., director of the Division of Antiviral Products in the FDA’s Center for Drug Evaluation and Research. It is important to note that antivirals are best for individuals who are experiencing only flu symptoms and not additional health issues exacerbated by having the flu.

Diabetes and The Flu

According to the CDC, individuals with diabetes are at a high risk of serious flu complications such as pneumonia, bronchitis, sinus infections, and even unexpected fluctuations in blood sugars. Try the SlimGenics Program to lose weight and help ameliorate diabetic symptoms and help to improve immune symptom function.

5. Cover Your Cough

This tip is well-established and should be heeded at all times during flu season. Keep a tissue handy to cover your mouth when you cough. In a pinch, cough into the crook of your elbow to keep germs from being spread into the air. While face masks may not be fashionable, they are very common in countries such as Japan and China to help prevent the spread of germs. If you have to go out when you’re feeling ill, don a mask to keep others from picking up your bug.

6. The Best Offense is a Strong Defense

All of the above tips stand perfectly in line with a program of healthy living. By eating well, staying active and consuming immune boosting foods, your body will be well-primed to fend off the flu. Sleep is also VERY important during flu season. Make sure you get your rest. A tired body is a compromised immune system!

Supplemental Assurance

Many of SlimGenics Health and Wellness Supplements are wonderful options to help strengthen and defend your immune system during flu season. D-Slim™ Liquid Vitamin D3, Slim-Assure™ Digestive Enzymes, and Slim-Guardian™ Multi-Probiotic work synergistically to ensure that your immune system is fully supported against incoming illness. And for a daily immunity boost, enjoy a refreshing Thermo-Boost™ Antioxidant Energy Drink!

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https://www.cdcfoundation.org/businesspulse/flu-prevention-infographic

https://www.cdc.gov/flu/about/season/current.htm

https://www.cdc.gov/flu/about/season/flu-season-2018-2019.htm

https://www.fda.gov/NewsEvents/Newsroom/PressAnnouncements/ucm624226.htm