Let’s talk flu – or more specifically, how not to get it. (I’ll get to moving part below. I know. Short attention span, people). I want to start with a story of the New Year’s Day when I woke up with the flu…in a hotel in Serenbe, GA. Because there’s no better way to ring in “New Year, New You” than… nevermind. At least I hadn’t caught man-flu* (read below for more on that).
Since a run can often help me feel better, that’s what I did. Bad idea. I was halfway through the run – which was unfortunate timing – when I realized this was no ordinary bug. I clawed my way back to our hotel like an anvil-struck Wile E. Coyote climbing up the Grand Canyon, and spent the next 24 hours in bed. Sadly, now I forever associate Serenbe with the flu. It’s an unfortunate negative association. Sort of like that time my brother got strep throat so badly in Copper Mountain that he had to get a shot of penicillin in the backside and now he can’t think of Copper Mountain without…well anyway, some stuff haunts you FOR LIFE.
I don’t want you to be haunted for life. Which is why I want to keep you from getting the flu.
Why do I share? Because—as I recently told viewers on CNN—Australia just had a pretty miserable flu season, and the last time they did that (2017), the U.S. ended up having one of the worst flu seasons in memory. I know that flu season has *arrived* when I have back-to-back CNN segments on the flu. (yes, they call me in for the fun stuff) “It’s beginning to look a lot like….flu season…”
Here are the tips I shared with CNN to keep you healthy throughout the season. Also, grab my free Quick First Aid Guide (plus Cold/Flu Meds Cheat-Sheet), to be prepared. Just in case.
- Get your flu shot – for everyone 6 months and up. Especially(!!!) important for infants, pregnant women, and people with chronic conditions. While it’s not too late, don’t use that as an excuse to wait (options include the shot and also nasal spray for people age 2-49).
- There’s little you can do for man-flu*. Unfortunately, there is not as-yet any development of a vaccine for MAN-FLU, which has been widely reported to incur far more convalescence and require significantly greater volumes of hand-holding. (*No. Lest anyone reply with concern about this new epidemic, “Man flu” is not really a *thing*. My husband just asked me to clarify this.)
- Wash your hands like there’s no tomorrow. Science shows that the best temperature is warm/slightly hot combined with soap, which is a better alternative to sanitizers. Save the sanitizer for those moments you cannot get to the sink.
- Gargle with warm water (with or without a salt) for a sore throat. Gargling – even plain water – can reduce your risk of respiratory infections.
- Avoid all children as they are germy weapons of mass destruction. If it’s a little too late for that, have your dear kiddos remove ALL clothing and wash hands to the elbow the minute they get home and sanitize their hands (see point #2 above) the minute they’re in the car, if you don’t have immediate sink access.
- If you’re getting run down, make a point one night to turn OFF The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel (I know – it’s so good), stop FB scrolling, and go to sleep. Yes, it’s as simple as that, and it’s true for you and for the kiddos
- Take zinc at the start of cold symptoms. Zinc has anti-viral properties, particularly effective for the cold virus. Take it twice a day with food when symptoms first start.
*Forward this to that friend or family member who seems to get sick every year (or who could use the First Aid Cold/Flu Cheat Sheet) – they will thank you!
We are moving on Monday. So, for once, my 2-year-old isn’t to blame for all the disasters in my house. More on that next week. Assuming I survive.
All my best from underneath piles of bubble-wrap,
Dr. Darria
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Disclaimer: I am a doctor, and I do play one on TV (sort of), but sadly I don’t have your lovely face right in front of me. So, of course, I cannot offer medical guidance that’s specific for you. Please always check with your personal physician for any concerning symptoms, and before taking a supplement – especially if you take other medications.
