Flu season is fast approaching with estimates of cases of up to 20% of the population. With H1NI and influenza flu strains freely traveling the world, it is the time to be more diligent.

According to the Centers for Disease Control, “the flu is a contagious respiratory illness caused by the influenza virus”. Symptoms include fever, headache, extreme fatigue, sore throat, runny nose, muscle aches and stomach ailments. Those with sensitive health conditions are at most risk – especially elder people; young children; people with asthma, diabetes or heart disease; and, pregnant women. At the same time, anyone who is run-down, extremely stressed and eating poorly is also at risk.

The flu virus is spread through person to person. When someone touches the virus and then touches their mouth or nose … the rest is history.

Dr. Tucker, a practical surgeon, has a few new rules for coughing and sneezing to prevent spreading the virus as well as prevent receiving the virus.
• First, sneeze or cough into your elbow.
• Do not rub your eyes with your fingers – use the back of your knuckles.
• Do not pick or rub your nose – use a tissue.
• No fingers in your mouth either – use a toothpick.
• Last and most important – wash your hands with soap and hot water FREQUENTLY – especially after being in a public place (the office, the metro, the airport, schools, hospitals, etc).

Remember the Tucker Rules: Cough into your elbow; no fingers in the eyes, nose or mouth for any reason; and, wash your hands!

Another good defense is using hand sanitizers, which do not include Triclosan. A good one to try is CleanWell. It is all natural and alcohol free. Joy, a grandmother and aromacologist, created a formula for the benefit of her grandson Connor, who was born with an immune system disorder. With the formula in hand of essential oils especially thyme and oregano, a team of scientists led the way for the creation of CleanWell products, which help kill 99.9% of the germs. Read more at www.cleanwelltoday.com.

In fact, regardless of the flu – this is a good reminder to know at all times the ingredients of the products you use. Triclosan is a known endocrine disruptor, which possibly affects male and female reproductive hormones and potentially increases the risk for breast cancer. When possible, use products that support your health not compromise your health. Make educated decisions in what you purchase and what you use.

If by chance you feel sick with the flu – stay home! Do not risk contaminating someone else in your office or in the public – especially knowing the risks for those you may come into contact with who may have a compromised health condition. Think of others.

Another layer of defense is the flu vaccine. It is administered at local clinics from September through December or January. If you are at risk, talk with your doctor and then go get your vaccine at the closest center offing the vaccine.

In the meantime, rest and de-stress your life. Take walks in the fresh air. Watch happy movies and listen to beautiful music. Do yoga! Enjoy bowls of Matzah ball soup or chicken noodle soup in honor of every grandmother who has said, “chicken soup will keep you healthy and strong”.

Create your own Anit-Flu Tool Kit with:

• tissues
• natural soap/water
• flu vaccine
• hand sanitizer without Triclosan
• Matzah ball soup/chicken soup
• rest/relaxation/happy movies and music
• practice yoga

Be proactive and take a role in surviving the upcoming flu season!

By Keri Douglas, writer/photographers, Washington, D.C. (Please follow 9 Muses News copyright use policy.)