New information on flu and cold prevention

Most of the things that you can do to prevent yourself from getting the flu or colds are old information. Even though it is old, information that doesn't mean that it isn't important information, so it should still be followed. Every year new information is found to help you fight colds or flu, especially if a new strain is going around, such as H1N1.

One of the newest pieces of information that you need to know about flu and cold prevention is that if have certain medical conditions you should get the inactivated flu vaccines, for both H1N1 and seasonal flu. The reason for this is that if you get the nasal vaccine, which contains the weakened virus, you run a bit higher of a risk of contracting influenza, but it can also cause further medical complications. For example, people with asthma who receive the live attenuated influenza vaccine can have an asthma attack caused by the vaccine. Even if you do not have any serious medical conditions the best thing, you can do for flu prevention is to be vaccinated.

While everybody has always known to cover their mouths when they cough or sneeze, what some might find surprising is that you are not supposed to use your hands to cover your mouth or your nose. If you are sneezing or coughing, you will want to do so into the crook of your arm so that you do not spread germs by sneezing and then touching the phone or keyboard without washing your hands. You can also use a tissue to cover your mouth when sneezing or coughing. If you are going to spit you will also want to use a tissue to spit into so that you do not spread germs, even spitting on the sidewalk allows germs to spread.

Most of us know that our immune systems is the best chance we have in preventing colds and flu, but what is new to some people is how important it is to boost your immune system. The best thing that you can do to boost your immune system to help with cold and flu prevention is to choose good health habits. This doesn't mean that you need to eat only healthy foods, nor does it mean you need to start exercising each day, but those are some things to keep in mind.

The newest information on cold and flu prevention shows us that to boost your immune system you need to start eating better, instead of that late night bowl of ice cream try eating some yogurt instead, making good food choices is key to staying healthy, but even the junk is allowed in moderation. Along with eating the right types of food, you should also get regular exercise, which should be about 30 minutes a day for at least three days a week. If you can do more that is better for your body, but 30 minutes a day every other day helps keep you physically fit and healthy.

You also need to work on getting a good night's sleep. Going to bed early can help some people get a better night's sleep, but it is not when you go to sleep compared to how much sleep you are getting. On average people, need seven to eight hours of sleep a night to be healthy. During sleep your body is going to help fight off illnesses, but sleep also gives your body a chance to boost your immune system. Reducing stress can also help you stay healthy because too much stress affects your immune system, reducing stress will allow you to relax and enjoy life, which is part of staying healthy.