Avoid These Habits if You Don't Want the Flu

1. Not taking a sick day when you need one

If you’ve gotten into the habit of refusing to take a sick day off when you need one, it could place a lot of unnecessary stress on your immune system. When you’re feeling unwell, exerting yourself in the same way that you would on any other day is a sure-fire way to weaken your immune system and unable to fight viruses like the flu, leading to more sick days being required in the future.

2. You don't eat enough (or any) carbs

According to Elizabeth Gardner, Ph.D., an associate professor in Food Science and Human Nutrition, “Originally we thought the calorie restriction would help improve their immune systems, but we found the opposite was true,” and that “more calories during flu season helped ward off the virus or if it didn’t, it at least resulted in fewer symptoms and a speedier recovery.”

3. You have untreated depression

According to the American Psychological Association, depression and anxiety, when left undiagnosed and untreated, raise cortisol levels in the body, which is the stress hormone in the brain. This will weaken your immunity, thereby preventing it from fighting commons colds and viruses as well as it should.

4. You touch your face frequently

According to a study published in Clinical Infectious Diseases, as a rule of thumb, you should always keep your filthy hands far away from your face and mouth. This is because such habits can easily lead to you getting the flu.

5. You don't consume enough echinacea

Consuming echinacea will increase your white blood cell count, which in turn will boost your immunity and overall health. So, particularly during flu season, stock up on herbal teas that contain plenty of good echinacea.

6. You're untidy

Keeping clutter all over your home is one thing, but not disinfecting the surfaces of your home may place you at risk. We'd recommend making it a habit to keep your home as tidy as can be, if not for appearances, then at least for your health.

7. You spend too long indoors

Vitamin D should be an essential part of your life. Whether you’re heading outdoors to receive it in a natural way or popping a pill. According to a study published in the Journal of Investigative Medicine, Vitamin D plays a vital role in the promotion of a strong immune system.

8. You let stress take over

Allowing stress entirely take over your body and become a piece of your day-to-day existence will prove to be very damaging to your immunity in the long-run. “High-stress levels also can cause depression and anxiety, again leading to higher levels of inflammation. In the long-term, sustained, high levels of inflammation point to an overworked, over-tired immune system that can’t properly protect you,” according to the Cleveland Clinic.

9. You don't take probiotics

If you don't take your daily dose of probiotics, then you could be in a world of trouble come flu season. In fact, according to a recent study, consuming probiotics could also even help in the treatment of illnesses such as the flu, by creating substances that assist in the development of the intestinal mucosal defense mechanism.

10. You’re not getting enough sleep

If you discover that there are many stress factors in your life that can contribute to a weak immunity, then getting a good night’s sleep can counteract a few of these problems. However, if you learn that you have difficulty achieving the recommended seven hours of sleep each night, then you might be harming your body’s defenses against the flu even more.