Flu season is upon us, and we are all looking for ways to stay healthy. With the outbreak of the COVID 19 pandemic, this is more important than ever. The flu is a contagious respiratory illness caused by influenza viruses.

It can cause mild to severe illness and, in some cases, can lead to death. However, there are many ways to prevent the flu and to relieve its symptoms if you do get sick. In this article, we will discuss 30 simple tips and tricks to help you combat the flu.

1. Wash Your Hands

The most important thing you can do to prevent the flu is to wash your hands. You should wash your hands frequently with soap and warm water, especially after you have sneezed, coughed, or blown your nose.

If you do not have access to soap and water, you can use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer. Hand washing is essential to stop the spread of the flu virus.

2. Get a Flu Shot

The flu shot is the best way to protect yourself from the flu. You should get a flu shot every year, as the virus changes from year to year.

The flu shot does not give you the flu, but it may cause some mild side effects, such as soreness, redness, or swelling at the injection site, or a low-grade fever.

3. Cover Your Mouth and Nose When You Cough or Sneeze

You should always cover your mouth and nose when you cough or sneeze, whether or not you have the flu. Use a tissue to cover your mouth and nose, and then throw the tissue away after you have used it.

If you do not have a tissue, you can cough or sneeze into your elbow or sleeve. This will prevent the spread of the flu virus to others.

4. Avoid Touching Your Nose, Mouth, and Eyes

The flu virus is spread by touching a contaminated surface and then touching your nose, mouth, or eyes. You should avoid touching your face as much as possible, especially when you are in public.

This is particularly important if you have not washed your hands recently.

5. Keep Your Hands Away From Your Mouth and Nose

You should avoid putting your hands on your mouth or nose, especially if you have not washed your hands recently. This will reduce your risk of getting the flu virus on your hands and then spreading it to others.

6. Stay Home When You Are Sick

If you are sick with the flu, you should stay home from work or school until you have recovered. This will prevent the spread of the flu virus to others. You should also avoid contact with people who are sick.

7. Get Plenty of Sleep

Your body needs sleep to fight off infections. You should get at least 7-9 hours of sleep each night. If you are sick, you may need more sleep than usual to recover.

8. Eat a Healthy Diet

A healthy diet full of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains can help boost your immune system and protect you from the flu. You should also drink plenty of water to stay hydrated.

9. Exercise Regularly

Regular exercise can help boost your immune system and protect you from the flu. You should aim to get at least 30 minutes of moderate exercise each day, such as walking, cycling, or swimming.

10. Reduce Stress

Stress can weaken your immune system and make you more vulnerable to the flu. You should try to reduce stress by practicing relaxation techniques, such as deep breathing, meditation, or yoga.

11. Wear a Mask in Public

Wearing a mask can help prevent the spread of the flu virus in public places. You should wear a mask if you are in crowded areas, such as public transportation, or if you are in close proximity to someone who is sick.

12. Avoid Large Gatherings

You should avoid large gatherings of people if you are concerned about the spread of the flu. This includes concerts, sporting events, and other public events where there are many people in close proximity to each other.

13. Keep Your Home Clean

You should keep your home clean to prevent the spread of the flu virus. This includes wiping down surfaces, such as countertops, doorknobs, and light switches, with disinfectant wipes.

You should avoid sharing utensils or cups with others, especially if they are sick. This will reduce your risk of getting the flu virus from someone else.

15. Keep Your Distance From Sick People

If you know someone who is sick with the flu, you should keep your distance from them. This will reduce your risk of getting the flu virus from them.

16. Take Vitamin D Supplements

Vitamin D may help protect you from the flu. You can get vitamin D from sunlight, but you may also want to take a vitamin D supplement if you are not getting enough sunlight.

17. Use a Neti Pot

A neti pot can help flush out mucus from your sinuses, which can reduce your risk of getting the flu. You can use a neti pot with saline solution to clean your nasal passages.

18. Gargle With Salt Water

Gargling with salt water can help soothe a sore throat and reduce your risk of getting the flu. You can mix a teaspoon of salt with warm water to make a salt water gargle.

19. Drink Herbal Tea

Herbal tea can help boost your immune system and relieve flu symptoms. You can try drinking tea made from ginger, echinacea, or elderberry.

20. Use Essential Oils

Essential oils can help boost your immune system and relieve flu symptoms. You can diffuse essential oils, such as eucalyptus, peppermint, or lavender, or apply them topically to your skin.

21. Take Over-the-Counter Medications

You can take over-the-counter medications, such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen, to relieve flu symptoms. You should always follow the instructions on the label and talk to your doctor if you have any questions.

22. Take Prescription Medications

If you have severe flu symptoms, your doctor may prescribe antiviral medications, such as Tamiflu or Relenza. These medications can help you recover faster from the flu.

23. Use a Humidifier

A humidifier can help soothe a sore throat and reduce congestion. You can use a humidifier in your bedroom while you sleep to help you breathe easier.

24. Take a Hot Shower

A hot shower can help relieve flu symptoms. The steam can help clear your sinuses and reduce congestion.

25. Avoid Alcohol and Tobacco

Alcohol and tobacco can weaken your immune system and make it harder for your body to fight off the flu. You should avoid drinking alcohol and smoking cigarettes, especially when you are sick.

26. Stay Hydrated

You should drink plenty of fluids, such as water, herbal tea, or soup, to stay hydrated. This will help loosen mucus and reduce congestion.

27. Rest and Relax

You should rest and relax as much as possible when you are sick with the flu. This will help your body recover faster from the illness.

28. Eat Chicken Soup

Chicken soup can help relieve flu symptoms and boost your immune system. It is also easy to digest, which is important if you have a fever or upset stomach.

29. Use a Heating Pad

A heating pad can help relieve flu symptoms, such as muscle aches and pains. You can use a heating pad on your back, chest, or neck to help you feel better.

30. Stay Positive

Staying positive and maintaining a good attitude can help you recover faster from the flu. You should focus on the things that make you happy, such as spending time with loved ones or doing your favorite hobby.