Flu has taken over Las Vegas and many people are trying to figure out how they can avoid getting sick.
Local doctors with American Family Care have recognized five different habits that could put someone at higher risk of getting sick.
These habits include:
- Working out too much. Working out is fine but overexerting yourself is not.
- Going on a low carb diet. Whole grains are good for your gut during the flu season.
- Doing it all. Don't go to work or school sick and don't even go out of the house where you can expose others to your flu.
- Puffing on a vape pen. A study found the vapors can trigger substantial inflammation in the lungs making them more susceptible to infection.
- Stressing out. Long-term stress could hinder your body's ability to fight infection.
Now what can you do to prevent the flu?
American Family Care's tips include:
- Avoid sharing pens. A public pen, especially at a doctor's office, could be covered in other people's germs.
- Use your knuckles, rather than using your fingers at the ATM. You're less likely to transfer germs this way.
- Protect yourself at the pump. This means using a paper towel on the gas nozzle and the payment machine.
- Avoid handshakes. But if you must, wash or sanitize your hands immediately.
- Clean your phone. Since you're not always the only one touching your phone, clean it with a disinfecting wipe regularly to stop germs from spreading.
The CDC has also issued guidelines on ways to prevent the flu.
- Avoid close contact with those who are sick.
- Stay home when you are sick.
- Cover your mouth and nose.
- Wash your hands regularly.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth.
- Practice other good health habits.
