Achoo! The sound of sneezing, coughing, and sniffling is just a warning that Mother Nature has decided to make it cold. And when it is cold, more absences are counted in. Coughing and sneezing are just a few symptoms of the flu.
“Washing your hands is the best way to get rid of germs to avoid sickness through contact,” school nurse Jenni Bauer said.
In general, the best way to avoid the flu or any other sickness is to, of course wash hands frequently. Personal hygiene is very important, not only others, but for health as well.
“Sneezing into a tissue and throwing it away right after, gets rid of the chances of germs being spread out,” Bauer said.
People get the flu because of physical contact or poor diet. Touching the face, eyes, or nose can get germs to enter the body much quicker, thus leading to getting sick. To remain healthy, keep hands away from the face and get a lot of rest. Having a good diet can help the immune system; also exercising can prevent any sickness.
“I think that the flu rate might be high this year, because the allergy season has been bad this year, which will lead to more complications,” Bauer said.
Personal hygiene is not the only cure, but being physically healthy too. Eating right and staying fit keeps the immune system strong and healthy.
“Exercising for 60 minutes every day helps prevent sickness,” Hepner said.
The body needs the rest. After having long days of hard work in school and the weather is really chilly it is important to let the brain have its rest.
“The minimum should be at least eight hours,” Hepner said.
Junk food is not a wise choice of food when the weather has changed. That type of food could bring down the body, making it weak and open for sicknesses.
“Eat fruits and vegetables, drink a lot of water, and avoid high fats and high sugared food,” Hepner said.
