Avoid Getting Sick And Medical Bills This Cold And Flu Season

It\'s autumn, and that means cold and flu (influenza) season for many Americans. Flu outbreaks usually begin in the late fall and early winter each year. Once an outbreak reaches an area, it spreads quickly. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, more than 200,000 people are hospitalized each year because of the flu, and about 36,000 people die each year because of the flu.

Medical costs are rising, and thousands of people file bankruptcy each year as a result of unmanageable and steep medical bills. Staying healthy is key to avoid high medical costs. Even small steps such as avoiding the flu and colds can keep you from contracting a more serious illness such as pneumonia, bronchitis or other more costly illnesses to treat.

Follow these affordable and easy guidelines to stay healthy and avoid the common cold and flu this fall and winter:

Get The Flu Shot

Obviously, this is the best way to prevent the flu. Each year, millions of Americans protect themselves from the flu virus by taking this preventative step. The vaccine comes in the traditional injection, usually in the arm, and a nasal spray.

Check in your community for where the shot is offered. Many large pharmacies, schools, clinics and doctor\'s offices offer the flu shot.

Wash Your Hands - Often

This is absolutely the best way to prevent the spread of germs that causes colds. Everything you touch from keyboards to door knobs carry germs that can cause an infection. When washing your hands, use the hottest water you can stand and antibacterial soap. You should scrub vigorously for about 30 seconds, or the length of time it takes you to sing the \"Happy Birthday\" song twice. Dry your hands and use the paper towel to turn the faucet off and open the restroom door.

* Avoid touching your face, mouth, eyes and nose without washing your hands first.

* Wash your hands after touching keypads, money and pens in public places.

* At home and work, sanitize your keyboard, desk phone and cell phone.

Exercise

Regular exercise keeps your heart healthy and your immune system strong. Thirty minutes of cardio such as walking, jogging or running just a few times a week can boost your immune system, which will help you fight off infections.

Take Vitamins and Eat Healthy Foods

Taking a multivitamin every day, eating nutritious foods and staying hydrated are great preventative measures to take against colds. A body that has all of vitamins and minerals it needs will fight off infection more quickly than one that does not.

Relax

Reduce your stress. Strong links have been made between stress levels and immune system functioning. Your immune system weakens with the more stress you carry, and this makes you more susceptible to colds.

Stay Home If You\'re Sick

If you have contracted a virus, such as the flu or the common cold, it can take up to 7 - 10 days to convalesce. During that time, you are contagious and can easily spread your infection. If possible, stay home from work, school and errands in public places to avoid giving your infection to others.

There are no guarantees or fool-proof methods to keep from getting sick. However, if you follow these tips, you can certainly increase your odds of staying healthy and avoiding greater medical complications and high medical bills.

Author Bio: Allison Roberts is a graduate of the University of North Texas Department of Journalism. She has experience in agency and in freelance public relations. Allison currently writes for Credit Solutions and she is completing an unfinished work of her late grandfather.

For more articles by Allison on bankruptcy and bad credit visit Credit Solutions.

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