How to Turn Your Home Into a Flu-Fighting Machine
The American flu season started in October. That’s right; it’s already well underway. So are you ready for battle?
This year, health officials expect to give out about 171 million to 179 million doses of the flu vaccine. As of last month, about 98.5 million doses had already been given out.
Although the flu shot is usually 50 to 60 percent effective, CDC director Tom Frieden told the AP that last year’s flu vaccine was only 13 percent effective against the abnormal strains that appeared.
So what can you do to get your home into top flu-fighting form?
1. Disinfect
Create a homemade disinfectant spray using 3 cups water, ½ white vinegar, and 15 drops lavender or tea tree essential oil — natural disinfectants. Using a spray bottle and/or clean cloth, wipe down doorknobs, fridge handles, remote controls, and light switches. Use this to gently wipe down your phones and keyboard as well.
2. Keep germs from getting cozy in your bed
This is not a drill, people! Beds are harbingers of disease! Use a mattress cover, wash your linens frequently (at least once a week), and wash your blankets and pillows monthly. Refresh your mattress monthly by combining ½ cup of baking soda with a few drops of lavender essential oil. Sprinkle it across your mattress. Let it sit for about an hour and then vacuum it up.
3. Get some a lot of rest
According to the Mayo Clinic, lack of sleep can have a detrimental effect on your immune system. There are lots of ways to help improve the quality of your sleep, from cutting back on alcohol to cutting back on screen time in bed.
4. Stay hydrated
According to health officials, dehydration can lead to disease. Drinking lots of water not only helps you flush toxins from your system, it can improve your sleep. If hydration feels like a chore, why not try one of these delicious detox waters? Fill a pitcher with water, add fresh basil and strawberry slices or orange, lemon, and cucumber slices. Keep it in your fridge, and you won’t be able to get enough.
5. Relax!
It has been scientifically proved that stress can exhaust your immune system. Luckily, it has also been proved that there are lots of little tricks to help you dial down your stress. Why not start by creating a relaxing bath ritual? Create a soothing, detoxifying combination of dried lavender, ginger peel, and oatmeal in a cheesecloth pouch, and add it to your bath.
6. Stock your fridge with green flu fighters
By eating vegetables you can increase your alkaline level, improve your immunity, and be less likely to get sick. Good alkaline-promoting foods include leafy greens, avocado, peppers, zucchini, and cucumber. So carve out some space for including these little warriors in your meal plan.
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