Flu season is here once again! No one wants to miss work, school, or fun holiday plans due to illness, and there are many things you can do to prevent the flu from ruining your plans this winter. Take a look at a few tips on how to protect yourself from the flu:

1. Get the annual flu shot.

Vaccines are the #1 way to protect not just yourself but also those around you from the spread of sickness. You can get the flu vaccine and other immunizations at Towncrest Pharmacy. We make it easy to get vaccinated with our quick online process– simply schedule an appointment at one of our locations and bring the whole family in to receive their immunizations!

2. Prioritize healthy hygiene habits.

Maintaining clean and healthy habits is another crucial step in knowing how to protect yourself from the flu. The following may seem like simple and obvious steps, but doing all of these things will go a long in keeping you and your family healthy this flu season:

• Wash your hands with warm water and soap.
• Sanitize high-traffic areas frequently.
• Cover your mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth.
• Avoid those who are sick and stay home if you don’t feel well.

3. Get enough sleep.

Allowing your body to rest is essential for rejuvenating and regenerating your tissues and cells. When you’re not getting enough sleep, your body doesn’t have the time to restore itself, which can lead to a weakened immune system more susceptible to viruses. Adults need at least 7 hours of sleep each night, and children can require 8 or more hours.

4. Drink plenty of fluids.

Your immune system also needs a lot of fluids to help flush out toxins, and water is the best thing you can drink. Green tea is another great option due to its high antioxidant content! Try to prioritize water over sugary beverages such as soda, energy drinks, and juice, as these don’t provide as much hydration but rather contribute to a higher caloric intake.

5. Give your immune system a boost.

A great way to improve your chances of not getting sick is by taking a daily supplement that encourages optimal immune function. Here are a few products from our online supplement shop that we recommend:

• Pure Encapsulations Immune Daily Pure Pack: These convenient packets contain Vitamin C, zinc, and Vitamin D3, essential nutrients for enhancing your body’s first line of defense.
• Rooted Intuition ImmunoBoost: This blend contains powerful vitamins, minerals, and herbal extracts in one easy-to-swallow capsule. Benefits include supporting natural antibody response and boosting killer cell activity.
• Thorne MycoImmune: Six different mushroom extracts make up this liquid supplement for powerful immunity support.
  Our pharmacists are always available to answer your questions about specific products and can recommend other supplements based on your needs, as well as offer guidance for children’s immunity.

Now you know some of the best tips for how to protect yourself from the flu. Get updated with the latest health and wellness tips from our Iowa Pharmacy and continue your journey to better health, one step at a time!