Got Flu? 5 Tips To Help You When You Have The Flu

By Donna Marie Laino

Flu season can really hit hard when you are least expecting it. No one really expects to get sick so not too many people are prepared for it when it hits. The incubation period for the flu is 2-5 days after exposure. You can expect to get sick after the exposure if your body's immune system is not strong enough. The first 2-5 days you will not feel sick. You will not catch the flu if your immune system is strong despite the fact that the flu is around you. Weak immune systems are not strong enough to fight off infectious viruses and bacteria. This is why you get sick.

Here are some great tips to support your body while you have the flu for a quicker recovery. You will want to make sure you do the following when you get the flu:

1. Drink plenty of water - the body has to be hydrated in order to function. Since all functions occur at the cellular level and the body is mostly made up of water then you will need to make sure you are drinking water. Start first thing in the morning with a cup of water to get you going.

2. Get enough sleep - Most people require 8 hours of sleep. Don't skimp on the sleep. When you have the flu, you will want to sleep more. Stay on as normal a sleep schedule as possible at night.

3. Eat the right foods - fresh fruits and vegetables are the best. Drink juices but no soda. Stay away from processed or fried foods.

4. Avoid all refined sugar - sugar also compromises your immune system and lowers your ability to fight infections. There is nothing healthy about sugar so stay away from it.

5. Take vitamins/supplements - these will support the body in strengthening the immune system and helping the body with getting the essential daily requirements for proper function. It is like riding a car with tires that are filled with the appropriate air in them. Low air in the tires will be damaging to the car and the ride will not be smooth.

An important thing to remember is that all flu strains are not covered in a Flu Vaccine. For example, 60% of the 2007-2008 winter flu was not covered by the vaccine that was administered.

Take precaution to keep your body healthy. See a doctor if you are having complications. There are 36,000 adults and children that die each year from complications from the flu. Flu viruses were not given to you. You caught it. Give yourself permission to get well and take care of yourself. These tips will help you when you suddenly realize you "got the flu".

An important thing to remember is that all flu strains are not covered in a Flu Vaccine. For example, 60% of the 2007-2008 winter flu was not covered by the vaccine that was administered. Take precaution to keep your body healthy. See a doctor if you are having complications. There are 36,000 adults and children that die each year from complications from the flu.

Flu viruses were not given to you. You caught it. Give yourself permission to get well and take care of yourself. These tips will help you when you suddenly realize you "got the flu".

And now you are invited to receive 3 free body/mind/spirit tips on boosting your immune system at http://www.creatingbalanceinyourlife.com - You can visit Donna Marie's humor blog at: http://www.healingwithhumor.blogspot.com

Donna Marie Laino is a nurse, humorist, motivational speaker and success coach. She also uses humor as a holistic practitioner and Certified Laughter Leader to deal with life stress and health.