Last updated on July 21st, 2022 at 12:24 pm

Holiday cheer is a good thing to spread this time of year. But flu? Not so much.

The latest data from the Centers for Disease Control shows widespread flu activity in Arkansas, Georgia, Louisiana, Massachusetts, Mississippi, Oklahoma, and Virginia, while regional outbreaks have been reported in 18 more states and Puerto Rico.

It may be only a matter of time before the dreaded bug hits your own household. However, there are some ways you can help protect your family and some measures to take if you if you do experience flu-like symptoms.

Get plenty of sleep: Between seven and eight hours of sleep each night is recommended. You need sleep to give your body energy to protect it from viruses.

Stay active: Incorporate moderate exercise into your daily routine – take walks, work out at a gym, or attend an aerobics class – again, to give your body energy and strength. However, avoid strenuous exercise when feeling ill.

Drink water: Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of fluids. Drinking five to six glasses of water or other non-caffeinated beverages every day is recommended.

Skip junk food: By eating a healthy and balanced plant-based diet, which is naturally antioxidant and anti-inflammatory, you’re giving your body plenty of nutrients to help keep flu symptoms at bay.

Wash your hands: Wash them thoroughly, especially before meals. And if there is no soap and water available, use hand sanitizer, either alcohol- or thyme-oil based. Keep a bottle in your purse, at your desk at work, or any place else it’s easily accessible.

Take quick action: Nip flu-like symptoms in the bud if you start to feel run down with a headache, body aches, chills, or fever. Boiron Oscillococcinum has been shown in studies to shorten both the duration and severity of flu-like symptoms when taken at the onset. Oscillococcinum has no known side effects, doesn’t interact with other medications, and can be given to everyone age 2 and up.

For more tips, videos, and recipes to help keep your family well through the flu season and beyond, visit Oscillo.com/wellness.