The 2019 flu season is beginning, and here at Regency Nursing we’d like to remind you all to get your flu shots.

Last year’s flu season was one of the worst on record, with over 80,000 Americans dying from the flu or related complications.

While there’s no way to predict how virulent this year’s strains will be, experts agree that the best way to protect yourself is with a flu shot. If you have an elderly, very young, or immunocompromised loved one, the best thing you can do for them is get your flu shot on time.

And if you’re elderly yourself, you should get vaccinated as soon as possible to minimize your risk of catching the flu.

Here are some other ways you can protect yourself and your loved ones from catching the flu:

Wash your hands properly and often.

The most important part of handwashing is vigorously scrubbing your hands with soap for at least 20 seconds; the water temperature or type of soap doesn’t really matter.

Mayo Clinic gives specific handwashing instructions to banish germs:

• Wet your hands with running water.
• Apply soap to one hand, and lather up. You should not use antibacterial soap, as that can contribute to antibiotic-resistant bugs.
• Rub your hands together forcefully for at least 20 seconds—that’s the time it takes to sing the ABCs slowly. Pay attention to the backs of your hands, your wrists, between your fingers, and under your fingernails.
• Rinse off the soap.
• Dry your hands with a clean towel or paper towel.
• Use the towel to turn off the faucet, so you don't transfer the germs back to your clean hands.

Wash your hands after you cough, sneeze, or blow your nose. It’s especially important to wash your hands before and after visiting a hospital or nursing home. At Regency Nursing, we have clear handwashing protocols in place for all our staff.

Use hand sanitizer when you can’t wash.

It's not as effective as washing properly with soap and running water, but hand sanitizer is better than nothing if you can’t make it to a sink. Use a product that contains at least 60% alcohol, as anything less than that will not effectively eliminate flu germs.

Boost your immune system

A strong immune system is the best defense to any invasive germ. Maintain a good sleep cycle, eat your veggies, and exercise to the best of your ability.

Other important factors in strong immunity is practicing effective stress relief techniques, quitting smoking, and getting enough vitamin D. Most people are deficient in vitamin D during the winter months, when the sun isn’t as strong. Talk to your doctor about the benefits and risks of taking a supplemental vitamin D pill.

You can also talk to your doctor about other ways to avoid catching the flu.

Regency Nursing wishes all our readers a healthy winter!