Lifestyle Articles :How To Boost A Nurse’s Immune System for Flu Season

Posted on Monday, August 24, 2009

Fact: According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the H1N1 virus has an attack rate of 30 percent, which means that 1 in 3 of those exposed becomes infected.

Fact: It is particularly important for nurses on the front lines of this global pandemic to receive influenza immunizations in order to protect themselves and prevent others from becoming infected.

Fact: Maxim Healthcare Services has compiled a variety of ways for nurses like you to boost your immune system so you can prepare for the upcoming flu season. They include:

• Eat the right foods. Eat foods that are high in nutrients, rich in anti-oxidants, low in fats, and low in calories. The best foods are berries, citrus foods, kiwi, apples, kale, spinach, carrots, and more.

• Drink enough fluids.  8 to 10 eight-ounce glasses of water, fruit juices, sports drinks, or herbal teas per day will help you stay hydrated.

• Exercise regularly. 20 to 30 minutes of exercise at least three times per week can be strengthen your body, release endorphins to make you feel better, release stress, help you sleep better, and ultimately result in increased immune function.  Just remember to first consult your doctor before beginning any exercise program. Then, with his or her approval, start your exercise regiment.

• Get enough sleep. When you’re well-rested, you are stronger and can fight infections better. Try to get at least an hour or more of additional sleep during cold and flu season to increase your resistance to infections.

• Take your vitamins. Echinacea, Vitamin C, other vitamins, minerals, and natural supplements can help boost your immune system.

• Try to relax. Stress causes your body to be more vulnerable to colds, flu, and other illnesses. Chronic stress can affect your heart, so staying relaxed is a great, yet simple remedy.

• Lower your alcohol intake. Drinking in moderation may have some heart and health benefits, but overdoing it can lower your resistance to infection.

Click here for more information on how to stay healthy this flu season, and where to find a flu shot near you.