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With all the controversial opinions on the usefulness and safety of the flu vaccine, many people are choosing not to get flu shots. Even though most people who do catch the flu recover within a week or two, the flu virus can be dangerous so preventing infection is the best route to take. If you follow the tips discussed in this article, you will greatly maximize your chances of avoiding the flu this winter.

Get enough sleep. If your body is tired, it will not be able to fight infection very well. You really do need 7 to 8 hours of sleep each night to keep your immune system at it's best.

Exercise regularly. Studies have shown that even mild exercise boosts the immune system and will help your body fight off the flu virus.

Drink lots of water. Everyone should try to drink 8 glasses of water daily but it's especially important for avoiding the flu. The mucus membranes in your nose are a key first defense to preventing the flu virus from entering your system to start with. These membranes are only effective when well-hydrated so they can trap the germs.

Get fresh air daily. As the weather gets colder and the heat comes on, the air in your house becomes much drier than when there isn't heat. This will dry out your mucus membranes faster making you more susceptible to the flu virus. Be sure to try to open the window some during the day when you can. Running a humidifier can help keep the air moister. If you don't have a humidifier, simmer a pot of water on the stove and it will release moisture into the air.

Reduce stress. It's no secret that high stress can reduce your body's immune system. Getting enough sleep is one way to help reduce stress but not the only thing you can do. Avoid people or situations that you know will cause stress. When you feel your stress level mounting, try to switch gears with a relaxing activity for at least 15 minutes.

Avoid sugar. Even small amounts of sugar have an immediate depressive effect on your immune function. Large amounts will lower your defenses for hours.

Avoid alcohol. Even a little alcohol has a dehydrating effect and too much will hurt your liver and your immune system. Not only will you catch the flu easier, it will often last longer before recovering from the virus.

Avoid smoking and second-hand smoke. Smoke not only dries out the mucus membranes, it also damages the cilia. Cilia are the tiny hairs in your nose that help catch and trap germs. Smoke paralyzes these hairs so they cannot function properly and the result is more

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