Flu season is here and as stomach bugs and allergies affect us all, there are many ways we can prevent it. Here are five ways to stay healthy during the flu season. 

1: Wash your hands

This may be the easiest and most effective step of not spreading illness. You should wash your hands as much as possible, especially if you have interacted or been in contact with someone who is sick. This will help you to not spread germs, as well as washing off any germs you may have gotten while near someone sick. 

2: Cover sneezes and coughs

If you find yourself sneezing or coughing a lot, make sure to cover your mouth with a tissue or your elbow. The germs you release can spray out to other surfaces or people pretty far away, so make sure you cover your mouth to avoid anyone else getting sick. 

3: Avoid touching your face

Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth during flu season. If you do, wash your hands afterwards. This is because these parts of your face are the most popular ways of how germs get in and out of your body. 

4: If you feel sick, stay home

If you feel sick try to stay home for at least 24 hours after your fever or initial symptoms are gone. You could get others sick by spreading germs, and you could get yourself even more sick if you don’t get enough rest to rid yourself of symptoms. 

5: Practice healthy habits

There are many habits that we can all practice to stay healthy. Make sure to get plenty of sleep (8-10 hours is recommended for 13-18 year olds), be physically active, drink plenty of water, and eat nutritious foods. This will all help your body stay healthy and happy at the same time. 

Applying all of these steps to your daily routine will help you stay healthy during flu and allergy season. Remember to get plenty of sleep, wash your hands, eat and drink enough, and prevent spreading germs!