How to Protect Yourself This Flu Season

'Sponsored by The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services' 

Getting the flu vaccine this season will help protect you and your family from the flu. It's essential to protect yourself during this pandemic. I will never forget when the flu put me in the hospital when I was a kid. We were on vacation in San Francisco, and I got the flu so bad I needed an IV, and I puked in a stairwell somewhere in a parking lot. Needless to say, I spent 90% of that trip in bed and in the hospital. I need to go back as an adult and truly experience San Fran, but I would recommend getting vaccinated before you do!

The flu is very serious.

Between COVID-19 and the flu, they were the worst viruses I've ever had. After my trip, I made sure to get vaccinated per my doctor's recommendation to help protect myself since I am someone who struggles with an autoimmune disease. Here are some Flu Facts to put things into perspective:

• There were 952 (147 pediatric, 805 adult) flu-related hospitalizations reported for the 2019-20 flu season. (Source)
• This included six pediatric flu-related deaths in Michigan for 2019-20. (Source)
• Nationally, 187 flu-related pediatric deaths were reported for the 2019-20 flu season. (Source)

The flu vaccination prevents an estimated 4.4 million influenza-related illnesses and helps keep over 58,000 people out of the hospital each year.

The best way to protect against the flu is to get a flu vaccine every flu season. Here are some ways I keep myself healthy during cold and flu season: 

Vitamin D: 

Vitamin D is an essential vitamin that works to strengthen the immune system and reduces your risk of colds and flu. Vitamin D is especially essential for people of color. "Melanin, which causes skin pigmentation, lowers the skin's ability to make vitamin D in response to sunlight exposure. Some studies show that older adults with darker skin are at high risk of vitamin D deficiency." (Source WebMD) It's especially essential during the winter to take vitamin D since we live in Michigan and have limited sun exposure in the cold winter months. I take 5000IUD as recommended by my doctor. 

Vitamin C:

Vitamin C is an antioxidant that supports cellular function and helps the immune system fight off infection. I like to take Liposomal vitamin c for increased absorption and bioavailability. Pure Encapsulations is one of my go-to brands for vitamin C and many other supplements. 

Stay Hydrated: 

I never remember to drink water, and my body hates me for it. I always feel better when my body is fully hydrated, so make sure you drink enough water for your body. I shoot for a gallon a day. If you hate the taste of water, try adding Liquid IV to enhance the taste and add some additional electrolytes. 

Probiotics: 

I take a probiotic every day to keep my gut in check. So many health issues stem from your gut being imbalanced. Taking a probiotic will help balance and restore your gut and, in turn, boost your immune system all year round! I take Seed Probiotics every day. 

To learn more about the Flu vaccine, head to the MDHHS website for more information.