This Simple Recipe Will Help Ward off the Flu This Winter

Millions of Americans suffer from the flu each year. The Center for Disease Control reports that each year this common respiratory ailment afflicts between 5 and 20 percent of the population with symptoms that include fever, headache, and fatigue as well as severe muscle and joint pain. You can reduce your risk of contracting the illness by following this simple recipe of tips.

Maintain a Healthy Immune System

You should eat right, exercise and get plenty of rest. Increase your intake of vitamin C and stay well hydrated. Regular exercise will help reduce stress that can weaken your immune system. Wash your hands regularly and avoid sharing utensils and drinking glasses, especially with those who are already sick.

Improve your Indoor Air Quality

Change your air filters and schedule HVAC maintenance. Dirty and clogged filters increase the workload on your heating and air conditioning system because they make it more difficult to circulate air. They also do not remove particles like spores, bacteria, and viruses. You may also want to upgrade to a higher density HEPA bypass filtration system that is designed to trap 99.97 percent of microscopic particles. This minimizes your exposure to pollutants and pathogens. Ducts that have not been cleaned in years may also trap mold, bacteria, viruses and other germs. If the pathogens adhere to dust, they can be recirculated throughout your home each time your HVAC system cycles on and off.

Maintain Proper Humidity Levels

Low humidity can make you more susceptible to catching a cold or the flu. Research indicates that respiratory illnesses are transmitted quicker when humidity levels are low. A whole house dehumidifier provides natural ventilation and maintains the proper level of humidity inside your home during the summer as well as the winter, which helps improve the quality of the air that you breathe.

Fight the Flu with Energy Air

Your comprehensive flu prevention strategy should include the maintenance of your heating and air conditioning system. Contact us today to schedule an appointment with an experienced Energy Air technician. Our technicians will ensure that your system is properly cleansing and circulating the air inside your home.