don’t get sick

Does it seem like everyone around you is getting sick? Well, you are not imagining it. Teen girls are social. And love sharing everything from pens to lip gloss which doesn’t help in the fight against spreading germs. Protect yourself from illnesses like strep throat and the flu by practicing healthy habits. There are many ways to take care of yourself and those around you.

Here are 8 simple tips to stay healthy:

1. Wash your hands. The trick here is to wash often with warm water, soap and lots of friction for at least 20 seconds. Antibacterial hand sanitizer is also a good alternative.

2. Avoid contact with others that are sick. This means no sleepovers with your friend who has a fever, even if she isn’t coughing or sneezing.

3. Stay home if you do not feel well. Again, don’t hang out with your friends if you know you have a fever or sore throat. You might miss them but if you get them sick, you have to wait even longer to hang out.

4. Cover your mouth and nose. If you need to cough or sneeze, do it into your shirt sleeve to avoid spreading germs on your hands. But if you happen to cough or sneeze into your hands, make sure you wash them right away (see #1).

5. Avoid touching your face. Did you know that your nose and eyes are two of the most common places that germs enter your system? 

6. Keep the surfaces around you germ-free. Use disinfecting wipes to clean off your phone, computer, locker and desk – and use them often.

7. Boost your immune system. There are many ways to do this – take probiotics, get plenty of sleep, drink lots of water, exercise regularly and eat nutritious food. One study from Japan says drinking green tea reduces your chance of catching the flu. More and more people believe that drinking elderberry juice will boost their immune system.

8. Get the flu shot. Of course, this only protects against the flu (and doesn’t work all the time) but most doctors will tell their patients that getting the flu shot is a great form of prevention.

Please ask your doctor if you have questions or concerns about any of these tips.