What are you doing to protect yourself now that its flu season?

[Denzie]

Did you get a shot? Do you use medical masks in public? Avoid being around young school age kids? Do you have tips for staying healthy?

I’ve had my pneumonia and flu shots. My hands are raw from constant washing but I know that’s one of the most important ways to keep colds and flu at bay. Any suggestions for moisturizer? The Aloe Vera lotion I’m using isn’t working well.

My grandnephew is coming and he’s had one infection after the other this school year. Kids who will share nothing else will share germs.

Staying healthy can be a challenge especially with the stress of the holidays. What’s your plan?

[MissKitty1]

I did get a flu shot.. I have little grandkids but if showing any sickness parents keep them home.. I work in the public..real estate agent..so around folks..try to avoid sickness..Husband has sinus infection and constantly telling him to cover his mouth when he coughs or sneezes..pray

[ThePurplePlace]

I had my flu vaccine and do lots of hand washing, especially after being in public areas. I use hand sanitizers when I'm out too, but avoid big crowds when flu level is high in my area.

My Grand-daughters are only 4 months and two, so they don't have exposure like kids in school, the oldest and her Mom and Dad also have had their Flu vaccine.

I also make sure my Hubby has the vaccine, as he's out in the workforce and has more exposure. I'm mostly home, so I'm less exposed. None of us have ever had a pneumonia vaccine. I only recently started getting the Flu vaccine.

Luckily, none of us have had the Flu in years and hopefully won't. We rarely even get a cold, thankfully. If so, I use a lot of Lysol in the house and keep surfaces wiped down. We get new toothbrush every two months too.

I'll be flying over the winter, in February, March and April. I always bring alcohol wipes to disinfect my seat, window, headrest, tray area etc. I put the air vent on high and wipe that down too. I take (Airborne) starting a few days before and until I'm back home and so far it's all working. I also take a daily multi vitamin along with my RX meds. I don't drink any of the airline coffee etc. And I bring my own water and snacks. I bring masks and would wear them if I heard anyone coughing or sneezing etc.

I'm also currently off treatment and in remission. However, I have flown every year since my diagnosis even during treatment. Thankfully I've never become Ill after or during travel. I do stay well rested while away too.

I use a variety of moisturizers, nothing special. I drink lots of water to keep well hydrated and I take multi vitamins year round.

I've never had Pneumonia or any serious respiratory illness, despite having lung cancer.

Hoping it's a mild season and that this year's vaccine is effective. If I were to develop any fly symptoms, I'd call my PCP for more options.

Happy healty wishes to all...

[Feelingblessed2013]

I get my flu shot every year, the pneumonia shot when I am due. I do my best to avoid crowds, all my grand kids are grown, and my adult children know to stay away from Mom when they are sick. I wash my hands often, and have hand sanitizer in my bathroom, by my kitchen sink, my recliner in my living room, my bedside table, and I carry a small bottle in my purse.

As for drying your hands out, I look for hand sanitizer with aloe (a little less drying), and I have used bath and body works's body cream, but I usually use Dr. Teals Body Lotion. I have a big bottle at home and carry a small refillable one in my purse.

I also avoid using those hand blow dryers because they blow whatever is in the air onto your hands YUCK!

[anrean]

Hi Have you tried using Bag Balm? It was originally and still is used by farmers for cow teats and udders and other areas that get dry skin - I used it on my horse!! You can find it at Walgreen's, Wal-Mart (use the one in the tin that doesn't say "Hand and Body" so you get the real deal instead of something less, not the tube) or any farm supply store. On the Walgreen's website it is currently out of stock. I used it instead of Aquaphor for my 2nd breast cancer and one of the rads oncs knew of it and thought it was a great idea, while the others weren't familiar with it. When my onc saw the results she started recommending it as an alternative. It is sort of like Vaseline, but not near as heavy. You can use a little and rub it in and/or use more and wear cotton gloves or socks on your hands overnight. Absolutely love it!!

As for warding off winter ills, I get the vaccines for flu and pneumonia. On my flight home from FL 11/7, the girl next to me was very ill - there wasn't an open seat so I was stuck. Slept pretty much solid for 11 days and used generic Mucinex, so managed to stay out of the hospital ! I believe that was possible only because of the pneumonia vaccine. Our immune systems are very compromised, and we need to do everything possible to avoid getting sick!

I also use a HEPA mask when necessary. It might look "foolish" to some, but sure beats pneumonia or the flu. My grandnephews are 4 and 8, and we make a game of wearing the masks - they draw lips, animal whiskers and funny things on them.

Other "tricks" are avoiding buffets; lots of hand sanitizer, even on my face; going to communion at church and make sure I'm one of the first and do not drink from the challis; keep a supply of generic Mucinex; take zinc, echinacea and extra vitamin C; use echinacea cough drops instead of hard candy; and do my Christmas shopping early or online.

[JeanE41]

I do the usual things: frequent hand washing, flu shot, trying to stay away from those who are ill and keep all immunizations up to date. The frequent hand washing is very hard on my hands in winter so I use Curel ultra healing every time I wash my hands or get them wet. When that's not enough, I use a Vaseline based ointment at night. These Wisconsin winters can be very hard on my skin.

Hope this helps.

Jean

[GarciaB]

I take elderberry, vitamin C and Zinc usually in the form of Sambucol