Flu season can be a tough time, but you can get the flu at any time throughout the year. Before you know it, the whole family is sick and can’t shake it. That’s why it’s so important to take preventative measures and make sure that you are protected, whether it’s flu seasons or not. Here are some things that urgent care centers recommend to stay healthy, especially when flu season hits:

1. Regular Hand Washing

This might seem like a basic tip that everyone recommends, but that’s because it’s so important. Our hands are one of the easiest ways that we ingest bacteria. Washing your hands before you eat and after you touch public surfaces can help to get rid of germs that can make you sick. Keeping hand sanitizer in your bag for times when you can’t get to a bathroom is also a wise measure.

2. Eat Right

Building your body’s immunity is another crucial part of fighting off sickness. Eating the right foods can help with this. Foods that are packed with vitamins and antioxidants can help bolster your body’s natural defense systems. While you might still get sick with a strong immune system, it’s less likely to happen often and you will usually bounce back faster. Your symptoms may also be less severe.

3. Get a Flu Shot

Getting your flu shot provides your body with a natural immunity to the flu. Once again, you can still get sick, but it won’t be nearly as bad as it could be without the shot. Some urgent care clinics offer this healthcare service. You can call ahead to your local branch to find out if they do.

4. Keep Your House Clean

Regularly wiping down communal counters and spraying furniture with disinfectant can help stop the spread of germs in your home. Taking these steps even twice a day during flu season can make a big difference. Make sure to focus on areas where you and your family spend a lot of time.

5. Keep Your Distance

It’s also wise to keep your distance from people you know are sick, or who live in a household with people who currently have the flu. An average distance of three feet is recommended. This might be hard at times, especially if it’s your own family that is sick, but try your best to make a conscious effort.

Avoiding the flu can sometimes be impossible though. When you have children who get sick you have no choice but to take care of them. This usually means that you are going to end up sick next. If you do come down with it, you can get help dealing with the symptoms. The top sicknesses that urgent care treats are acute upper respiratory infections, acute sinusitis, acute pharyngitis, cough, and fever. However, they can still help you with the flu by providing a prescription for flu medicine and giving you medical advice.