How to Prepare for Flu Season

It's time to talk about our least favorite season: flu season. The peak of flu season is typically December to February, but often the flu is more rampant during the fall and winter and sometimes even as late as May. 

How can you make sure this icky season passes you by? We've got the best ways to prepare. 

1. Wash your hands.

It's a simple task that goes a long way. The flu is spread through contact and is highly contagious. You can pick up flu bacteria from surfaces you touch (especially things like your phone), or you can catch it airborne from people sneezing, coughing, or talking. Remember to practice good handwashing techniques. This article from the CDC details when you must wash your hands and exactly how you should wash to be most effective. 

2. Disinfect high-touch surfaces.

Tackle germs on areas that are frequently touched, like doorknobs, counters, toilets, etc. And don't just stop in the house. DIsinfect other things you touch like your phone, tablet, game controllers, and remotes.

We've got super easy and highly effective ways to do this: PhoneSoap UV-C sanitizers. Our products use UV-C light to kill 99.99% of illness-causing germs.* The new SurfaceSoap UV wand disinfects surfaces in seconds. Yes, seconds.  

3. Get vaccinated.

The flu vaccine is proven as the most effective prevention against the flu. A vaccine is easy to get. You can even get one at your local grocery store's pharmacy.

4. Take your vitamins.

Vitamins are another simple way to boost your immune system. Specifically, zinc is great at helping your body ward off viruses and infections like the flu. You can get zinc supplements, or you can find zinc in most multivitamins. 

5. Stock up.

Once you get the flu, it's highly recommended that you isolate and avoid contact with others since the flu is so contagious. Because of this, it's good to get the supplies you'll need ahead of time. Things to collect:

• Tissues
• Medicines (Here's a list of good over-the-counter flu medicines.)
• Thermometer 
• A humidifier (Need convincing on this one? This article perfectly explains 4 reasons why a humidifier is necessary for the flu season.)
• Soups, broths, and herbal teas (great for increasing fluid intake as well as soothing dry and sore throats and congestion)
• Hand sanitizer and anti-bacterial soaps 

6. Plan ahead for taking time off.

As mentioned above, it's expected you'll stay in your home and isolate from those around you to reduce spreading infection. Plan ahead for the potential need to take some days off from your activities and obligations in case you get sick this flu season. 

Following these steps may not erase the chance you'll get the flu, but they can help reduce the possibility and help you live a healthier, happier life. 

*Testing was conducted in a laboratory setting on actual phones, Apple watch, headphones, credit cards, and keys with a variety of pathogens, including Salmonella, Staphylococcus, and Coronavirus 229E. Real-world results may vary depending on size, shape, and material of phone or phone case. For more information, click here.