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" Every year we all dread getting the flu, it means feeling rubbish for well over a week, not having so much energy as to even brush our hair and getting really bored of day time TV. We think a cold is bad, but the flu really does stop you in your tracks, sometimes making you bed ridden for days. We spoke to Dr Pixie, Superdrug&amp;#039;s Health &amp;amp;amp; Wellbeing Ambassador, about how we can avoid it, what the symptoms are, and how we can get rid of it sharpish, if we do get it. 1. Wash your hands Hand to nose, hand to mouth, hand to eye \u2013 this is how the virus will enter your body. Every surface is a potential hazard. Hand washing is critical, people underestimate the importance of this. Germs from sneezing and coughing can stay on hard surfaces for up to 3 hours and on your clothes for around 20 minutes. Sometimes we just go through the motions and wash our hands because others are. Take time to wash them thoroughly - for at least 30 seconds.  2. Fresh air Offices and air con will spread the flu more, especially in the winter when the windows are closed, or when you have office parties \u2013 as there will be more close contact. Open windows when you can and make sure you get fresh air at lunchtimes.  3. Know the symptoms Flu symptoms come on very quickly. You&amp;#039;ll get cold symptoms such as a cough or runny nose, but also very specific symptoms too such as a high temperature, aches and pains and you&amp;#039;ll feel very exhausted. You&amp;#039;ll know you have the flu as you won&amp;#039;t be able to get out of bed.    4. Hydration Hydration is key, so drink as much water as possible. Berocca and other vitamin waters work too, there is some evidence vitamins will speed up your recovery. If you really can&amp;#039;t stomach fluids try ice pops \u2013 as they have fluids as well as that little bit of sugar your body may need. 5. Stay in bed Bed rest and paracetamol is key. If you have aches and pains try ibroprofen as it&amp;#039;s a good anti-inflammatory. Decongestions are good for a blocked nose and I swear by saline nasal spray. You don&amp;#039;t need to go to the doctor, unless you have other underlying issues that may make it worse. However if you&amp;#039;re worried call your surgery and ask if you can speak to a nurse or your local pharmacist. 6. The flu jab The flu jab is important for anyone to have if they already have medical problems such as asthma, diabetes or if you&amp;#039;re pregnant.If you come under this category either make an appointment with your doctor, or go to a pharmacy for a jab - who will then bill it back to your doctor. Carer&amp;#039;s need to have it too, especially if you&amp;#039;re looking after an elderly relative who could have a lower immune system. You could also be in a career where you&amp;#039;re more exposed to picking up the flu \u2013 such as a if you&amp;#039;re a teacher.  If you&amp;#039;re someone who always comes down with colds or the flu it&amp;#039;s worth investing in the jab. If you can&amp;#039;t get it on the NHS then most pharmacies only charge around \u00A310 for them.  More on Prima.co.uk..... Want to live somewhere healthy? It could be closer to home than you think... Just one glass of beer can make us more sociable "^^<http://www.w3.org/2001/XMLSchema#string>
<http://www.prima.co.uk/diet-and-health/advice/a36109/six-ways-to-help-you-avoid-and-survive-the-flu/>