This past week, the flu has hit Gaffney High School, along with the rest of the country, with serious force. The flu is a viral infection that causes muscle pain, cough, chills, dehydration, fatigue, fever, loss of appetite, body aches, fever, runny nose, congestion, sneezing, headaches, etc. The flu is especially dangerous in young children, older adults, and anyone with a weaken immune system. According to the Center of Disease Control (CDC), the flu kills an estimated 36,000 people per year, many of them being from the age groups previously mentioned. In order help fight the flu, here are some tips on how to stay healthy during flu season.

Here are some good ideas to battle the flu:

• Get the flu vaccination- even if the vaccine is not 100% effective. Some resistance is better than none at all.
• Wash hands before any meals and after sneezing or coughing.
• Try not to share objects.
• Avoid touching your nose, mouth, or eyes.
• Get enough sleep every night (a full 7-9 hours).
• Cut down on stress as stress weaken the immune system.
• Use tissue when sneezing or coughing.
• Eat healthy and exercise.
• Avoid large crowds.
• Stay home if sick. Avoid spreading the flu.
• Keep surroundings clean; sanitize doorknobs and things like that.
• Stay hydrated.
• Stay warm.
• Get plenty of fresh air (away from sick people).
• Be prepared. Take vitamin C supplements to boost immune health.