Sniffles, chills, headaches — we all know the signs. Flu season is here! What does this mean for the downtown population?
Living in an urban setting with a lot of people in contact with one another lends to the quick spread of sickness, especially the flu. You’re just a sneeze away from somebody’s germs. It can be even worse when you’re a student, since some people would rather come to class sick than risk missing an assignment.
That’s why the flu shot is so readily available throughout clinics across America. But where can you go downtown to get a flu shot?
For starters, the NP Healthcare clinic on the ASU campus offers flu shots, as do various Walgreens and CVS locations downtown. Other than that, it really is up to you to find the nearest health care provider that can cater to your needs. Oftentimes this depends on what insurance you have or other health care guidelines that apply to you as an individual. NP Healthcare is really good at making referrals if that’s something you need.
If you’re a student at ASU Downtown, definitely take advantage of NP Healthcare, as they accept most major insurance plans and will work to make sure you get what you need.
Now that you know where to get your flu shot — which is probably the best way to defend against the seasonal sniffles — what else can you do to avoid getting sick this holiday season?
It’s always around this time of year that the stress peaks with work, family, school and so much more. With these added stresses, your immune system can be impacted negatively as you might get less sleep than usual and may not be eating as nutritiously as you should be.
To ensure that you maintain your immune system and flu defenses, satisfy the basics: get enough sleep, eat nutritious meals, work out to relieve stress and maintain a balance with the activities in your life. Also, use generous amounts of hand sanitizer if you’re in contact with a lot of people.
These tips will keep your immune system strong, and hopefully you won’t fall prey to the seasonal flu.
Let’s say you do get sick. Does everything in your life have to come to a standstill? In particular, what about your fitness routines?
Christopher Berger, an exercise physiologist at ASU Downtown, shed some insight on when to exercise while feeling a little under the weather. For example, if you have a fever, achy joints or congestion, it’s best just to rest.
“Your body is trying to fight off a virus or a bacterial infection, and your immune system really needs to have the ability to fight it off,” Berger said. “If you’re out there stressing your immune system, breathing in cold air or increasing your heart rate — all these things lead to an increase in energy usage, and your body is trying to use this energy to heal.”
There isn’t evidence that suggests moderate exercise is bad for you if you’re just mildly sick, with symptoms of an allergy or a runny nose, Berger said. In fact, exercising at this time might even boost your immune system, he said.
The real goal is to strike a balance. If you’re too sick to move, definitely rest. It’s all about listening to your body. But, if you feel well enough, getting some exercise might not be a bad idea. Just make sure you’re not pushing yourself past your limits.
It’s really important to make sure that you’re armed and ready for cold and flu season. Hopefully some of the tips mentioned will help you stay healthy over the course of quite possibly the happiest and also the most hectic portion of the year.
Stay healthy, my friends!
Contact the columnist at wshahid@asu.edu
