With these tips, you won't give that autumn flu a chance

Since last week, that persistent autumn flu has been spotted again: everyone around me is sniffling, coughing their lungs out, or lying shivering in bed for days. Otis came straight from daycare with a nice ‘kennel cough’, which wakes me up several times at night from his barking and I still check if he is breathing.

And of course, Jon and I can't fall behind: but what can you effectively do to keep that autumn flu at bay? I've lined up the best tips for you, although I'm afraid not all of them are equally easy to implement.

1. Garlic. 

This herb is full of vitamin C and protects against respiratory infections, colds, and flu. So use an extra clove when cooking during these months. In the category of ‘grandmother's tips’, I've even been told that as soon as you feel a cold coming on, you should chew on a raw clove of garlic. Let me tell you this: this task is almost impossible to fulfill without spitting everything out immediately, but I do feel that my cold didn't progress because of it. Make sure your partner joins in the fun, otherwise you can kiss that relationship goodbye.

2. Rest well.

In the category of Ayurveda (sometimes also called ‘airy-fairy’) methods, they recommend sufficient rest to prevent flu. Try to keep your stress levels low and get enough rest so that your immunity remains up to par. That's easier said than done.

3. Calcium and vitamin D.

In winter, your calcium levels drop. Our body can only absorb calcium well if we get enough vitamin D. Take enough vitamin D in winter, so that you boost the calcium levels in your body and voilà: you are less susceptible to a flu virus. You can find vitamin D in fatty fish and calcium in, among other things, sauerkraut, carrots, and almonds.

4. Exercise.

Yes guys, that means an extra day a week of your sweating profusely. Good fitness leads to better immunity, making you better able to withstand flu and colds. On the other hand, if you already have something going on, intensive training is not a good idea. It's a myth that you can sweat out a fever by exercising, and training with a fever is even dangerous. It takes your body a lot of energy to recover, so don't waste strength on exercising. That's advice I really take to heart.

5. Oysters.

You understand that I couldn't skip this tip. Oysters are full of zinc, which is good for your immune system. So during that party, make sure to grab an extra glass of bubbles with an oyster.