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As a family doctor on the frontlines, Dr. Sharon Domb does this all day long.
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The biggest thing that I do is hand-washing, and that transfers over from work to home.
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Even if you washed your hands five minutes ago, Dr. Domb says do it again before you touch your face or eat anything.
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So you're touching a lot of other surfaces that could be contaminated in the meantime.
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That includes eating out.
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Wash your hands after handling the menu, a surface that is often ripe with germs.
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Dr. Domb says some organisms can live on surfaces for days.
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Her next tip? Get the flu shot early.
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It's an inactivated or dead vaccine, and you can't get sick from it.
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So I really encourage people to get the flu shot.
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Remember that it will take about two weeks for the flu shot to take full effect.
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Tip three? Keep your immune system strong.
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Eating a well-balanced diet, making sure you're getting the four food groups, getting enough sleep, exercising regularly,
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none of that is going to hurt, it's all going to help in terms of your immune system and your ability to fight things.
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So what about taking lots of vitamin C?
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Unless you have dietary restrictions, the only supplement Dr. Domb recommends for most people is vitamin D.
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Aim for one thousand international units per day throughout the fall and winter months.
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If you do get the flu, she says to stay home to avoid spreading it.
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If you've got a fever and malaise and tired and just generally stuffed up and cough, most of that will resolve usually in seven to ten days.
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Very young or old patients, those with other health conditions, or people experiencing localized symptoms like in their ear or lungs may need to seek medical help.
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And of course, don't forget the chicken soup.
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While Dr. Domb says there's no compelling evidence it will fight or prevent the flu, it sure can help you feel better.
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With Sunnyview, I'm Monica Matys.