8 Ways to Protect Your Family Against Flu and Other Dangerous Illness

The world is sick. Super viruses are raging all over the world, adding new danger to the already feared flu season. Households with small children are especially likely to visit the emergency room at some point during this year's flu season.
According to the Center for Disease Control (CDC), "Flu activity most commonly peaks in the U.S. between December and February. However, seasonal flu activity can begin as early as October and continue to occur as late as May."

Here are some quick, commonsense things that can be done to reduce the likelihood of getting sick.
1. Don't share any food or drink with someone who appears to be sick.
2. Wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds to kill germs.
3. Stay home if you are sick.
4. Eat a lot of "super greens" such as spinach and kale.
5. Disinfect commonly touched surfaces such as door nobs and other handles.
6. Try not to worry. Worry is scientifically proven to lower the immune system which will enable more sickness to effect the body.
7. Get a flu shot
8. Avoid touching the eyes, nose and mouth.

Growing concern of the Ebola virus is rising in the US since the flu and Ebola have similar symptoms. USA Today provides some piece of mind for US residents who fear that as the flu season sets in, they won't be able to tell the difference between Ebola and the regular flu.
Here's what you need to know:
Week one of Flu - regular cold like systems along with fever and fatigue (just like Ebola)
Week two - still feeling the same systems as week one, while Ebola patients would likely be vomiting blood.
Week three - starting to feel better, while Ebola patients are likely to have internal bleeding, seizers and possible death. (the US Ebola survival rate is about 50/50)

However scary the Ebola virus may seem, it is extremely hard to catch it. Direct contact with bodily fluids such as blood or vomit is required. The Ebola virus is NOT air borne. Still, a little diligence does not hurt as flu season 2014-15 rears it's ugly head.

Another virus to look out for, and is far more likely to be contracted, is the super virus D68. The CDC states,  "In the United States, people are more likely to get infected with enteroviruses in the summer and fall. CDC expects, as with other enteroviruses, that EV-D68 infections will likely begin to decline by late fall."

Still, with Ebola like symptoms as well, it's good to know the signs. Children with a history of wheezing or other respiratory distress while sick are particularly vulnerable. King5 News in Washington states that 22 states have confirmed cases on D68. This number has jumped from Tuesday when it was reported that only 11 states had been affected by enterovirus D68.

The key is to not be paranoid, but to use care as the 2014-15 flu season kicks in. Stay calm, and use commonsense tactics to keep sickness at bay, may it be a common cold or flu or the dreaded Ebola virus. At the end of it all, no one likes to be sick.