SDM Flu Shot

Simple Ways To Avoid Getting The Flu This Year {Plus Giveaway}

We all get a sense of dread when we wake up in the middle of the night and it suddenly feels like you are swallowing razor blades. The first signs of the flu present themselves in different ways but they are all equally unwelcome. That’s why I have agreed to work with Shoppers Drug Mart throughout the winter months to help provide you with some tips and tricks on ways to prevent and treat flu symptoms! That said, today we are going to cover a few ways to prevent the flu from taking over your household.

Train Your Immune System

There is no 100% foolproof plan to avoiding the flu but having a strong immune system is an excellent way to fight back against the flu’s punch. You can boost your immune system by following these steps:

Get Some Sleep! Your body needs a good 7-8 hours of sleep a night to fully recover. I realize that is easier said than done, especially for parents, as I am currently in the 5-10 range nightly…
Drink Plenty of Water. I know, I know, water is so boring. While that may be true, your body needs it to thrive. You should be aiming to put back 8 glasses of water a day. Also, coffee does not count as water, but nice try!
Eat Healthy Foods. This one seems like a no brainer yet when we find ourselves rushing around, the fast food joints look a lot more convenient. Curb that urge and keep plenty of healthy foods around your house.
Stay Active! This may be the hardest one on the list. If I had a nickel for every time I almost went to the gym, I’d be a very rich man. Get off your butt and get moving. Your body will thank you.

Get Your Flu Shot At Shoppers Drug Mart

– One of the easiest ways to avoid getting the flu and ensuring that you don’t miss out this holiday season is to visit your local Shoppers Drug Mart and get the flu shot. Depending on how well the vaccine is matched to this year’s common viruses, 70-90% of flu cases can be averted through vaccination. Getting your flu shot not only protects you but also helps protect those around you who are more susceptible to getting sick. If you’re nervous, you can always stop in to your local Shoppers Drug Mart for a consultation with a pharmacist before committing to the shot and they will set your mind at ease.

Practice Good Hygiene

Wash Your Hands Frequently. Washing your hands isn’t just for when you are leaving a restroom. If you see a sink, wash those hands. Germs are everywhere, stop giving them a free ride!
Cover Your Face When You Cough and Sneeze – This should be common sense but I constantly see people not covering up when then cough and sneeze. Kids are the worst for this so we taught them to Dab when they sneeze and that has completely fixed the issue. Until dabbing stops being cool, that is…
Don’t Reuse Tissues. Dude, gross.

That’s it, folks. These are easy tasks that can be completed in minutes a day and can seriously reduce your chances of getting the flu. Just to make sure you are all ready for flu season, I am giving away a Shoppers Drug Mart Flu Fighters prize pack which includes everything from cough drops to PC facial tissues and chicken noodle soup, plus a $100 Shoppers Drug Mart gift card!

To enter, just fill out the Rafflecopter form below and I’ll pick a winner soon! Don’t forget to head into your local Shoppers Drug Mart in the meantime to get you and your family protected by getting your flu vaccinations! Have a great day!!!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

395 replies
  1. Suzi
    Suzi says:

    Because I have a virus right now (which apparently is not technically the flu) and it’s kicking my butt I”m worried Christmas is going to be a write-off!

    Reply
  2. ivy pluchinsky
    ivy pluchinsky says:

    I am most afraid of missing out on fun family events when I get the flu. The flu usually arrives at our house at the worst times!

    Reply
  3. Erinn Lishman
    Erinn Lishman says:

    I’m afraid of missing out on those special moments with my kids! I love taking them to kung fu and our talks during dinner, and if I’m sick and grumpy I have no patience for anything!

    Reply
  4. Val A.
    Val A. says:

    The taste of food! I’m a foodie and enjoy cooking and sharing meals with friends and family. It’s brutal to not be able to taste the yummy holiday treats and traditional once-a-year meals if you’re sick.

    Reply
  5. Angela Sears Cunningham
    Angela Sears Cunningham says:

    Life!As a person with Crohn’s and colitis I take immunosuppressant medications,Getting the flu can literally be life threatening for me.Staying hydrated is already a challenge,as is vitamin and mineral absorption due to surgeries.I’d like to add another tip.Sterilize toothbrushes regularly and wash pillow cases and pillows as well.Thanks for this great chance.Merry Christmas,Happy Holidays!

    Reply
  6. Andrea Amy
    Andrea Amy says:

    Sleep and being able to function. I have 5 kids, so when I am down with the flu I get basically zero rest as I still have to take care of the kids. No sick days for Mommy.

    Reply
  7. Ira
    Ira says:

    I’m not really afraid of missing out on anything, but rather of not being able to take care of my family needs or passing the virus on them.

    Reply
  8. Jared Denison
    Jared Denison says:

    I volunteer at a hospital, so I can’t afford to get the flu. I would miss out on my shifts, and making a difference in people’s lives as do each and every day I work there.

    Reply
  9. Judy Cowan
    Judy Cowan says:

    I am afraid of missing out on family time if I get the flu. I don’t want to be around anyone when I am sick for fear of passing it on to them.

    Reply
  10. Christina Ferguson
    Christina Ferguson says:

    I am most worried about missing out on family gatherings whether they be holiday, birthday, anniversary’s ect. With everybody having such busy schedules getting the family together gets harder and harder nowadays. Missing out because of the flu is extremely upsetting. No one wants to get family members sick so I would not attend.

    Reply
  11. Deborah/Mom2Michael
    Deborah/Mom2Michael says:

    As a single mom, I mostly worry about finding the energy to look after my 10yo if I get the flu. I know I can’t trust him to get up and get ready for school on his own! Although he can make himself pasta or a hot dog, so I know at least he wouldn’t starve!

    Reply
  12. Tara Betterley
    Tara Betterley says:

    I am always afraid that I won’t be able to take the kids to their activities or even attend their activities (Hockey)..

    Reply
  13. Gillian Morgan
    Gillian Morgan says:

    I’m afraid not being able to breathe out of my nose when I get the flu. I can’t fall asleep breathing through my mouth.

    Reply
  14. AD
    AD says:

    When I have the flu (or a cold), I am most anxious about missing out on life; spending time with my family and friends, dinners, experiences. I also hate missing work because it doesn’t get done when I am away from the office.

    Reply
  15. Cairine
    Cairine says:

    I most miss that waking up in the morning and looking forward to the day, planning on what I am going to do. Wallowing in bed sick is no fun.

    Reply
  16. Natalie
    Natalie says:

    I have a terrible habit of getting sick right before a holiday or major event so I’m most worried about missing the fun of Christmas or my birthday with the flu

    Reply
  17. stacey dempsey
    stacey dempsey says:

    I am always afraid of missing out on family gatherings. I also fear not being able to get to the store to get groceries lol

    Reply
  18. ChristineB
    ChristineB says:

    I’m afraid on missing out on doing the massive piles of laundry my three sons create, LOL. Really these guys would be lost without me.

    Reply
  19. dani
    dani says:

    A few things. Missing out on being with the family. Not being able to visit extended family & friends. Missing out on sleep!! It’s so hard to sleep when sick

    Reply
  20. Chris Riddle
    Chris Riddle says:

    I’m afraid of all the work I’ll miss when I’m sick with the flu that I’ll have to catch up with when I’m better.

    Reply
  21. Tricia Hope
    Tricia Hope says:

    With real little ones and old folks,getting together @ Christmas can be a germ fest on steroids.I started getting a flu shot 3 years ago,and that has really helped!

    Reply
  22. Courtney A
    Courtney A says:

    I’d miss making my boyfriend dinners and breakfasts if I wasn’t feeling well enough too. I know, weird thing to miss, but he works hard and deserves it 🙂

    Reply
  23. Sara Lima
    Sara Lima says:

    Missing out on fun things – I’ve been nursing a terrible cold for 2 weeks, and I just wasn’t well enough to traipse around in the snow and cold. I missed out on fun Christmassy things 🙁

    Reply
  24. Rhonda W G.
    Rhonda W G. says:

    I’m afraid of ending up in hospital or worse…The flu is dangerous for me with my health issues. That’s why we get our flu shots in our home and are extra careful.

    Reply
  25. Ryan
    Ryan says:

    Being sick is a drag. So it’s best to try avoid getting sick in the first place by getting enough sleep, eating healthy, and following proper hand hygiene.

    Reply
  26. Luzviminda Gunter-Smith
    Luzviminda Gunter-Smith says:

    I find it difficult to call sick but I have to make the right decision of staying home is better in order not to spread the germs and keep the place healthy, so when I am home I isolate myself to my family so I am not going the flu to them. My son is good in washing his hands and of course all of us too.

    Reply
  27. Jennifer I
    Jennifer I says:

    Getting thing done! I know that if I am sick nobody else is going to,get the everyday household stuff done so I will end up doing it when I am better. ?

    Reply
  28. Tammi L.
    Tammi L. says:

    My biggest concern is missing sleep… when I can’t breath I can’t sleep. Then I have to be extra careful as I am so tired and grumpy and I don’t want to say something we’ll all regret!

    Reply
  29. Shelley N
    Shelley N says:

    I am most afraid of missing out on completing my tests and assignments for school if I get the flu as I will be taking 3 online courses this semester.

    Reply
  30. mary dolph
    mary dolph says:

    usually the flu comes at the worst time, like christmas, or when you have something special planned, but i miss time with grandbabies the most

    Reply
  31. Lela S
    Lela S says:

    Have not had the flu in a few years. I like ginger (candied, grated raw, ground) in food so sometimes I add ginger to a soup mix, use a cookie recipe with ginger or eat foods like pakoras with spicy sweet dipping sauces. Spices help the body to be on guard for anything.

    A roasted butternut squash recipe with rosemary and chopped garlic turns out like a zesty white sauced squash dish-super yummy and delicious (the garlic softens in taste and texture in the oven).

    Reply
  32. Rosanne Robinson
    Rosanne Robinson says:

    I’m most worried about missing spending time with my grandson when I’m sick with a flu bug. We pick him up a couple of days a week after school and watch his hockey games as often as possible.

    Reply
  33. Lori P
    Lori P says:

    My holiday plans would be really messed up if I got the flu. (Got my flu shot at Shoppers Drug Mart about a month ago, so hope I’m spared whatever variation is going around!)

    Reply
  34. Monique L.S.
    Monique L.S. says:

    I am most afraid of missing out on rest when I have the flu. Having 2 young kids, I don’t have much time to be sick and to just lie on the couch and do nothing. I definitely need to do everything I can to stay healthy and prevent illness throughout the year.

    Reply
  35. Julie G
    Julie G says:

    I enjoy getting outside to get some exercise, whether it’s just a walk in the snow, or snowshoeing. I’d miss not being able to experience this time if I had the flu, that’s why I got a flu shot!

    Reply
  36. Terry Perron
    Terry Perron says:

    If I get the flu, then I miss work. Cold or flu just not feeling good. I can not go to work as I work in a long term care facility and the seniors could get sick.

    Reply
  37. Isra
    Isra says:

    I am most afraid of missing out on my holiday and not being able to catch up with the things I have to do and relax before the break is over!

    Reply
  38. Shirlee White
    Shirlee White says:

    My yearly flu shot is a must. – probably my best protection other than avoiding massively crowded venues during flu season

    Reply
  39. sabina Edwards
    sabina Edwards says:

    I personally can not afford to miss work. I was sick and off for 4 months and tried to survive on less then half a reg chq, and it got me far behind….during the summer we do OT so I lost out on about $10,000 income…

    Reply
  40. Debbie Browne
    Debbie Browne says:

    When I get the flu I am most afraid of missing out on being able to breath, get out of bed, and just being able to function!

    Reply
  41. Chris Marvici
    Chris Marvici says:

    This might sound a bit weird, but I always worry about missing school. It’s really hard to catch up once you miss a few days, especially in classes like physics or math.

    Reply
  42. darci paice
    darci paice says:

    Work because I need my paycheque 🙂 Regardless of how I feel I have to do everything on the homefront so that never changes for me

    Reply
  43. Lisa Penney
    Lisa Penney says:

    being sick is the worst! i hate missing out on get togethers with friends and family over the holidays and i don’t get paid when i’m off work!

    Reply
  44. Michelle Policelli
    Michelle Policelli says:

    I am most afraid of missing out on hanging out with my friends and i also hate when i start to loose my voice when i’m sick!

    Reply
  45. Brenda Penton
    Brenda Penton says:

    I am afraid of missing out on family activities. I’m also afraid of missing out on housework as it really piles up when I’m sick.

    Reply
  46. SUMMER PLEWES
    SUMMER PLEWES says:

    I am always afraid of missing out on the Christmas festivities. I received a stomach flu this year , ugh! But it was over for me on Christmas Eve , so at least that was ok.

    Reply
  47. Bailey Dexter
    Bailey Dexter says:

    I don’t want to miss out on work with the flu. Also I get behind in stuff at home and with my family and it take a bit to catch up!

    Reply
  48. Nicole Jubleew
    Nicole Jubleew says:

    I’m afraid of missing out on fun times with family and friends since I always seem to get sick at the worst possible time.

    Reply
  49. Kaylee Matheson
    Kaylee Matheson says:

    I’m afraid of missing out on hanging out with my family – especially around the holidays when they’re home from school and work!

    Reply
  50. CL Chin
    CL Chin says:

    i was sick a few months ago and missed a family dinner so i don’t like missing out on seeing family or being able to keep up with my son.

    Reply
  51. Tara Oleary
    Tara Oleary says:

    I was afraid on missing out on the Christmas festivities with my family because of the flu, but luckily /unluckily, I got it on Boxing Day so stupid least I was safe on Christmas!

    Reply
  52. Jennifer J
    Jennifer J says:

    I’m afraid of missing out on regular life like sleeping in my own bed, being with my son. I get hospitalized every time I get the flu and have to be separated from my family. I hate it!

    Reply
  53. Theresa C.
    Theresa C. says:

    I was afraid of missing visiting with friends and family at Xmas by getting the flu – and unfortunately, this year we did! 🙁

    Reply
  54. Amber Y
    Amber Y says:

    I’m most afraid of missing time at work. Even a few days away makes a big difference in our finances. We don’t exactly plan the flu into our budgets.

    Reply
  55. Lynnie
    Lynnie says:

    I’m afraid to miss out on everything! Work, family time and other commitments. It’s such a waste to wait out the flu and hope you “feel better tomorrow!”

    Reply
  56. Darlene Davis MacLean
    Darlene Davis MacLean says:

    I hate missing out on activities with family and friends the most. It seems everyone is out having a great time but me.

    Reply

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