A dangerous influenza epidemic is sweeping the nation and hitting California especially hard, so how can you prevent the flu from striking your household? You can’t live in a plastic bubble…

Here at Abio, we are constantly with the public at open houses, inspections, signings and the like. So around our offices, when we aren't washing our hands or spritzing sanitizer, we’re talking about what else can be done to prevent the flu and colds, including alternative remedies. Here’s what we’re hearing about staying healthy:

Thieves Oil: Abio co-founder Linnette Edwards and Tammy Brown swear by thieves oil for keeping their household healthy. It’s a combination of clove, lemon, cinnamon, eucalyptus radiata, and rosemary and is thought to have antibacterial, antiseptic, antiviral, and immune-stimulating properties. You can rub it on the soles of your feet, put it in a diffuser, or spray it around your home.

Garlic: The pungent, spicy, and strong stuff has been used in medicine for centuries and can be traced back to ancient civilizations of the Egyptians, Babylonians, Greeks, Romans and Chinese. Eat it raw, cook with it, or take it in pill form. (Here’s a great collection of recipes. )

Probiotics: Did you know that 70–80 percent of the human immune system is located in the digestive tract? There’s a growing school of thought that probiotics – “good” bacteria found in fermented foods – can have immune boosting benefits. Go for the yogurt!

Ginger: This gnarled root is considered an immune booster with anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and T-cell activating benefits. Use it in food for a kick or drink daily ginger tea. Read more here.

Eat the alphabet: We know you’ve heard of these other vitamin-charged immune helpers: citrus fruits, red bell peppers, broccoli, spinach, papaya. Eat you’re A’s, C’s and E’s…

Don’t touch your face! Abio copyeditor Ilene Snyder tells us that her family doctor repeats this mantra over and over to patients: “Think Monkey Poop.” Imagine you’ve been cleaning up monkey poop all day, and when you think of your hands being so dirty, you won’t dare touch your eyes, nose or mouth without first washing with soap for 20 seconds or using hand sanitizer.

Get out: You might want to hide inside during flu season, but fresh air and sunshine actually can be good for preventing colds and flu. Vitamin D, the sunshine vitamin, helps regulate our immune response. If bad weather keeps you inside, boost your D with supplements.

Sleep: If only you could hibernate through flu season… But that’s not what we’re talking about. Get a good 7-9 hours of sleep a night. Sleep deprivation robs your immune system.

Keep your distance: Try a handshake-free greeting, like the fist-bump, nod, thumbs up, or a yogi namaste with your hands together in prayer-like pose.

For more on flu prevention, including who should get the flu shot, check in with the Centers for Disease Control.

If someone in your household does get sick, do this:

• Give your toothbushes some space. A little toothbrush isolation is a good thing. If it makes you feel better, disinfect toothbrushes by submerging them in boiling water or buying one of those sanitizers that uses UV light.

• Wash bedding (at least the pillowcases) and towels frequently.

• Tell your sickie to cough and sneeze into their elbow, not their hands. For our kids, we tell them to cough into their “wing.”

• If you use a humidifier, dump out the tank every day and thoroughly clean it at least weekly.

• Have anti-bacterial wipes handy to wipe the remotes, light switches, doorknobs, and phones frequently.

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We wish you a healthy 2018! Don't let the fright of flu season keep you from touring open houses. We'll meet you out there with a handshake-free "Hey!" Reach any of our Abio Realtors at 888.400.ABIO (2246) or hello@abioproperties.com.