Could the Super Bowl Lead to a Flu Epidemic?

Photo: @raehuckleberry via Twenty20
The Super Bowl is typically, if nothing else, an worthy reason to gather your squad, make lots of healthy snacks, watch Justin Timberlake perform at halftime, and see elite athletes do their thing. This year, though, the flu outbreak could ruin the fun.

The United States is now in the midst of the worst flu season since 2009.

The United States is now in the midst of the worst flu season since 2009, so having 65,000-plus people from all over the country pack into the Minneapolis stadium for the big game could be a major problem. The CDC reports Minnesota is currently experiencing a "widespread" flu outbreak.

According to the New York Postthe Super Bowl event organizers are already starting to take precautions to prevent the flu from spreading as a result of the event. There will be plenty of soap and sanitizing wipes available, and the staff at the stadium will wipe down surfaces more often than usual. Unfortunately, only so much can be done in the name of prevention when so many people are in one place.

Health officials are urging attendees to get flu shots before Sunday to try to prevent a flu epidemic. But a flu shot should be a must for everyone, whether you have a stadium seat or not.

If you're braving the conditions (natural and public-health-related) in Minnesota or simply viewing the game from the comfort of your own healthy home, stock up on immunity-boosting foods, limit the stress in your life, meditate, and work out regularly. Hopefully, with a little extra effort, it'll be this nasty virus that loses the Super Bowl.

Try these tips for staying healthy during the flu outbreak this year. Also, make sure to keep these flu-fighting essentials at your work desk.

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