How to Stay Healthy During Flu Season
Flu season which is usually between fall and winter is the time of the year when a large number of people get the flu. Getting the flu, on a good day, can put you off for a week tops but when it’s really bad, it can lead to pneumonia or bacterial infection. No one wants to be out of commission because of the flu and according to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Influenza’s worst case scenarios can lead to hospitalization or death.
According to reports by the Center for Disease Control and prevention, over 30 million have contracted the flu during flu season – this just shows the severity of flu season. This is why precautions need to be put in place during flu season to ensure that you stay healthy. In this article, we will discuss the best ways to stay healthy during flu season.
Get Vaccinated
The number way to protect yourself during flu season is to get the flu vaccine. Preventive products like face masks and sanitizers can only do so much so it is essential that you get the flu shot. Unlike popular misconceptions, the flu vaccine works against protecting people against the influenza virus. According to health professionals, the flu shot may not be 100% effective but it helps prevent flu complications like pneumonia, hospitalization or death.
You can get flu shots from different places like the doctor’s office, health clinic, and local pharmacy. People from 6 months of age and above should get the flu shot every flu season as recommended by the CDC. There are however exceptions for people with high influenza risks – they need to seek advice from a medical professional.
Avoid Contact
It is important that you avoid contact with sick people and when you are sick, protect others by keeping a distance. If you can, avoid going out to work, school, or for errands when you are sick to prevent the spread of the illness.
Wash Your Hands
It is essential that you wash your hands a lot if you come in contact with contagious people. Washing your hand thoroughly involves scrubbing it with soap and water for more than 2 seconds. Running water through your hands does nothing to protect you from germs. If you don’t have access to water and soap, the CDC recommends alcohol based hand sanitizers that have more than 50% alcohol content. Antibacterial hand wipes are also a good alternative to use.
Sanitize Your Surroundings
Did you know that flu germs can live on surfaces for more than 24 hours? Yes they can. This is why it is important to sanitize your surroundings especially surfaces people touch. It is very crucial that you keep your surroundings clean at all times if you want to stay healthy during flu season.
To Wrap It Up
If you get the flu, it is your prerogative to prevent others around you from getting it from you. One way you can do this is by covering your nose and mouth when you are sneezing o coughing. Keeping up with your healthy lifestyle will ensure that you remain healthy all through the year especially during flu season.
