Just as colder temperatures start to move in this fall, so does the influenza, causing millions of people to become ill until spring. Flu symptoms, which range from cough, fever, sore throat, muscle aches, fatigue and headaches, are more than annoying and can even cause some serious hospital stays.
The flu is different from other infectious diseases because it affects both the healthy and weaker immune systems, which is another reason that everyone should get vaccinated. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends the flu vaccine for all adults and children older than six months.
Although it is nearly impossible to completely ward off the virus, here are four tips to help you and your family try to remain healthy this cold and flu season –
1~ Get The Shot. The single best way to protect yourself from the flu is to get vaccinated. With this shot, you can still fall victim of the flu, but your symptoms will be much less severe. The vaccine takes approximately two weeks to get into your system so it is wise to get the flu shot early, before the illness is widespread across the country.
2~ Don’t Touch Your Face. Studies have shown that people touch different surfaces several times per hour and then also touch their face. By placing your hands on a contaminated surface, such as a doorknob, telephone or even a public counter and then touching your eyes, nose or mouth make catching the flu very easy. Be sure to use hand sanitizer several times daily and try not to touch your face with your hands unless they have just be washed.
3~ Dry Your Hands. Everyone knows that hand washing is one of the most important ways to fight off the flu virus. One thing that most people do not know though is that completely drying your hands after each wash is just as important. Damp hands transmit infection to surfaces. Use paper towels instead of hand dryers, which can blow particles of the virus back into the air. It’s also important to frequently wash your hand towels at home during cold and flu season, helping to keep all family members healthy.
4~ Stay Away From Those that are Sick. People that come down with the flu are still contagious for five to seven days after their first symptoms arise. Those that are sick should not go into public until after their fever has been gone for over 24-hours. If a co-worker shows up to the office looking ill, suggest to them to go back home before they make others sick. If you are wanting to send a care package to someone that is ill, leave it by their doorstep with a card and don’t go inside to visit them. Staying healthy is more important during this time.
For the next few months, as the flu begins to take its toll, make sure to take preventative measures. Wash your hands frequently and remember the alcohol based hand sanitizer for times when you are away from home. Also wipe down surfaces, door knobs, remote controls and other frequently touched areas of the home.
You may not be able to completely rid your home of the flu, but taking these precautions will help family members stay as healthy as possible. Also remember to talk to your children about the flu — teaching them how to also stay healthy.
