Staying Healthy During Flu Season: Vital Steps You Should Take— Flu season, a time when the influenza virus spreads rapidly, can be challenging for our health. As we navigate through this period each year, it’s essential to adopt proactive measures to protect ourselves and our loved ones from falling ill. Here are some crucial steps you can take to stay healthy during flu season:
Get Vaccinated
Getting vaccinated against the flu is one of the most effective ways to prevent infection and to stay healthy during flu season. The flu vaccine is updated annually to match the strains predicted to be most prevalent during the upcoming season. It not only reduces your chances of getting sick but also minimizes the severity of symptoms if you do contract the flu.
Practice Good Hand Hygiene
Regular handwashing is a simple yet powerful way to prevent the spread of germs. Wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after coughing, sneezing, or touching public surfaces. If soap and water are not available, use alcohol-based hand sanitizers.
Cover Your Mouth and Nose
When coughing or sneezing, cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or your elbow—not your hands. This practice helps prevent the transmission of flu viruses through respiratory droplets. This practice helps you to contain droplets that could affect how others stay healthy during flu season.
Avoid Touching Your Face
Viruses can enter your body through mucous membranes in the eyes, nose, and mouth. Avoid touching your face, particularly with unwashed hands, to reduce the risk of infection.
Maintain a Healthy Lifestyle
A strong immune system can better fight off infections. Eat a balanced diet that is rich in fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains. Stay hydrated, exercise regularly, manage stress levels, and get enough sleep to support your immune system.
Stay Home if You’re Sick
If you develop flu-like symptoms such as fever, cough, sore throat, body aches, or fatigue, stay home to rest and prevent spreading the virus to others. Avoid close contact with people who are sick as well. If you do happen to catch the flu, practice your healthy habits at home while you recover. This is for yourself and those with whom you live, so they can stay healthy during flu season.
Clean and Disinfect
Regularly clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces at home, work, and school. This includes doorknobs, light switches, keyboards, and phones. Viruses can survive on surfaces for hours to days, so thorough cleaning is essential.
Practice Social Distancing
During flu season, especially when flu activity is high, consider practicing social distancing measures to reduce your exposure to crowded places and close contact with others, particularly if you or someone around you is sick.
Consider Flu Antiviral Medications
If you are at high risk of flu complications or have been exposed to someone with the flu, your healthcare provider may recommend antiviral medications. These medications can reduce the severity and duration of flu symptoms if taken promptly after onset.
Staying Healthy During Flu Season: Vital Steps You Should Take
Talk to your Doctor! If you are sick, please call the office. Your doctor is always available to speak to you via phone or telemedicine with advice and guidance on the right steps to take to get you back on track.
Prevention is key, so start implementing these measures today to stay flu-free this season.
Dig deeper into this topic at the CDC website.
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