Early in the fall and again in the winter, Americans receive warnings from public health authorities about the coming flu epidemic. The Healthy Life section of several magazines and blogs contains more than 1,000 pieces of health advice, ranging from dealing with flu to living with a heavy burden of the ailment.
Between 2010 and 2020, up to 41 million Americans got the flu, and 24% required hospitalization without a comorbid condition (like pneumonia or an underlying chronic illness).
Flu, also called influenza, is more than just an unpleasant inconvenience. It can also be dangerous. This viral infection affects the nose, throat, and lungs and can put a freeze on your quality of life.
But there are things you can do to get yourself through those cold and Flu seasons. This article presents nine tips for avoiding the Flu.
How is the Flu Spread?
There are several ways in which the Flu can infect someone:
Inhaling Infected Air
Sneezing or coughing can contribute to the spread of infection in the air. Therefore, whenever you cough or sneeze, you should always cover your mouth or nose. Afterward, you should always wash your hands.
Contact with Infected Secretion
Being directly exposed to an infected secretion can lead to the rapid spread of Flu. An infected person can transmit the disease by sharing utensils or drinks.
Additionally, you can transmit the virus through absorbency. Upon touching your eyes, nose, or mouth, you can transfer the virus to your hands. You then absorb the virus into your hands and, from there, spread it to public surfaces such as door handles and telephones.
How do I prevent the Flu?
While there are no safe-proof methods to prevent catching the Flu, you can always minimize the chances of developing this condition by following these tips.
Vaccination
Flu can become a maniac if you have a chronic condition such as asthma or heart disease. The safest way to prevent the flu is to get a flu vaccination. You need to contact your healthcare provider for information about flu vaccination.
Stay Indoor When Ill
Understandably, many people dislike taking time off of work when they are sick; however, staying at home is a far better choice than going into the office if you have the Flu. Doing so means you will be better able to recover quickly and prevent the virus from spreading.
Avoid Sick People
You can reduce your chances of contracting the Flu by keeping your distance from those who have it or recently had it.
Cover Up when you Sneeze
Flu germs can be transmitted into the environment every time you cough or sneeze. You can keep the Flu from spreading even further if you use a tissue whenever you cough or sneeze.
Wash Your Hands Regularly
Keeping your hands clean is a crucial step in staying flu-free. It still holds after all these years that washing your hands is the best way to avoid contamination. For even greater effectiveness, wash your hands with antibacterial soap.
Use Disinfectants
Antibacterial disinfectants are an effective way to prevent the spread of flu-causing germs at home and in your workspace. A good disinfectant perfect for fighting flu viruses includes alcohol or hydrogen peroxide products. You can also use handy wipes to limit the spread of flu germs.
Reduce stress
Flu and other illnesses become more likely when your immune system is compromised by stress. Keeping your mental well-being in check during the holidays and winter months is essential since you will likely experience high anxiety and stress levels.
You can ease stress by taking some time off and engaging in activities that lighten your workload.
Stay hydrated
Fluid intake is vital to keep you healthy. Maintaining good hydration is also beneficial to flush out potential toxins in your body.
Eat vegetables
Eating plenty of vegetables and fruits will provide your body with the required vitamins and nutrients to bolster your immune system and keep you healthy. If your symptoms worsen, you should contact your doctor for proper diagnosis and treatment.
It is crucial to note that there is no cure for Flu, so protecting yourself and your loved ones is imperative. If you notice any symptoms of Flu, you can buy some over-the-counter medication to relieve minor symptoms such as cough and stuffy nose before contacting your doctor for proper medical care.