Flu: Tis the Season

It’s that time of year again: along with holiday joys and gifts also comes your risk of catching the dreaded flu. Fortunately, there are ways to protect yourself, so read on to learn how to avoid being the one everyone avoids!

The flu affects 1 in 5 people each year and is highly contagious. Most suffer symptoms for a few days up to two weeks. However, symptoms can be much worse for the elderly, babies or young kids, and those with health conditions like asthma, heart disease, diabetes, or a weakened immune system. 

Not a big fan of the flu? Start protecting yourself in the following ways:

Get Vaccinated! This is the single best way to prevent the flu. Each year, the flu shot is designed to protect against the most common flu strains. It’s best to get the flu shot in early fall or as soon as it is available. But you can get it any time during the winter if you haven’t had the flu yet. There are two types of vaccines:

·      The flu shot is made with a killed virus. It is intended for ages 6 months and older. There is a variation of this shot for pregnant women. The shot may cause a sore arm for a day or two.

·      The nasal spray or FluMist contains a live, but weakened form of the virus. The mist is intended for people between 2-49 years of age and who are healthy and not pregnant. This is a simple, quick, and pain-free option!

Some may feel achy or experience a low grade fever after getting the flu vaccine and fear that the vaccine caused it. On the contrary, you cannot get the flu from the vaccine because it contains either a killed or weakened form of the virus.

Wash Your Hands! Another important way to prevent the flu is to wash your hands often and at the right times. The flu virus is very contagious and can be passed to others by touching any surface with flu germs on it. Always wash your hands before preparing food and eating. Also wash your hands before touching your eyes, nose, or mouth, since those areas let germs into your body. It’s also a good idea to wash your hands after touching these areas to protect others in case you are sick or carrying the germs.  

Use soap and warm water. If they are unavailable, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer. Be conscious of the surfaces you are touching when out in public such as door handles, railings, shaking hands, public transportation, gas stations, restaurants, movie theaters, AND grocery carts! Flu germs can remain on surfaces for up to eight hours.

Avoid Sick People! The flu virus is passed very easily, just by being around someone who is sick or who is carrying the germs. Folks are contagious up to one day before having symptoms and up to 7 days afterwards. The flu is passed along in tiny droplets from the mouth and nose when coughing, sneezing, or talking. Wash your hands often when you are around sick people. If you are sick, take the time to rest and recover, and keep your distance from others.

Stay Healthy! You need to keep your immune system strong to fight off the flu and other infections, so stay healthy by practicing the following:

·      Eat a healthy, well-balanced diet (rich in fruits, veggies, whole grains, lean meats, and healthy fats)

·      Exercise 4+ days a week (take a brisk walk or try a workout video on a cold day)

·      Sleep 7-9 hours each night (organize your day to accomplish your highest priorities, making good sleep one of them)

·      Quit smoking. Research shows that smokers experience the flu more than non-smokers and tend to have a more severe infection.

Visit FLU.GOV to learn about flu symptoms and the difference between symptoms of the flu and the common cold.

If you do become sick with the flu this season, follow these tips to help yourself and others:

·      Talk to your doctor about antiviral flu drugs. They can help you get better faster, but must be taken in the first two days of getting sick.

·      If possible, stay home until you feel better and your fever is gone for 24 hours (without taking medicine)

·      Sneeze and cough into your elbow instead of your hand to reduce the spread of germs.

·      Dispose of used tissue after blowing your nose. Don’t leave them on a table or save them for the next use

·      Wash your hands frequently! Including before you prepare or eat food, and after you cough, sneeze, or blow your nose.

We hope this information will help you and your loved ones to enjoy a healthy holiday season! Stay well!