Every year, millions of people are affected with the flu. These cases tend to rise during the fall/winter, giving rise to what we call the flu season. Although it seems harmless, the flu can actually lead to many complications in vulnerable populations such as children and the elderly and can even lead to death. Luckily, spreading awareness and practicing good health hygiene can reduce you and your family’s risk of contracting and spreading the flu. Here are some tips to keep yourselves safe:
Wash Your Hands
The most important step in fighting any infection is to keep your hands clean. Our hands come into contact with a countless number of surfaces every day; bacteria and viruses from these surfaces can easily get into our system via our hands, especially when we touch our face. Avoid frequent eye/nose contact and be sure to wash your hands regularly, especially before/after meals. Teach your kids good handwashing habits and hygiene at an early age so that they become routine when they’re older. Remember to use soap and warm water; wash for at least 20 seconds, making sure to lather all areas of your skin such as under the fingernails, between fingers, wrists, etc.
Wear A Mask
With the onset of COVID-19, mask-wearing has become a standard practice in preventing infection. However, the benefits of wearing a mask are not exclusive to COVID; many infections such as influenza are also transmitted via respiratory airdrops, and wearing a mask prevents people from transmitting the virus to one another. Be sure to wear a mask in public, especially if you’re feeling under the weather, and avoid close contact with anyone if you can help it. If wearing reusable cloth face masks, be sure to swap them out and wash them regularly.
Get Vaccinated
Many flu deaths are preventable simply by getting the flu shot each year. Due to the highly mutable nature of the influenza virus, the FDA approves a new flu vaccine each year to keep everyone as well protected as they possibly can be. Although the flu vaccine doesn’t prevent every type of influenza strain, it can lessen the severity of life-threatening symptoms such as diarrhea, vomiting, and fever. It’s encouraged that those especially at risk, such as the elderly, take the flu vaccine each year to keep themselves safe from influenza.
If You Get the Flu
The flu can be highly contagious, and it is recommended that you avoid contact with others for at least 7 days, even if you are feeling better. Be sure to drink plenty of warm, clear fluids and eat easy-to-digest foods such as saltines, bananas, toast, and rice. Do not over-exert yourself and get plenty of rest. If you are having excessive diarrhea or vomiting, or if you have a fever above 103 F, call your doctor and/or go to the emergency room so that you can receive treatment and prevent dehydration.
Influenza is a disease that should be taken seriously, especially for those who are at risk such as the elderly; it is the cause behind thousands of deaths in the United States each year, even during COVID-19. Flu season begins in late October and ends in March. By taking these steps you can protect yourself and your family from contracting Influenza. Be sure to take any necessary precautions this flu season so you and your family can have a safe, happy, and healthy new year.
If you or anyone you know needs care, please visit our website for information or contact us at (732)-964-0062.
VISIT OUR WEBSITE
