Important steps in avoiding the flu
The flu is no fun; its symptoms can range from mild to severe (sometimes life-threatening). The most important step in avoiding the flu and its side effects is to catch it early on before it spreads throughout your body and be able to tell.
If you have it in the first place! Here are seven signs of the flu, along with advice on what you can do about them.
Get Your Vaccination
The flu shot is one of the best ways you can protect yourself and your family from getting sick. The vaccine typically becomes less effective as flu season closes, so you must get vaccinated before. It takes almost two weeks to create immunity in your body after receiving a vaccination, but there are other steps you can take.
The CDC recommends washing your hands frequently, avoiding contact with people who may be sick, staying home if you’re feeling ill, avoiding touching your face and nose, and getting plenty of rest.
How the Flu Spreads
When you talk, cough, or sneeze, the flu spreads from your mouth or nose from one person to another. It is also possible for the flu virus to be transmitted indirectly by contact with surfaces like doorknobs, keyboards, and other objects touched by someone infected.
The influenza virus can be found in an infected person’s respiratory secretions, such as saliva, nasal mucus, and sputum. The flu vaccine is your best protection against getting sick this season!
Why We Get the Flu
The flu is a common illness caused by influenza viruses. It usually comes on suddenly and has a fever that may be high, body aches, headache, and cough. Many people recover from the flu within a week or two, but some people can go on to develop more severe complications, and the flu can lead to death.
Fortunately, if you get drops, there are ways to reduce the risk of getting or spreading the flu. The most effective way is through vaccination with an influenza vaccine and avoiding contact with people who have symptoms of the illness. But in addition, you can also use good health habits like covering your mouth when coughing or sneezing and washing your hands frequently with soap and water or using alcohol-based hand sanitizers.
The Symptoms of the Flu
The flu can make you feel feverish, achy, and tired. The symptoms differ from person-to-person, but typically include some combination of:
- Fever or feeling feverish or shivering.
- Aches, sore throat, and body aches.
- Fatigue.
- Headache.
- Runny nose.
- Dizziness.
- Nasal congestion.
- Cough.
- Sore throat.
- Diarrhea and vomiting
Ways to Ease a Sore Throat
Know that the soreness will go away, and be prepared for it by having these remedies on hand.
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A throat lozenge, a water-based throat spray or gargle, or a warm salt water gargle can soothe inflamed tissues in your mouth and throat. To relieve congestion, try a steam vaporizer or humidifier.
If you’re suffering from sinus pain, give your doctor permission to prescribe anti-inflammatory medication like ibuprofen. And don’t forget that vitamin C-rich foods are great natural flu fighters too! The best way to know whether you have the flu is with a simple flu test in your pharmacy or doctor’s office which can do with just a few cotton swabs of saliva.
Keep Cool and Hydrated
It’s that time of year again when everyone is talking about how to avoid catching a cold or flu. The flu season usually begins in October and continues until April, with most cases occurring during December and January.
You may have influenza if you’ve been feeling fatigued or have a sore throat, cough, headache, or fever. With so many people getting sick this time of year, we must take steps to protect ourselves as much as possible!
- Stay away from sick people; they can easily infect others.
- Keep your hands clean by washing them often with soap and water or using hand sanitizer.
- Get vaccinated against the flu!
Tips to Treat Yourself Better When You’re Sick
- Drink plenty of fluids, like soup and water, to stay hydrated.
- Rest, sleep, or take a nap as often as possible and for as long as you feel comfortable doing so.
- Stay warm by wearing layers of clothes, using a blanket, and taking hot baths/showers.
- Keep your hands clean by washing them with soap and water frequently or using hand sanitizer before eating or touching your nose/mouth area.
