Flu is still one of the most common infectious illnesses in the US. Every flu season, around 20 to 40 million people (about twice the population of New York) get infected by the flu virus. However, you can prevent the infections by taking some preventive measures. Learn 7 practical tips and tricks to avoid seasonal influenza in this article. Log on to www.doralhw.org for a consultation.
7 Practical tips to avoid flu
Here are some of the practical tips to avoid the flu and keep yourself safe during the flu season, including:
- Wash your hands often:
Keeping your hands clean is the best way to protect yourself against many infections, including flu. Wash your hands with soap and running water regularly especially after touching commonly used surfaces like doorknobs, light switches, and counters.
Because the flu virus can live on hard surfaces for longer periods, you should also wash your hands before preparing and eating food. In case you don’t have a sink or running water, you can carry an alcohol-based hand sanitizer to clean your hands.
You should wash your hands regularly before touching your nose, mouth, or eyes. Because the flu virus can enter your body through these body parts when your hands are infected. Make sure you wash your hands for at least 20 seconds and dry them with a clean personal towel.
- Get flu vaccination:
Getting vaccinated every year is the best way to prevent flu infection and its severe complications. As the virus changes every year, you must stay updated on your vaccination each year. Remember, it takes 2 weeks for the vaccine to be effective. While in some cases, you may get the flu after the vaccination your illness is less severe and recovers rapidly. It’s crucial for certain groups of people, including – women, children aged 6 months to 5 years, elderly people, those who suffer from chronic medical conditions, and healthcare workers.
Keep in mind, if you feel achy or feverish after vaccination, then, it’s a completely normal and natural reaction that lasts for a day or two.
- Eat a balanced diet:
Eating a balanced diet helps you promote good health and improve how well your immune system can fight off infections like the flu. Add a variety of fruits and green leafy vegetables to your daily diet and prioritize foods that are rich in immune-boosting vitamins A, C, D, and E as well as zinc and selenium.
You can also add lean proteins and foods/beverages that contain probiotics (friendly bacteria that live in the digestive tract and enhance the immune system) to your diet. To learn what foods and supplements you need to maintain good health, consult with your healthcare provider or dietitian.
- Avoid covering your face with your hands when sneezing and coughing:
When you cover your face with your hands during sneezes and coughs, the germs may cling to your bare hands, which can easily spread to other surfaces and people.
So, if you are about to sneeze and cough, cover your mouth with a tissue and then throw it away. If you don’t have one with you, you can cover your mouth with the inside of your elbow and put the cloth aside for washing.
- Quit smoking, if you do:
Heavy smokers are more prone to flu infection and get more severe and frequent colds which can be life-threatening in some cases. Even being around smoke can hurt your immune system and increase the risk of transmission.
Smoking also dries the passages in your nose which affects your cilia (the delicate hairs that line your nose and lungs and sweep away cold and flu viruses. Experts believe even just one cigarette can stop them from working for as long as 30 to 40 minutes. So, ask your healthcare provider for a support group that helps you quit your smoking habit.
- Clean and disinfect surfaces:
The flu virus can survive on many hard surfaces like doorknobs, keyboards, tables, light switches, counters, etc. for a longer time. You must keep them clean and disinfect these surfaces to lower the risk of contracting the flu germs.
You should use a disinfectant cleaner to clean all doorknobs, telephones, toys, light switches, and other frequently touched surfaces several times each day. If you have a sick person at home, then quarantine them in a certain part of the house. If you’re taking care of this individual, wear a surgical mask and gloves while attending to them, and wash your hands afterward.
- If you don’t feel well, stay at home:
If you’re ill with flu symptoms, then stay at home to not put others around you at risk. This is very essential if people around you have weak immune systems, young children, pregnant women, or individuals with chronic medical conditions like cancer, heart disease, and HIV. Quickly isolate yourself to stop the spread of the flu and save lives.
Flu is a quite common infectious disease that can be life-threatening to some people. There is no cure. That’s why you can only manage its symptoms with treatment. However, by following these practical tips you can avoid seasonal influenza and keep yourself and others around you safe and healthy.
Need help with seasonal influenza symptoms, visit our infectious diseases doctor to get professional medical help. Call us on +1-347-384-5690. If you need any information on infections, log on to www.doralhw.org to get a consultation. We have the best doctors that can help you and improve your quality of life!
