According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), flu activity has increased sharply in the United States in recent weeks. Chances are high that you either know someone who has the flu or have read about local flu infections.
Influenza, known commonly as the flu, causes millions of people to be sickened, hundred of thousands to be hospitalized, and thousands to tens of thousands of people to die from every year (CDC). And while some people can be at a higher risk for getting the flu, virtually everyone is at risk of contracting this illness. So, what can you do to try and protect yourself and your family from this tough flu season?
We have three suggestions below:
1. Get Vaccinated
The single best way to prevent seasonal flu is to get vaccinated every year (CDC). Although getting the flu shot cannot guarantee you’ll stay flu-free, it still allows your body to develop antibodies that can help you in fighting the flu. Understand that it takes two weeks for your flu shot to be fully in effect, so you should continue to use these other prevention methods during the flu season. Most importantly, it is not too late to get your flu shot!
If you need your flu shot, set up a time to come in to get one from us by calling (800) 321-5043.
2. Practice Proper Hygiene
You can assist in stopping the flu from spreading in a few key ways.
- First, make sure that you properly wash your hands using soap and water. If you don’t have soap and water available, use hand sanitizer that is alcohol-based.
- Next, avoid touching your eyes, nose, or mouth when out and about in public. Germs can be spread through touching something that is contaminated and then touching your eyes, nose, or mouth.
- Lastly, cover your mouth or nose with a tissue when you cough or sneeze to prevent spreading your own germs to others.
3. Know Where to Go
If you know that someone is currently sick, you should do your best to avoid close contact with that individual. You can still try to assist them in getting better through running errands for them or providing food, but make sure you do not have too close of contact, and follow the hygiene rules we mentioned.
If you become sick, try to limit your interactions with others to prevent spreading your illness. This means that you should stay home from work, school, or running errands if you become ill.
Do you have the flu?
This helpful graphic from the CDC might help you discern if you have flu symptoms or not. However, if you are concerned that you may have the flu, you should be seen by a medical professional as soon as possible. There are important flu antiviral drugs that can be used to treat and prevent the flu, so you should talk to you healthcare provider to see if those are necessary.
If you are afraid that you or someone you know might have the flu, encourage them to contact us as (800) 321-5043 and make an appointment.
Resources:
https://www.cdc.gov/flu/protect/keyfacts.htm
https://www.cdc.gov/features/fluprevention/index.html
https://www.cdc.gov/flu/protect/habits.htm
Healthy and Easy Winter Soup Recipes from the Purdue Extension Office
