How to Avoid Getting the Flu
Posted: Dec 1st, 2021 at 01:41PM
Each flu season, about 290,000 to 650,000 people die from influenza. Flu — the short name for influenza — is a viral infection that impairs the lung, nose, and throat. It can cause mild to severe symptoms, deadly complications, and hospitalizations for children and even healthy adults.
The influenza viruses are contagious, spreading from one individual to another, often through the air. When someone talks, sneezes, or coughs, tiny droplets are expelled into the air and can infect any person nearby when it enters their nose or mouth. Influenza viruses can also spread by coming in contact with surfaces that have mucus droplets from someone else and touching your own eyes, nose, or mouth.
How Severe is the Flu?
For many people, the flu usually resolves on its own and goes away after one to two weeks. But when you're immunocompromised, getting the flu can mean life and death. While your body is fighting off the flu, you're susceptible to acquiring another infection your body may not be able to handle. Essentially, it puts you in a more vulnerable state.
People who are especially vulnerable to the flu and its complications include young children aged five and under, adults aged 65 and older, caregivers and residents in healthcare facilities, pregnant women, infants up to two weeks after giving birth, and people with weakened immune systems due to chronic illness.
The Flu vs. the Cold
People often confuse the flu with the common cold because usually, the flu starts manifesting itself through symptoms similar to that of a cold — a runny nose, sore throat, and a lot of sneezing. However, colds usually progress at a slow pace, whereas the onset of the flu tends to be very quick.
In reality, people with the flu can feel much worse. You may experience fever, dry cough, headaches, chills, shortness of breath, and general aches and pains. People with the flu often feel exhausted.
As a related side note, while the flu is an abbreviation of the influenza viruses, it's not to be confused or used interchangeably with the stomach flu — which is caused by a different virus that causes diarrhea and vomiting.
How Do You Prevent the Flu?
When the COVID-19 pandemic surged through the US in 2020, the number of influenza reports reached an all-time low. The CDC states that of 1.3 million specimens amassed by laboratories from October 2020 to July 2021, only 2,136 returned positive for influenza. Out of those 2,136 influenza cases, only 748 were deaths caused by the flu.
The common saying tells us that prevention is better than cure. While there have been relatively low flu-related figures during the pandemic, it's crucial that you still take the necessary precautions.
Even if you're a healthy individual, you're still susceptible to the flu — and you can still infect someone else, whether they have a weakened immune system or not. People with the flu can spread the virus even before their symptoms manifest and five to seven days after symptoms begin. So, how do you avoid it?
Get the Flu Shot
Though not 100% effective, getting the flu shot is currently the best and most efficient way of protecting yourself from coming down with the flu. If you do get the flu, the influenza vaccine will lessen the severity of the complications associated with it and reduce your chances of hospitalization.
You should get the flu shot annually because your immune protection against the virus will weaken as time goes by. Furthermore, flu viruses constantly change and evolve year to year, and vaccines are regularly reviewed and updated so that the protection provided is on par with the flu season every year.
The CDC recommends yearly flu shots for anyone aged six months or older.
Regularly Wash or Sanitize Your Hands
Every time you shake hands with someone, hold cash, and touch surfaces, wash your hands afterward. Avoid touching your eyes and mouth — the common pathways that viruses use to infiltrate the body.
In addition, washing your hands before eating prevents infection and the spreading of deadly bacteria and viruses. Always keep an alcohol-based hand sanitizer in your pocket or your bag when you're on the go and have no access to water and soap.
Keep Your Distance from People When You're Sick
When you're sick and contagious, stay home and take some time to recover. Cover your nose and mouth when coughing or sneezing. Doing so prevents others from getting sick from the droplets you leave in the air.
Likewise, if someone near you is sick, try to keep a healthy distance and avoid close contact.
Get Enough Sleep
A lack of sleep can compromise the immune system, making your body more vulnerable to illness. The CDC recommends seven to nine hours each night for adults and eight or more for children.
Stick with a Consistent Workout Routine and Follow a Well-Balanced Diet
Working out doesn't only improve your cardiovascular system. Being physically active also aids in strengthening immunity levels and alleviating stress, which is vital if you want to stay healthy during the flu season.
Similar to exercising, eating the right food can also have a huge impact on your immune system. Getting the necessary vitamins and minerals from eating a well-planned diet will reduce your chances of catching the flu.
Stay Hydrated at All Times
Your body needs water to flush out toxins and distribute nutrients around your body that can help you fight against infection. The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends adults drink at least two liters of water daily, although this number can fluctuate. Depending on your body size, activity level, and the climate you live in, you might need more.
Frequently Clean and Disinfect Surfaces
Droplets containing viruses may linger on surfaces for varying amounts of time. To prevent the spread of infection, make sure to regularly clean surfaces and objects that are often touched, such as countertops, doorknobs, faucets, and toilet handles.
Prevention is key. The more action you take to stay healthy, the less likely you are to catch the flu.
Ready to take the next step? Schedule your flu shot with e7 Health today.
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