The flu, or influenza, is a respiratory illness that’s easy to spread. While anyone can contract the flu, children, adults over 65, and pregnant women are at the most risk of experiencing severe complications from the virus.
Symptoms of the flu include:
If you experience these symptoms, staying home and away from others is essential so that you don’t spread the virus or expose yourself to other illnesses while your immune system is already working at capacity.
Thankfully, there are ways to decrease your chances of contracting the flu and prevent it from sending you or your loved ones to the hospital.
The best way to avoid severe symptoms from the flu this season is by getting vaccinated. The annual flu vaccine decreases your risk of getting the flu and prevents you from experiencing severe complications.
Your family doctor can administer the flu vaccine each fall when it becomes available. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that children over six months receive the flu vaccine.
Following your doctor’s guidelines for the best time to receive the vaccine allows you to maximize your protection from the virus.
Preventing the spread of the flu or other viruses can be as simple as washing your hands. Frequent hand washing with soap and water that lasts a minimum of 20 seconds is essential in fighting infection.
When soap and water are unavailable, using an alcohol-based hand sanitizer can lower your chances of contracting or spreading illness.
Maintain a physical distance from anyone showing flu symptoms or other viruses.
Using a disinfectant, regularly clean surfaces and objects that people touch frequently. These areas include:
By keeping these shared objects and areas clean, you can minimize the spread of germs.
Germs spread by touching a contaminated object or surface and then touching your mouth, nose, or eyes.
Recognizing the signs and symptoms of the flu can help you differentiate it from other illnesses. For example, a common cold’s symptoms tend to be milder than the flu, though many conditions have overlapping indicators.
Most people who get the flu have mild symptoms, especially if they are vaccinated. However, if your symptoms become severe, your family doctor may prescribe an antiviral medication to alleviate discomfort and shorten the flu’s duration.
If your symptoms include shortness of breath, chest pain, or your condition becomes prolonged without improvement, you may require care at the ER.
While the flu vaccine can’t guarantee that you won’t get sick, it can keep you from experiencing more severe symptoms or complications. Following the above guidelines can keep you and your family safe this flu season.
