Preventative Measures: How to Avoid Getting the Flu

Influenza is a respiratory infection that affects many people every year. Anyone can contract the virus, which can cause mild to severe symptoms. Common symptoms of influenza include: 

Fever 

Body aches 

Runny nose 

Cough

Sore throat

Fatigue 

These symptoms usually improve in about a week and can be treated without complications. Some people make a full recovery. However, the flu can be dangerous for older people with weakened immune systems. Older adults are at higher risk for influenza-related complications, such as pneumonia. Up to 85 percent of reliable seasonal influenza-related deaths occur in people over the age of 65. If you fall into this age group, it’s important to know how to protect yourself before and after exposure to the virus. 

This year, it is even more important to take precautions as COVID-19 is still prevalent. Let’s look at practical ways to protect yourself during this doubly dangerous flu season. 

Avoid large crowds: 

Avoiding large crowds is often difficult, but it is extremely important during the COVID-19 pandemic. If you can limit your contact with others during influenza season, you can reduce your risk of infection. Influenza can spread quickly in confined spaces. This includes schools, workplaces, nursing homes, assisted living facilities, etc. 

If you have a weakened immune system, always wear a face mask in public during flu season. During the COVID-19 pandemic, face coverings are strongly encouraged and may be required in some areas. You can also protect yourself by staying away from people who are sick. Stay away from anyone who is coughing, sneezing, or showing other symptoms of a cold or virus. 

Wash your hands regularly: 

The flu virus can live on hard surfaces, so make it a habit to wash your hands regularly. This is especially important before preparing and eating food. Also, be sure to wash your hands after using the toilet. If soap and water are not available, carry a bottle of hand sanitizer gel with you to sanitize your hands throughout the day. 

Doorknobs 

Light switches 

Counters

In addition to washing your hands regularly, you should make a conscious effort to avoid touching your nose, mouth, and eyes. Influenza viruses travel through the air, but they can also enter your body if you touch your face with infected hands.

When washing your hands, use warm soapy water and rub your hands together for at least 20 seconds. Wash your hands and dry them with a clean towel. To avoid touching your face, cough or sneeze into a tissue or into your elbow. Throw away the tissue immediately.

Strengthening your immune system is another way to protect yourself from the flu. A strong immune system helps the body fight infections. Also, if you do get sick, a strong immune system will reduce the severity of your symptoms. Get at least 7 to 9 hours of sleep each night to boost your immunity. You should also maintain the habit of doing regular physical activity for at least 30 minutes three times a week. 

Also follow a healthy and nutritious meal plan. Limit sugar, junk food, and fatty foods. Instead, eat a variety of fruits and vegetables rich in vitamins and antioxidants to improve your health. Ask your doctor about taking a multivitamin to support your immune system. 

Get the flu vaccine every year: 

Get the flu vaccine every year. The main influenza viruses that circulate change from year to year, so vaccinations must be updated every year. Please note that it takes about two weeks for the vaccine to become effective. If you get the flu after getting vaccinated, getting vaccinated may reduce the severity of your symptoms and shorten the duration of your illness. People over 65 are at higher risk of complications and should receive a flu shot early in the season, at least by late October. Ask your doctor about getting high-dose or adjuvant vaccines (Fluzone or FLUAD). Both are specifically designed for people over the age of 65. 

High-dose vaccines contain about four times more antigen than a regular flu shot. Adjuvanted vaccines contain chemicals that stimulate the immune system. These shots can build a stronger immune response to vaccination. In addition to getting your annual flu shot, ask your doctor about the pneumococcal vaccination. These protect against pneumonia, meningitis, and other bloodstream infections. 

Clean and disinfect surfaces: 

Due to the current coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic, you may already have good cleaning and sanitation practices in place. If someone in your household has the flu, you can reduce your risk of getting the flu by keeping surfaces in your home clean and disinfected. This can kill influenza germs.

Use a disinfectant cleaner to wipe down door knobs, phones, toys, light switches, and other frequently touched surfaces several times each day. Sick people should also be isolated in a specific area of ​​their home. If you are caring for this patient, wear a surgical mask and gloves when interacting with the patient and wash your hands afterwards. 6. If you develop flu symptoms, seek medical attention. The flu can be dangerous for people over 65, so seek medical attention if you develop flu symptoms. Symptoms to look out for are:

Fever 

Cough

Sore throat

Body aches 

Headache 

Fatigue 

Runny or stuffy nose 

Some of these symptoms may be associated with the new coronavirus. It may be related to a virus. May be related to viral infection (COVID-19). overlaps with other respiratory infections such as 19). While waiting for test results, it is important to self-isolate, wear a mask, and practice good hygiene. There is no cure for influenza. However, if you see your doctor early after contracting the virus, he or she may prescribe antiviral drugs such as Tamiflu. 

Taking antiviral medications within 48 hours of the onset of symptoms may shorten the duration of the flu and reduce the severity of symptoms. As a result, the risk of complications such as pneumonia is lower

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