For most of us, the flu may just mean a few weeks off work or school and then life goes back to normal, but the truth is that if you have underlying conditions like asthma, heart disease, diabetes, or a weakened immune system, the flu can be serious or even fatal!
The answer is to be proactive.
Simple ways to prevent the flu:
Get vaccinated
Experts say the best way to prevent the flu is to get a flu shot as soon as possible. The best time is early fall. But if you didn’t get vaccinated in the fall, you can get vaccinated at any time during the winter.
Create a barrier against germs
- Wash your hands with warm water and soap every time you shake hands or touch a surface that may be contaminated.
- Carry an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with you and use it when you can’t wash your hands.
- Carry hand sanitizer to clean surfaces you touch.
- Never touch your mouth, eyes, or nose with dirty hands.
Take care of yourself
The following tips can help you boost your immune system:
• Eat a balanced diet.
• Exercise at least 5 days a week.
• Get 7 to 9 hours of sleep each night.
Taking vitamin C can also help boost your immune system and reduce your risk of getting the flu.
A strong immune system gives your body the ability to fight off pathogens, including the flu virus.
Quit smoking
There is evidence that smokers are more likely to get the flu than nonsmokers, and when they do get sick, they tend to have more severe infections and a higher risk of death.
Don’t share your germs with friends, family, and co-workers.
If you get the flu this season, take care of others. You can spread the virus for up to a week after you get sick.
• Stay home until you feel better and your fever has been gone for at least 24 hours (without medication).
• Sneeze into your elbow instead of your hands. This way, germs won’t be spread.
• After blowing your nose, throw away used tissues.