With all the constant focus on COVID-19, doctors have become concerned that people are forgetting to remain vigilant against another potentially deadly virus – influenza. As with coronavirus, the best way to avoid serious complications from an influenza infection is to get vaccinated each year. However, there are also several other healthy habits you can adopt to stop the spread of germs and prevent respiratory illness.
The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) offers the following recommendations to help keep you and your family safe during flu season:
- Avoid close contact with people who are sick. When you are sick, keep your distance from others to prevent germ spread.
- Stay home with you are sick. In addition to avoiding work and school you should also avoid running errands outside of the home.
- Cover your mouth and nose. When coughing or sneezing, always cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or cough/sneeze into your elbow.
- Clean your hands regularly. Washing your hands with soap and water, or using an alcohol-based hand sanitizer, goes a long way towards keeping hands germ-free.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose, or mouth.
- Practice good health habits. Clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces at home, work, or school, especially when someone is ill.
- Get quality sleep and drink plenty of fluids.
- Stay physically active and manage your stress.
- Eat nutritious foods that help bolster your immune system.
We hope you will take these health and wellness tips into consideration throughout the flu season.
If you would like additional information on how you can keep your family safe, please click here: CDC Frequently Asked Influenza Questions for the 2022 -Season.
* Credit: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention